Bier und bratwurst: Cork to serve up Oktoberfest Beag

Dust down the lederhosen and prepare to clink your steins to the sounds of Bavarian music, because Oktoberfest will be staged in Cork City again this year.

Last year, more than 7,000 visitors attended the Paulaner Oktoberfest Beag, and organisers are hoping for even bigger crowds this year when it is hosted at the former Beamish & Crawford Brewery from Sep 13-22.

Festival-goers can immerse themselves in everything German, from tasty beers to authentic German dishes and even funfair rides.

The world-famous Edelweiss Oompah Band will entertain the crowds with traditional Bavarian music, traditional German songs, and classic games.

People will also be able to consume such dishes as bratwurst and schweinsbraten (slow-cooked pork), both served with authentic German mustard and the famous Hela curry ketchup, pickles, and sauteed onions.

They can then wash the German cuisine down with special Oktoberfest brew from Paulaner Beer, which is are shipping in hundreds of kegs from Germany.

All food and drink will be served directly to your table by German frauleins dressed in traditional dirndls.

Oktoberfest Beag organiser Ernest Cantillon said he is delighted to bring the festival back to the city for the third year in a row and says

“We are thrilled with the response we are getting so far from customers and it is great that we can bring the festival back once again,” Mr Cantillon said. “We would like to say a huge thank you to our title sponsors, Paulaner, and also to Cork City Council for their great support over the years.”

Oktoberfest Beag was voted Corporate Event of the Year 2011, and so far this year has once again seen a great response from the corporate sector.

“We are seeing great interest again this year from the corporate sector with enquiries up from 3,000 to 5,000,” said event organiser Phil Ryan. “Businesses are looking for a cost-effective and fun way to entertain their staff, and that is exactly what Oktoberfest can provide.”

Tickets start from just €10, with a number of packages available.

* Further information can be had at www.oktoberfestbeag.ie, or find them on Facebook.