St Patrick's Weekend for the Win!

Good morning, Cork. A friendly reminder to enjoy St. Patrick’s weekend and make sure you head out on the Monday night, not Tuesday :).

In today’s Lifestyle Cork:

Let’s get to it.

- Colm

St Augustine’s Church in Cork city centre will close permanently after the 11:30 AM Mass on July 12, 2026, ending 755 years of Augustinian presence in Cork. The church, located at the corner of Washington Street and Grand Parade, has been operated by the Augustinian friars since it was built in 1942, replacing an earlier chapel from 1872.

The announcement at a Saturday vigil Mass was met with initial silence followed by applause from the congregation. The closure will mark the end of a long historical presence that began with the founding of Red Abbey 755 years ago. The church also has cultural ties, including a performance by a young Rory Gallagher in its parish hall in the late 1950s.

Now, I’m not exactly what you would call the “religious type”, but after decades of walking past this church in town, even this hits home for me 😔.

_{**Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

A new southern inspired restaurant on Washington Street. Every dish is slow-smoked for hours, seasoned with care, and served with sides that are just as unforgettable. From their butter-soft brisket loaded fries to juicy chicken lollipops and signature sauces made in-house, every bite tells a story.

Did your mouth just start watering? Mine did. I’m actually heading to this place for a sit down meal with a few lads on Friday. Will report back!

How am I only hearing about this now? For over 30 years, the Cork Folklore Project has been collecting, preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich stories, memories, folklore and traditions of Cork’s communities. From immersive oral history experiences to innovative projects and partnerships, the organisation has connected people across generations, highlighting local culture, creativity, and sustainability, while making folklore a living, accessible part of contemporary life.

Check them out here.

Yes, another bar has made the list. I’ve been following them on Instagram ever since my first visit where I dropped about 50 quid on the most expensive cocktails on the planet. Well worth it though (I’d recommend the Jungle Bird). They’ve got a solid list of rums on the menu too which moves them up a notch in my book. Find them up on Bridge Street.

And check out their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/paladarcork/?hl=en

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