ON ICE at Marina Market is back for another magical winter season of sparkling skating, festive spirit and Christmas excitement. There’s no better way to feel the season arrive than stepping onto the ice under twinkling lights and nothing captures that Leeside Christmas feeling quite like ON ICE. Now celebrating a major milestone, ON ICE is officially the longest-running traditional festive ice rink in Cork City, and it has become a highly popular staple of the Marina Market community, bringing festive fun to families, couples, students, and visitors year after year.
Ice skating is one of those timeless traditions that feels straight out of your favourite Christmas movie, think Snoopy gliding across Rockefeller Center or the romantic rink scene in Last Christmas. Located inside the marina market in the Graffiti event room, ON ICE brings that movie moment to life right here in Cork, turning wobbly steps into laughter, hand-holding, and pure seasonal magic.
Skating at ON ICE is for everyone from confident skaters to total beginners, and young children, teenagers plus adults rediscovering play, as well as multigenerational families making memories together. The ON ICE team offers friendly support from the moment you step in the door to the moment you leave, helping with boots, balance, confidence and smiles.
Accessibility and Pricing
Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of ON ICE, with full wheelchair accessibility throughout the venue and the wonderful added bonus that wheelchairs are welcome directly on the ice itself. The rink also provides skate aids such as penguins and optional helmets for those who want extra stability, while younger children can enjoy adorable seal rides that allow them to sit comfortably and be gently pushed around the rink. Skate aids can be hired either online or on the day for just €5, with priority given to smaller skaters. All of this is supported by a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, making ON ICE a space where everyone, regardless of age, ability or confidence level can enjoy the magic of skating together.
ON ICE also offers two sensory-friendly skating sessions every Sunday morning at 10am and 11am, specially designed for visitors who benefit from a calmer and more comfortable environment. During these sessions the music is reduced or removed entirely, the lighting is softened with no flashing or strobe effects, and the number of skaters on the rink is halved to create more space and ease. Friendly and understanding staff trained in sensory awareness are on hand throughout, and quiet areas are available for anyone who needs a break, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the fun of skating at their own pace.
Sessions at ON ICE are 45 minutes long and begin on the hour, with tickets priced at €20 for adults and €18 for children, plus great-value family options at €48 for a family of three or €64 for a family of four. To make the most of your time on the rink, it’s recommended to dress in layers with gloves and thick socks to stay warm and comfortable while you skate.
You’ll will come for the skating, but you’ll stay for the food, fun, Christmas shopping and Santa at the Marina Market
Once you’ve finished gliding, laughing and working up an appetite on ice, the Marina Market wraps you in the rest of the festive feeling. The market gives you the full winter and Christmas experience with glowing lights, cosy corners, music, energy, treats, and the excitement of wandering from stall to stall with something warm in your hands.
With 35 food vendors, the choice is unbeatable, choose from Dinky Donuts, Hansum’s famous chicken, Frankies pizza, artisan brews from Alchemy Coffee, Saor Mocktail & alcohol free bar, snacks, sweets and international dishes. Whether you’re in the mood to feast, nibble, sip, shop or just people-watch, there’s more “bang for your buck” because your visit becomes a full outing skating, eating, browsing, socialising and Christmas Shopping.
The Marina Market attracts a vibrant mix including families, friends, tourists and couples, giving it a lively cosmopolitan feel on the banks of the Lee. And its industrial-chic warehouse backdrop, neon signs and buzzing stall atmosphere create more Instagram and TikTok-friendly moments than a woodland trail ever could.
After skating, visitors can step straight into SANTA’S Magical Market, where the big man in red from the North Pole, welcomes children, adults and even dogs! Of course the whole market is dog friendly all year round.
ON ICE at Marina Market is just a 15 minute walk from Cork City. If you’re taking a bus
Centre Park Road is the nearest public transport stop and if you’re driving there is plenty of on-site parking.
Why Customers Love On Ice At The Marina Market.
“I was at On Ice last weekend and I can honestly say, as someone who lived in New York for a couple of years, skating at the Marina Market is more fun than Bryant Park, where we used to go.” – Sarah, Blackrock
“We went to On Ice last year at the Marina Market and it was the kids’ highlight, they can’t wait to go back this year. It was definitely high on their Christmas list for them.”
– Gráinne Ahern, Carrigaline
“The best part of Christmas in Cork is the ice skating at the Marina.”
– Dave, Glanmire
Follow ON ICE on TikTok and Instagram for festive videos, skating moments, bloopers, cute dates, and behind-the-scenes magic.
Insta: oniceatmarinamarket
Tiktok marinamarket.on.ice
Facebook: Oniceatmarinamarket
