Every October, Cork comes alive with the sound of music. The city's charming streets, historic pubs and grand halls buzz with energy, calling music lovers from across the globe to gather for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Ireland's biggest and most beloved jazz event. Hosting everything from headline acts in iconic venues to spontaneous sessions in local haunts, the entire city becomes a stage.
With so many gigs to choose from, planning your trip to the festival can feel overwhelming, but that's where we come in. This guide is your all-access pass, giving you everything you need to plan the perfect trip. We'll cover the must-see acts, how to get there without any fuss and even how to explore Cork beyond the music. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the tunes.
When is Cork Jazz Festival?
This year’s Cork Jazz Festival is set to take place over the October Bank Holiday weekend, from Thursday 23rd to Monday 27th of October, 2025.
This is one of the most popular weekends to visit Cork, drawing crowds from all over the world. The city is at its most vibrant, but that also means accommodation and travel can book up quickly. Our advice? Plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend.
Getting to Cork (The Easy Way)
Forget the stress of navigating city traffic, hunting for parking or worrying about designated drivers. The easiest and most stress-free way to travel to the heart of the festival is with Aircoach. Our goal is to get you there comfortably so you can save your energy for the music.
Our 704X express service runs directly from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre (Aston Quay) to Cork's Lower Glanmire Road, so unlike other transport options like the train, we take you directly from city centre to city centre - no onward transport needed!
Onboard, you can relax in comfortable seats, charge your phone with our USB ports and use our free Wi-Fi to check the festival schedule or share your excitement on socials. We also offer late night and early morning departures so you can really get the most of your time at the festival, without having to worry about spiked hotel costs.
To guarantee your seat and get the best fare, we highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Let us handle the journey so you can dive straight into the festival atmosphere the moment you arrive.
Who's Playing at the Cork Jazz Festival?
Excitement for the Cork Jazz Festival line-up builds year round with the festival consistently attracting a mix of global icons and rising stars. Past headliners have included legends like Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter and Macy Gray. And this year’s line-up doesn’t look like it will disappoint either, with headliners including Cymande, Feeder & Special Guests and Adrian Younge Orchestra set to take the stage.
Performances will take place in some of Cork's most beloved venues. Highlights include the Cork Opera House (official travel partner of Aircoach) where you can see some of this year’s major acts including Cymande, Rejjie Snow and Mack Fleetwood.
Catching a performance at the historic Metropole Hotel, the birth site of Cork Jazz Festival, is a must do activity. Now serving as the "Festival Club" and a central hub of activity, you can see a range of acts all under the one roof in different rooms, lounges and stages. Some of this year’s most talked about artists include The Swing Bandits, The Swing Cats and Le Hot Club Quintet among many others.
Keep an eye on the official Guiness Cork Jazz Festival website and socials for the latest lineup announcements.
What is the Music Trail?
In addition to the headliner acts and venues mentioned above, the Music Trail - a free / low cost city wide trail hosting emerging talent in local pubs, cafes and other small venues - is a must if you’re looking for a more intimate experience at the festival.
We recommend wandering through the city and stopping at spots like 115 Cafe and Wine Bar, Coughland’s and Corrigans, where you can enjoy fantastic music in lively atmospheres. This is the best way to experience the festival like a local and discover your new favorite band.
Your 4-Step Festival Game Plan
A little planning goes a long way. Follow our four simple steps to make the most of your Cork Jazz Festival weekend.
Step 1: Book Your Travel & Stay Early
As one of Ireland's most popular festivals, accommodation and travel fill up fast. Book your hotel or Airbnb as soon as possible to secure a good spot. And if you can’t find one, don’t worry about it, you can book onto one of our late night or early morning departures!
We run up to 36 services per day, but we strongly recommend booking your Aircoach tickets in advance to ensure a smooth and guaranteed journey to and from Dublin - Cork.
Step 2: Get Your Gig Tickets
While the Music Trail offers dozens of free gigs, the headline acts are ticketed and often sell out weeks in advance. Check the official Guinness Cork Jazz Festival website and buy your tickets for any must-see performances early to avoid disappointment.
Step 3: Follow the Buzz
In the weeks leading up to the festival, follow the official social media channels. This is the best way to get real-time updates on lineup additions, schedules, pop-up gig news and helpful event maps. You'll be the first to know about any secret shows or special events.
Step 4: Pack for All Seasons
Cork weather in October can be a mystery even to the locals - expect crisp but sunny Autumn weather one minute, then downpours of rain the next. The key is to pack smart. Bring layers you can add or remove as you move between crowded pubs and chilly streets. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking. And definitely don’t forget your raincoat or umbrella.
Beyond the Beats: Exploring Cork City
If you want to explore beyond the music, Cork has plenty to offer. The city is renowned for its culinary scene, rich history and friendly locals. Take some time to explore beyond the festival venues.
A short walk from the Aircoach stop on Lower Glanmire Road will lead you to The English Market. This historic in-door market is a must for food lovers, filled with stalls offering delicious local produce, artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood. Grab a bite to eat (we recommend the chowder) and soak in the bustling atmosphere. For drinks or late night venue recommendations, see our guide to Cork nightlife.
For art enthusiasts, the Crawford Art Gallery is just around the corner and offers a peaceful escape to the busy streets. Or if you have a bit more time, consider a short trip outside the city to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone.
Let the Good Times Roll
If that wasn’t enough to convince you of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, we don’t know what will. It’s much more than just a music event; it's an experience that fills the entire city with joy, energy and world-class entertainment.
There’s no better way to spend this bank holiday weekend, and with a bit of forward planning, it couldn’t be easier to get there directly from Dublin. Let us take care of the travel. All you need to do is show up and soak up the incredible music.
Book your Aircoach bus tickets to Cork Jazz Festival today and get ready for a weekend you won't forget.