IndieCork Film & Music Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The IndieCork Film & Music Festival, established in 2013, is Ireland’s premier festival for independent film and music, returning for its 13th edition from October 5–12, 2025, in Cork City, Ireland. Organized as a cooperative by a member-owned Industrial and Mutual Society, it is led by a Management Committee (Úna Feely, Tony Langlois, Mick Hannigan, and others) and supported by an Advisory Panel of filmmakers like Lenny Abrahamson.

IndieCork showcases over 100 films, including shorts, features, and documentaries, with a focus on emerging talent and a record number of Cork-based entries in 2024. A BAFTA-qualifying festival for British shorts, it features music events at The Pavilion and is known for its vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. In 2024, it premiered films like The Trouble with Jessica and Perfect Days, drawing thousands to the Arc Cinema.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: International and Irish shorts (≤30 minutes), features, and documentaries at Arc Cinema and online (hybrid format).
• Music Events: Live performances and music video screenings at The Pavilion, Carey’s Lane, October 10–11.
• Awards: Best International Short, Louis Marcus Documentary Award, Blacknight Best Irish Film, Best Made in Cork, and more.
• Industry Program: Masterclasses, talks, and networking with festival directors from Tribeca, Flatpack, and Venice, at Arc Cinema or The Pavilion.
• Opening & Closing Films: High-profile features (2024: The Trouble with Jessica, Perfect Days), venues TBD.
• Family-Friendly Screenings: Select shorts suitable for all ages, Arc Cinema.
• Q&A Sessions: Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, included in ticket.

City

• Cork City, County Cork, Ireland: Events across central venues, set against Cork’s vibrant cultural and maritime heritage.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Cork City, with the primary venue at Arc Cinema, North Main Street, Cork, Co. Cork, T23 FT1H, Ireland: Hosts most screenings; other venues include The Pavilion (Carey’s Lane) and select public spaces.
• Administrative Office: IndieCork Festival, Civic Trust House, 50 Popes Quay, Cork, Co. Cork, T23 R6XC, Ireland (inquiries only, not ticketing).

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 5–12, 2025 (Sunday–Sunday).
• Duration: 8 days.

Venue / Location

Events span multiple Cork City venues, with Arc Cinema as the primary hub:

• Arc Cinema: North Main Street, Cork, T23 FT1H (main screenings, Q&As).
• The Pavilion: 13 Carey’s Lane, Cork, T12 Y6WV (music events, select talks, October 10–11).
• Public Spaces: Pop-up screenings or installations (details TBD).
• Note: Full venue schedule announced September 2025; check www.indiecork.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@indiecork.com (general inquiries); boxoffice@indiecork.com (ticketing inquiries).
• Website: www.indiecork.com
• Social Media: Follow @IndieCork on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
• Address: IndieCork Festival, Civic Trust House, 50 Popes Quay, Cork, Co. Cork, T23 R6XC, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.indiecork.com or https://cork.arccinema.ie; contact boxoffice@indiecork.com for group bookings.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.indiecork.com or https://cork.arccinema.ie (search “IndieCork 2025”). In-person tickets at the Arc Cinema box office (cash/card). Contact boxoffice@indiecork.com for groups or accessibility needs. No refunds; transfers via booking platform (check terms). Book early for season tickets, as screenings may sell out.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD, based on 2024 and historical estimates):
  • Single Screening: €7 (~$7.56 USD).
  • Concession Screening (students/seniors): €5 (~$5.40 USD).
  • Season Ticket: €85 (~$91.80 USD, full access to all screenings, non-transferable).
  • Members Season Ticket: €75 (~$81 USD, for IndieCork members).
  • Free Events: Select talks and public installations (details September 2025).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for select family-friendly screenings with ticketed adult (supervision required).
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices are estimates; exact 2025 pricing will be announced in September 2025.
  • Season ticket covers one person, no clashing screenings; requires advance booking via form (emailed post-purchase).
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

IndieCork is a cornerstone of Ireland’s independent film scene, celebrating emerging filmmakers and musicians since 2013. As a BAFTA-qualifying festival, it elevates Cork’s cultural profile with global representation (27 countries in 2024, including Albania, Thailand, and South Korea). Its cooperative structure fosters community ownership, while music events at The Pavilion highlight Cork’s artistic heritage. The festival’s economic impact boosts local businesses like Arc Cinema and The Pavilion, aligning with Cork’s vibrant arts ecosystem.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues:
  • Arc Cinema: Snacks and drinks (~$3–$7 USD).
  • The Pavilion: Pub fare, craft beer (~$6–$12 USD, October 10–11).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Oliver Plunkett: 116 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Market Lane: 5-6 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork (Irish cuisine, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Woodford: 23 Paul Street, Cork (gastropub, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Quay Co-op: 24 Sullivan’s Quay, Cork (vegetarian, $8–$15 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Café Gusto: 3 Washington Street, Cork (coffee, sandwiches, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at The Pavilion and nearby pubs; no outside alcohol at venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select screenings suitable for kids under 12, free with a ticketed adult (supervision required).
  • Family-oriented public installations or talks (details September 2025).
• Accessibility:
  • Arc Cinema is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • The Pavilion has limited access due to its historic structure; contact boxoffice@indiecork.com for accommodations.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted screenings for select films (details September 2025).
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Cork Airport (ORK, 8 km, 15-minute drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 260 km, 3-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 205 to Parnell Place Bus Station (5-minute walk to Arc Cinema).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Kent Station (10-minute walk to Arc Cinema).
• By Car: Parking at Arc Cinema (North Main Street, ~€2/hour, $2.16 USD) or Q-Park Carroll’s Quay (~$2.16 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from ORK (~$10–$20 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Film Screenings: October 5–12, Arc Cinema and online (hybrid). Includes shorts (≤30 minutes), features, and documentaries from 27+ countries.
  • Music Events: Live performances and music video screenings at The Pavilion, October 10–11.
  • Awards Ceremony: Best International Short, Blacknight Best Irish Film, and more, venue TBD, October 12.
• Expected Events:
  • Industry Program: Masterclasses, talks with festival directors (e.g., Tribeca, Venice), Arc Cinema, or The Pavilion (~$7.56–$11 USD).
  • Short Film Competitions: Best International Narrative, Documentary, Made in Cork, Irish Language Short, and more (~$7.56 USD/screening).
  • Opening & Closing Films: High-profile features with Q&As, Arc Cinema (~$11 USD).
  • Family Screenings: Free select shorts, Arc Cinema, October 11–12.
  • Public Installations: Free pop-up events in Cork City (details September 2025).
• Note: Full program and ticket prices announced September 2025; check www.indiecork.com.,,,

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Dreams Like Paper Boats (Best International Short), The Trouble with Jessica (opening), Perfect Days (closing).
• 2023 Highlights: World premiere of Rebel Wife, Irish-Lebanese In The Shadow of Beirut (Academy Awards entry).
• Past Achievements: BAFTA-qualifying status, record Cork entries in 2024.,

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Cork businesses (e.g., Arc Cinema, Blacknight Solutions).
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Hybrid Format: Online screenings reduce travel emissions (h264 1080p format).
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.indiecork.com.

Educational Impact

• Industry Program: Masterclasses and networking for filmmakers, included in season ticket (~$91.80 USD).
• Student Screenings: Free or low-cost screenings for student films, fostering emerging talent.
• Community Engagement: Free public installations and talks promote indie film accessibility.
• Cooperative Model: Member-owned structure encourages local participation.,

Cultural Activities

• Music Events: Live performances and music video screenings at The Pavilion, October 10–11 (~$7.56–$11 USD).
• Film Q&As: Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, included in ticket.
• Public Installations: Free pop-up screenings or art displays in Cork City.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Cork’s cultural sites, ~$7.56 USD (book via www.indiecork.com).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Season tickets ($91.80 USD) and screenings ($7.56 USD) may sell out; book via www.indiecork.com in September 2025.
• Weather Prep: October in Cork (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit English Market (5-minute walk, free) or Crawford Art Gallery (5-minute walk, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains.
• Festival Info: Check www.indiecork.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• English Market: Princes Street, Cork (5-minute walk, free).
• Crawford Art Gallery: Emmet Place, Cork (5-minute walk, free).
• Cork City Gaol: Convent Avenue, Cork (10-minute drive, $10 USD).
• St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral: Bishop Street, Cork (10-minute walk, $7 USD).
• Elizabeth Fort: Barrack Street, Cork (10-minute walk, free).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Imperial Hotel: South Mall, Cork ($100–$180 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • The Metropole Hotel: MacCurtain Street, Cork ($90–$160 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Garnish House, Western Road, Cork ($70–$120 USD/night, 15-minute walk).
• Hostels: Sheilas Cork Hostel, 4 Belgrave Place, Cork ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Cork city apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Arc Cinema; nearest hospital is Cork University Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor screenings.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for venue transitions.