It will open to the sound of the Shandon Bells chiming The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee.

If you love a bit of local history, pencil the eighth annual Cork Coal Quay Family Festival into your schedule for Saturday, August 17th, 2019.

Organised by Cork Middle Parish and the Coal Quay Historical Society, there’s a day of nostalgic fun planned from 12 noon until 5.30pm.

At 11.45am, MuddyLee and The Coal Quay Shawlies will begin the celebrations by marching from North Gate Bridge along North Main Street and Kyle Street to Cornmarket Street with Coal Quay traders and the Cobh Animation Team, where they will perform a special Coal Quay Dance for the Lord Mayor.

Prayers will be said by the Parish priests in remembrance of the deceased Coal Quay dealers and residents of the area before doves are released in memory of them.

While Cork’s popular choirs, groups and musicians perform live music on stage, many of the ‘auld characters of the Coal Quay will be winding and weaving their way through the crowd.

You can also check out a photographic exhibition of old maps and illustrations showcasing the Coal Quay Market in its golden days.

It’s an excellent excuse for a pint of Mi’Daza Cork stout at Rising Sons Brewery too.