Strong footfall and trade with a visible Garda presence.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, joined Cork Business Association (CBA) President Dave O’Brien on a walkabout of Cork city centre yesterday, visiting a range of businesses that represent the diversity and vitality of the city.
The Lord Mayor stopped at a variety of premises, meeting teams and hearing feedback on trading conditions. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting strong footfall and trade, visible Garda presence, and significant improvements in street cleansing across the city.
The walk began on Lapps Quay at WTW, a global advisory and broking company with a strong base in Cork. From there, the group visited Clancy’s Bar on Princes Street – one of the city’s oldest bars, recently revitalised through a major renovation.
Next on the route was First South Credit Union on the South Mall, a long-established financial institution that has served Cork people for decades. The Lord Mayor then continued to Oliver Plunkett Street to meet the team at Sheena’s Boutique, a much-loved independent fashion retailer and long-time supporter of CBA initiatives.
The group then walked to Patrick Street to visit Brown Thomas, a cornerstone of Cork’s retail landscape and a key member of CBA’s retail working group.
On Perry Street, the Lord Mayor stopped at the newly opened Bakestone Café, known for its fresh, locally baked and sourced produce, and admired the striking new mural by David Shillinglaw, one of the artists in residence for the 10th Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival. The tour concluded at Fifth Quarter (formerly Paul Street Shopping Centre), which is undergoing a major transformation, including a new food quarter and plaza set to open in 2026.
Speaking about the walkabout, CBA President Dave O’Brien said:
“It is an absolute pleasure to accompany the Lord Mayor today to visit some of our amazing businesses here in Cork City. This walkabout is always a highlight of the year for teams, as it shines a light on the many businesses that work tirelessly to make Cork the very best city.”
The annual initiative is designed to support and champion businesses that contribute to the heart and character of Cork, from global firms and financial institutions to independent boutiques, cafés, and historic bars.
For more on Cork Business Association, upcoming events, and information on becoming a member, see www.corkbusiness.ie
