A great family day out coming in July
Family fun at the RCYC
Whether you’re looking to entertain the smallies on a big family day out or get a front row seat to the top-class yacht races, Cork Week 2026 promises something for everyone as the biannual event returns to Crosshaven again this year.
Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the event will bring over 6,000 sailors and attendees to the seaside town, with championships up for grabs and a packed programme of events. The regatta was first brought to Cork back in 1978, and it’s since cemented itself as a staple of the yacht racing calendar.
The event is expected to attract over 120 boats and 1,200 sailors from across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the USA. Organisers are promising a true celebration of maritime culture, with a vibrant programme of shoreside activities that includes live music, local cuisine, a family fun day, and a ladies’ day.
The family fun day will take place on Sunday, July 5 – the day before the races get underway – and the entire village of Crosshaven will be ‘busting with fun and adventures’ for families of all ages.
The fun day will feature a coastal market in the Royal Cork Yacht Club marquee, face painting, balloon modelling, pirate games, trails to Camden Fort Meagher, coastal walks, themed competitions, and the famous Pipers Fun Fair.
The races, which will take place between July 6 and 10, will feature a wide variety of events. This includes everything from longer coastal courses raced offshore, to ‘Round-the-Cans’ racing inside the harbour and multiple short races and Olympic courses laid in the open waters.
Recommended viewing points for the highly anticipated Harbour Race, which takes place on Wednesday, 8th July, include Camden and Church Bay in Crosshaven, the Haulbowline Island Amenity Park, Ringaskiddy and the promenade in Cobh.
As the crews arrive back on shore each afternoon, the on-shore fun begins in the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with something for all ages. There will be musical entertainment all week in the large marquee, Après Sail events all week and the Traditional Cork Week John Paul Construction BBQ Bash on Thursday.
There will also be plenty of fun onshore sailing activities, and a family-friendly area that includes a play zone for children’s games, a picnic area, and multiple casual dining options, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail repair, and other facilities.
This year’s Cork Week Ladies’ Day charity lunch in aid of the Crosshaven RNLI on Wednesday, July 8th, will be hosted by Red FM’s KC, with special guest Reggie and music by The Loungeman and Phil Holbird & band.
Commenting, Denis Byrne, Royal Cork Yacht Club Admiral, said: “Cork Week has long been recognised as a world-class regatta, and 2026 promises to raise the bar even further. We are proud to welcome an outstanding fleet of sailors from Ireland and across the globe to Crosshaven, competing at the very highest level. With the addition of major championships this year, the calibre on the water will be exceptional, making it a truly special edition for competitors and fans alike.
“Just as importantly, Cork Week is an event for everyone. We would encourage people across Cork and beyond to come down to the harbour, soak up the atmosphere and experience the racing from some of the incredible vantage points along the shoreline.
“Whether you’re a lifelong sailing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, there’s nothing quite like seeing these boats in action against the backdrop of Cork Harbour. Of course, it would not be possible without our sponsors so I would like to sincerely thank them for their support and also a big thanks to the army of volunteers that it takes to run this event.”
You can find out more about the free event on the Cork Week website here.
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