Costigans of Washington Street will celebrate its 110th anniversary this October with a host of special events from 18th-21st.
Costigan’s will commemorate one of Cork city’s finest hours with a special historical walk from its premises to Fitzgerald Park to mark the anniversary of the infamous Cork International Exhibition which was held in 1902, the same year as Costigan’s was first licensed. Said to be Cork city’s finest hour, the industrial exhibition which was internationally recognised under the auspices of the Lord Mayor Sir Edward Fitzgerald was such a success that Fitzgerald Park is named in his honour.
The special one hour walking tour of the city conducted by well known historian, collector and writer Michael Lenihan will depart Costigans on Sunday the 21st at 2.00pm. The guided walk which will cost €10 for adults and €20 for families will bring to life the city’s rich history with funds raised going to the Mercy Hospital Foundation.
Further events throughout the weekend will include a mix of traditional and contemporary music nights with unique string trio “Three is Company” on Thursday the 18th from tea time followed by live entertainment in to the night. Throughout the weekend, plans range from traditional music through to Irish cover bands as well as impromptu sessions in the nooks and crannies of Costigans.
The 2000 sq foot premises recently underwent a refurbishment of more than €100,000 with the restoration of the much loved traditional snugs which was overseen by owner Michael Cunningham to ensure the original craftsmanship was upheld.
The premises also now boasts a large bar & lounge area, a special smoking area and a beautifully restored back parlour and stairs. Upstairs is a meeting room called the Granny’s Room, which will host story telling, card games, and history lectures, all in keeping with the unique culture of Cork City.
Speaking at the launch of the special anniversary weekend, Michael Cunningham said, “Cork has a rich culture dating back to 1902 when the premises was first licensed and we wanted to celebrate this with a programme of cultural events that fits with the homely atmosphere of our restored premises. The walk from Costigans retracing famous landmark sites and history promises to be a unique opportunity for people to learn more about our city’s past whilst raising funds for the local Mercy Hospital. We would encourage all families and people to register for the walk and we look forward to hosting these walkers back in Costigans afterwards with food and refreshments”.
He continued, “On behalf of my wife Louise, and myself we would like to thank all our customers for their support and we look forward to welcoming them with our staff over the weekend from the 18th through to the 21st of October and beyond”.
Also speaking at the launch on behalf of the Mercy Hospital, Michael Sheridan (CEO of the Mercy Hospital Fundraising) said they were delighted to be involved with such a unique fundraiser for the hospital and appreciate the support from Costigans on this their special anniversary. We wish Michael and all his staff a successful anniversary weekend.”
For further details on the anniversary weekend, log on to; https://www.facebook.com/CostigansBar
