Fiona Kennedy has been a household name, entertaining people in Cork and far beyond since the 1980’s, when she won Ireland’s first televised talent competition, Screen Test, presented by Mike Murphy.
A forerunner to shows like X Factor, it was the first of its kind in Ireland.
Fiona, currently recording her new album Natural Woman, inspired by her theatre show of the same name, lives in Bishopstown with her husband Andy, whom she met while working in Kazakhstan. She has two daughters, Aisling and Alanah, from a previous marriage.
It’s a busy time for Fiona, who has just released a new single, a cover of a Joe Bonamassa song Asking Around For You.
Here she shares her favourite things to do on a weekend in Cork from local gigs, to coastal walks, great food, and hidden gems around the city.
Fridays:
I’m gigging most weekends, so that really flips the usual weekend feeling on its head for me. Most Fridays, I’m in full work mode, but I’m aware that my husband Andy, who works nine to five Monday to Friday, is starting his weekend.
Luckily, she enjoys going to gigs, so he usually comes along with me. And on the weekends when I’m not performing, we go to other people’s gigs. Our weekends pretty much revolve around music, which I love. I’m open to all sorts of styles. There’s not one particular type I stick to. The only genre I tend to steer clear of is really heavy metal, but otherwise, I’m up for anything and Andy is too.
“Andy doesn’t sing, but he’s hugely into music. He’s incredibly supportive, I’d say I have his heart broken with everything I do, but he’s really into it and celebrates every success I have. He’s right there with me every step of the way”.
“If I ever feel like I’ve had a disaster and I’m on the floor, he’s always the one picking me back up. He’s a great friend. As well as being husband and wife, we’re best buddies. He puts up with a lot, and I really appreciate him!”
On a Friday, we might head to Charlie’s on Union Quay, there’s usually a great gig happening there. Sometimes we’ll go to my favourite pizza spot, Oak Fired Pizza on Princess Street beforehand. I’m looking forward to trying out Latitude, which is just a couple of doors up from Charlie’s. I hear they do beautiful wines and Mediterranean tapas. I haven’t been yet, but it’s definitely on my list.
Saturday
We have a little dachshund named Tina, who absolutely rules the house. She’s nearly thirteen now, and with dachshunds you have to be really careful, their backs are quite delicate. You can’t let them jump off anything too high, so our house is full of little ramps to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. It’s all set up for her, really!
One of our favourite things to do on a Saturday morning is head to Bean Town on Model Farm Road. They do the most fabulous bagels and pancakes, and the coffee is just gorgeous. And they’re really dog-friendly, which is a big win for us. The staff are all lovely, local people, so the place has this warm, welcoming vibe that we love.
Just a heads-up though, it can get really busy, so if you’re planning to go, get there early!
On Saturdays, there’s a lovely gig at the Corner House called Songs at Six. It features a lot of local artists with a more acoustic sound. There’s no cover charge, and it’s on at a lovely time so you can head out for a bite to eat afterwards. I’d really recommend it.
I also have a real gra for the Met Bar in the Metropole. The food is excellent, they do a really good burger, and their brunch menu is fantastic too. The service is always spot-on. It’s also super handy to Coburg Street, just a short walk from the Corner House.
MacCurtain Street has such a buzz these days. The walk from the Corner House to the Met Bar is always a bit of an adventure, you never know who you’ll bump into.
I love jamming with people at gigs. Just last weekend, I was jamming with Rob Strong, father of Andrew Strong from The Commitments. Rob’s nearly 80 now, and he was absolutely brilliant. The gig was in the beautiful St Catherine’s Cultural Centre in Kinsale, and it was such a special night.
Sunday
Early on a Sunday, I try to catch Elmarie Mawe on The Arts House on 96FM. We usually have it on in the background while reading the papers. She gives the lowdown on all the gigs and shows happening around Cork and now that I’m involved in theatre with Natural Woman, I’ve developed a real interest in what’s playing locally.
If the weather’s decent, I love getting out of the city. I’m a big beach lover, in fact, my album The Beach is named after a song I wrote about Barley Cove. We’re so lucky in Cork to have such stunning beaches close by. If I’ve been driving for gigs on Friday or Saturday, I’ll usually stick to somewhere nearby, like Fountainstown or Myrtleville, both near Cronin’s in Crosshaven. Cronins host Sunday gigs at 6.30pm and serve great food. I often play there myself, I’ll be back again on the Monday of the August bank holiday weekend for an outdoor gig, it’s a gorgeous vibe with everyone sitting out, soaking up that summer atmosphere.
We also love heading to Kinsale for a Sunday walk. We’ve recently rediscovered the Kinsale Hotel & Spa, we got married there 16 years ago next week! They’ve got a huge deck with beautiful views, perfect for lunch or coffee. It’s well worth the trip.
This time of year, I really like to escape from the city and make the most of the amazing places we have on our doorstep. But come winter, I love The Montenotte. Their panoramic view of the city from the restaurant is just spectacular, especially at night when all the lights are twinkling.
If we are going out with the girls, we might go to a lovely Italian Gallo and Galetti in Bishopstown, so we can walk and have a glass of wine. The Rendezvous has recently reopened and that’s lovely too. I love supporting local places when we are all out as a family.
If we’re cooking at home over the weekend, it’s a joint effort, Andy’s quite good in the kitchen.At the weekend, we like trying out new dishes, Andy’s big into Donal Skehan recipes at the moment. I’m a divil for the dinner! So even if I’m in the studio, I’ll have something made the night before so there’s a meal ready when we both get in.
Andy is a sports maniac and a huge Liverpool fan, so during the season, everything revolves around the matches for him. I’ve no interest at all, so I usually just do my own thing. He’s big into GAA too, which I love, especially since he’s English (laughs).
While the matches are on, I often go walking with my daughter Aisling, who has a dachshund called Izzy. Her partner is mad into Liverpool too, so we’re both free at the same time! We often join the Cork Dachshunds group, a little community for people like us who have dachshunds. They organise monthly meet-ups, which are great for catching up with other owners, and Tina and Izzy get to mix with loads of other dogs.
The two of them get on well now, but in the beginning, there was definitely a bit of jealousy. Tina’s nearly 13, so she doesn’t have the energy to keep up with a younger dog.
Cork Quickfire – The Local Lowdown With Fiona Kennedy!
Beamish or Murphy’s – Beamish all the way!
Corks Best Chipper- Dinos in Kinsale, before it closed, Lennox.
Have you:
Rang the Shandon Bells – A couple of times.
Kissed the Blarney Stone – I have on a few occasions and find it terrifying every time, I have brought visitors from overseas like Andy’s family from England and Italian friends
Eaten Tripe and Drisheen? I have had drisheen when I was growing up, but I have never had tripe.
Who would you nominate for the best Corkonian of all time: Mary Elmes – I wrote a song about her that’s featured on my Natural Born Album.
Favourite Place in Cork: I love the Lee Fields, especially in early spring when the salmon are running. With the iconic and eerie Saint Anne’s, the longest building in Ireland behind and the majestic river, the city’s spine, stretching out in front, all the way to the Northside is pure Cork to me!
Sum up Cork in three words: Culture Meets Craic
Fiona’s Upcoming Show
Fiona’s Show Natural Woman, featuring songs that were inspired by ordinary women doing extraordinary things accompanied by readings, stories & projections. is on in the newly renovated Briery Gap theatre in Macroom on October 4th.
Her new Single Asking Around For You is a Joe Bonamassa cover, featuring Cork guitarist Bill Shanley. Asking Around For You is available on Spotify & all platforms! Link here !
Want more local tips? Discover more Cork favourites here
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