Ice skating, festive food, Christmas lights and a whole lot of winter magic Cork’s Christmas scene is about to get a serious glow-up!
There’s a new reason to get very excited about Christmas in Cork this year, as one of the city’s most-loved festive attractions makes a big move into the heart of town, bringing a whole new winter experience along for the ride.
The Winter Gathering, brought to you by ONICE, is landing at North Main Street Shopping Centre on Friday, November 6, and we’re already picturing the Christmas nights out!
After three hugely successful seasons in Cork, ONICE is swapping its previous home for a brand-new city-centre location, bringing ice skating, delicious food and festive fun together under one roof until January 3, 2027.And with everything happening right in the middle of town, this could be one of Cork’s hottest spots on the coldest days of the year!
ONICE founder Jason Williams is delighted with the move and can’t wait to welcome Cork back onto the ice.
“We’ve had three fantastic years in Cork, and we’re delighted to be moving to our new home on North Main Street, right in the heart of the city.
“The Winter Gathering, brought to you by ONICE, is about bringing families and friends together for a skate, something to eat and a bit of Christmas magic. There’s always a great buzz in Cork at Christmas, and we’re excited to be part of it again this year.”
And you can already see the appeal. Imagine finishing up your Christmas shopping, grabbing your favourite people and heading straight for the rink for a few wobbly laps, plenty of laughs and a well-earned bite to eat afterwards.
Whether you’re an ice skating superstar or the person who spends the entire session clinging to the side, there’s something ridiculously fun about getting out on the ice at Christmas, especially when it’s right in the middle of the city.
The new North Main Street location means you can go from shopping bags to skating boots in no time, with Cork’s cafés, restaurants and Christmas attractions just a short stroll away.
With the legendary Big Wheel and Cork’s famous festive pantos just around the corner, there’s every excuse to turn a skating session into a proper Christmas day out. A selection of food vendors at The Winter Gathering will be serving up tasty bites too, so you can refuel, watch the action on the ice and soak up the atmosphere long after you’ve unlaced your boots.
And for anyone who has ever spent half their Christmas outing driving around looking for somewhere to park, there’s another little bonus. Parking is available in the same building. A Christmas miracle in itself!
The arrival of ONICE is also set to bring a brilliant burst of festive energy to North Main Street, giving shoppers another reason to explore this part of Cork and discover the local businesses along the way.
Clara O’Neill, President of Cork Business Association, believes the move is particularly welcome news for an area that has been enjoying a renewed focus in recent years.
“CBA is delighted to welcome ONICE to Cork city centre this Christmas. Over the past three years, ONICE has established itself as a standout Christmas attraction, and bringing the experience into the heart of the city presents a fantastic opportunity to drive footfall, support local businesses and strengthen Cork’s appeal as a Christmas destination.”
With Cork Business Association, local businesses and Cork City Council already working to breathe new life into North Main Street, the arrival of a popular Christmas attraction offers another reason for people to spend a little more time in this historic part of the city.
Richard Pratt of Bmor, owners of North Main Street Shopping Centre, is looking forward to seeing the space come alive with festive activity.
“We’re delighted to welcome ONICE to the centre and see the space come alive with festive activity. It’s exciting to see it become a place where families and friends can come together, bringing fresh energy to North Main Street and giving people another reason to spend time in the area this Christmas.”
Of course, some of the biggest smiles are likely to come from the littlest skaters, many of whom will be taking their first tentative steps onto the ice. Skate aids will be available for children under 13 who need a little extra confidence, so expect plenty of excited faces, proud parents and some wonderfully wobbly first attempts.
There’s also a thoughtful addition to this year’s experience, with dedicated sensory-friendly skating sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning for visitors who may feel more comfortable in a calmer environment. Music levels will be lowered, rink capacity reduced, flashing lights removed and additional staff available to help, making the experience more accessible for families and visitors with additional needs.
And with Christmas calendars having a habit of filling up before you’ve even bought your first present, this is one outing worth getting organised early.
The Winter Gathering opens on Friday, November 6, at Unit 10, North Main Street Shopping Centre, Cork, and will keep the festive fun going right through until Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Each skating session lasts 45 minutes, with visitors advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before their booked slot, and advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekends and the busy Christmas holidays.
Skating sessions can be booked at www.onice.ie/locations/cork, with further information available on 021 242 7232.
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