Live at the Marquee 2026, Cork, FAQ: Directions, stage times, parking, card-only, etc

This year's Live at the Marquee features another eclectic mix of acts, with Kevin Bridges closing the summer shows there this week with phone-free gigs. Here's what you need to know

The annual summer series of concerts at Live at the Marquee is underway. Picture: David Creedon

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026 - 08:16

Breda Graham

Where is the Marquee?

The Live at the Marquee tented venue can be found on the former Tedcastle's Yard on Centre Park Road outside Cork city centre.

In recent years, the Marquee moved across the road from its original site, as construction began on the more than 1,000 apartments due to be built in the area.

2026 will mark the Marquee's third summer at the new location.

How do I get to the Marquee?

An aerial view of the Marquee site when it was being completed last week. Picture: Larry Cummins

Live at the Marquee is about a seven-minute drive from the city centre in low traffic conditions.

Walking, it will take about 30 minutes from the city, or 15 minutes from Ballintemple.

If coming from the city, Centre Park Road is the first turn on the left at the Albert Road roundabout and continue along the road until you spot the distinctive red and blue tent.

Building works at the previous Marquee site means the connecting road from Monahan Road to Centre Park Road is one way only, so you can't drive along it towards the venue. Pedestrian access on that route is open.

What times do Marquee gigs start and finish?

Gates to the venue open at 6.30pm. Start times may vary, depending on the gig, but many of the main acts take to the stage between 8.30pm and 9pm, and their sets usually finish around 10.30pm. Organisers have flagged that James Taylor will be taking to the stage particularly early, with the show due to begin around 7.30pm.

Is there a phone-free rule?

Yes, Kevin Bridges & Friends will be a Yondr phone-free gig on Friday and Saturday nights, so there are a few things to note and prepare before making your way to the venue.

All mobile phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in Yondr pouches before the show begins. Doors open at 6.30pm and ticket-holders are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid delays.

Guests can keep their devices with them throughout the show, with the pouches unlocked at the end of the evening.

Importantly, the Marquee is a cash-free venue, so as you won't be able to use your phone to make a contactless payment, you should bring a physical card to make any purchases inside the venue.

What about parking?

Car parking at Live At The Marquee, Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Parking in the area is limited, but the current location has 300 car park spaces which can be booked on ticketmaster.ie for €14.20. It is strongly recommended to purchase parking tickets via Ticketmaster in advance as many of the shows are sold out. After the gig, a bit of patience may be required while exiting, as the queue of cars leaves the carpark.

Coming from the city, the parking entrance is just beyond the pedestrian entrance to the site on Centre Park Road.

Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Marquee is quite limited - you might be lucky to get a slot near the park by the stadium, or at the Marina carpark.

Camper van owners should be aware that such vehicles are no longer permitted at the Marina car park.

Picking up after the gig

Traffic on Centre Park Road can be quite hectic immediately after a gig. If you don't mind a short walk, it can be easier to be picked up on the nearby Monahan Road, or at the Ballintemple side of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Be aware that the major building works at the former Marquee site can affect road traffic between Monahan Road and Centre Park Road, but pedestrian access is usually ok.

Is there a Ticketmaster office at the Marquee?

Yes, the Ticketmaster kiosk is situated on the way to the main entrance after you enter the pedestrian gate.

Food and drink?

Eating area at Live At The Marquee, Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Be sure to bring your bank card as the Marquee has been a cashless venue for a few years now. Drinks are available at the usual bars in the tent, and at a bar in the outside area. A pint of Murphy's, Orchard Thieves and Heineken costs €7.50, while a pint of Heineken 0.0 is €6.75. All half pints are priced at €4.25, spirits (gin, vodka, etc) cost €9.25 with a mixer, and a glass of wine is €9.25

There are a few food vans on site, and the Marina Market and the Black Market both offer multiple food stalls and are within walking distance of the venue. Nearby Ballintemple and Blackrock village also have several bars, while the Silver Quay is near Boreenmanna Road.

If walking to the Marquee from the city, bars such as Crawford and Co, Aye, the Idle Hour and Goldbergs are all en route.

Who’s playing at the Marquee in Cork?