Eoghan Lyng
[dropcap style= boxed]C[/dropcap]ork. One of Ireland’s most cultured cities; the place is a haven for the creative arts lover. Cork was Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2005, a testament to the great cultural antiquities of the Rebel county.
During the middle of the summer season Cork holds the aptly titled Mid-Summer Festival, exhibiting various presentations and shows all over the city. As an outsider to this great city, I won’t continue to talk about the cultural scene here, but I will give an outline of places to witness some great art forms.
Granary Theatre
Located down the road from the Mardyke, the Granary is a fine concoction of a black box theatre, hosting an eclectic mix of various types of performances. You name it, they’ve shown it. The Granary is primarily used by Drama and Theatre Studies students, Dramat and some of the university’s academic departments. They recently hosted many shows that featured in the recent ISDA (Irish Student Drama Association) Festival. The Granary Theatre has a cosy set-up; making it an ideal venue for students to watch and/ or perform in.
Firkin Crane
Cork’s home of dance, Firkin Crane plays host to many great choreographed pieces. The venue hosts frequent workshops, including: modern jazz, ballet, character dance and pole fitness. Containing four floors, the building provides space to stretch and dance to your heart’s content. Firkin Crane has also hosted some rather ambitious projects such as the Dance Interactive Exhibition which challenged the visual and visceral aspects of photographed and filmed dance. If that doesn’t sound appealing, I’ll go Firkin crazy!
Glucksman Gallery
Located at the front entrance of UCC, this gallery is the archetypal find for any art lovers. The Glucksman is one of the more popular attractions in the area and is an enticing factor for tourists to visit UCC. It is open every day (except Mondays) and features a collection of breath-taking paintings. Any Pollockians or Picassos out there amongst you first years? Get yourself down to the building. Best of all for students; it’s free!
Cork Opera House
Despite its title, the Opera House hosts far more than just opera. The theatre also holds musicals, concerts, comedy and drama. Open since 1855, the Opera House is a terrific looking building, an art form in itself; its historical appearance providing an aesthetic contrast to the modern facilities in Emmet Place (directly round the corner from theb Crawford Art Gallery). Visually enticing from the outside, constant entertainment and value from the inside; this is truly a venue not to be missed by any student. Fear not the price for the venue as they tend to advertise great student deals.
Honourable Mentions: Crawford Art Gallery; Half Moon Theatre; Triskel Arts Centre; Everyman Theatre; Cork Arts Theatre; City Limits Comedy Club.