Calendar / Cork International Film Festival
ReasonToGo · activity-first travel discovery. Honest timing. No bookings, no commissions, no one pays to rank. How we choose →
Film Festivals in Cork
Cork International Film Festival
Nov 12–22, 2026Confirmed71st Cork International Film Festival
Run by Cork International Film Festival, with published dates and a real program.
Dates & details verified against: Official event site ↗
Why go
Cork International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in Ireland, and it has kept a reputation for discovery rather than red carpets. Founded in 1956, it takes over the cinemas and venues of Cork city for eleven days each November, screening international features, Irish premieres and documentaries alongside one of the most respected short-film programmes in Europe, an Oscar-qualifying strand that filmmakers target from around the world. The scale suits the city: independent, walkable and serious about film without the crush of the biggest festivals, so audiences and visiting directors actually mix. Held in the dark of November, it turns Cork into a film town for a fortnight, with screenings, talks and events spread across a compact centre. For anyone who cares about cinema and wants a festival where the programme, not the celebrity, is the point, Cork is the Irish one to attend.
When it runs
Held annually over eleven days in November across cinemas and venues in Cork city. Founded in 1956, it is Ireland's oldest and largest film festival; the 71st edition runs 12 to 22 November 2026.
- Nov 12–22, 2026Confirmed71st Cork International Film Festival
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
Held over eleven days in November, a quiet, wet time of year that suits an indoor festival. Screenings and events run across several city-centre cinemas and venues. Popular screenings, galas and industry events sell out, so book festival passes and individual tickets once the programme is announced in the autumn.
Getting there & around
Cork city is reached by direct flights to Cork Airport, rail from Dublin in around two and a half hours, and road. Festival venues are in the walkable city centre, close together and served by local buses and taxis. Book festival passes or individual tickets online once the November programme is released, and arrange accommodation in the centre for easy access to late screenings.
Where it happens
Cork, Ireland.
Want to go? The full Cork guide: conditions, logistics, providers →