The stage is almost set.

The Triskel’s historic courtyard has been transformed into an outdoor theatre as work continues to ready the space for the first audience tonight, Thursday, July 29th.

The 1700’s neo-classical Triskel Christchurch, just off South Main Street, will provide the backdrop to a series of shows throughout the summer, having been weatherproofed by the addition of a roof.

A stage, sound desk, lighting rigs and bench-style seating for socially distanced audiences of less than 50 people are now in situ and the fun kicks off with two shows from The Lee Valley String Band, Ireland’s longest-lived bluegrass and old-time group, this evening at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The Triskel Courtyard will open four weeks in total, with musicians Mike Hanrahan and Lorraine Nash and comedian Colm O’Regan amongst the acts scheduled to appear.

Triskel is working with Verdant Productions, Cork Folk Festival and the National String Quartet Foundation to programme a range of concerts and spoken word events with three shows each day from Thursday–Sunday.

Other acts include comedians Sinead Quinlan, Laura O’Mahony and Emma Doran, and musical acts Greenshine, Torcán and Little Hours. Chris Kent and the often divisive David McSavage will also appear with more acts still to be announced.

Converting their courtyard into outdoor venue was made possible due to Triskel’s success in achieving funding from the In the Open/Faoin Spéir award operated by the Arts Council, along with funding from Cork City Council who are also partners in the initiative.

Triskel Café will have picnic packages available with options to suit a variety of tastes and tickets are on sale now at triskelartscentre.ie.