Free open-air concert and exhibitions celebrating Rory Gallagher set for Cork this summer

Rory Gallagher's brother Dónal and nephew Eoin Gallagher at the launch of the inaugural Cork Rocks for Rory in 2025. Picture: Darragh Kane.

Cork is set to ‘rock for Rory’ again this summer as Cork City Council hosts a free open-air concert celebrating the music and legacy of Rory Gallagher.

The Cork Rocks for Rory event, which debuted last year, will return with an expanded programme this June.

The event features a free live open-air concert in Fitzgerald Park celebrating Gallagher’s music and three new exhibitions, in collaboration with the Rory Gallagher Estate, at Cork City Hall, Cork City Library and Cork Public Museum, showcasing previously unseen memorabilia and rare photography.

Claire Fitzgerald, Cork City Libraries; Glenn O’Driscoll, Cork City Council; Kate Murphy, Cork City Library; and Christina Nastos, City Library at the launch of Cork Rocks for Rory in 2025. Picture: Darragh Kane.

Speaking about the event, Gallagher’s nephew, Eoin Gallagher, said: “We are honoured to support Cork City in continuing to celebrate Rory Gallagher’s legacy. His life and work continue to inspire new audiences and appreciation worldwide. 

"For the Rory Gallagher Estate, it is a pleasure to assist his hometown in showcasing Rory’s music influence and cultural impact to local and international visitors this summer.” 

City Librarian David O’Brien acknowledged that this year’s event has been built on the success of the inaugural Cork Rocks for Rory event last year.

“It’s wonderful to build on the success of the inaugural event in 2025 and the City Library, Museum and City Hall will all play a part again working with the Gallagher Family to remember and celebrate the Legacy of Rory Gallagher,” he said.

Eoin Gallagher, Rory Gallagher's nephew at Rory Gallagher Place, Cork City. Picture: Darragh Kane

Museum curator at Cork Public Museum, Daniel Breen, said: “This year’s exhibition focuses on Rory as a live performer, featuring newly acquired memorabilia and an immersive audiovisual installation.

“Rory’s enduring appeal is rooted in his powerful, mesmerising stage presence and his remarkable ability to connect with audiences whenever and wherever he played.

“With this new exhibition, the museum hopes to capture and share some of that unmistakable ‘live’ magic with visitors.” 

Alongside the planned exhibitions and concert, the public is also encouraged to learn more about Gallagher’s life by exploring the established Stompin’ Ground City Walking Trail, which allows visitors to discover locations of significance to the Cork musical legend.

• The Cork Rocks for Rory open-air concert will take place at Fitzgerald Park on June 14 from 1pm. The free exhibitions at Cork City Hall, Cork City Library and Cork Public Museum will open from June 11.