Cork City during the height of the Celtic Tiger era, captured in 2007 when Ireland’s construction boom was at its peak and the city skyline was dominated by cranes building new office blocks and apartments, including the Elysian Tower. It would all come crashing down financially within a year. Some apartments in the Elysian were…
Do you remember when the Grand Parade had motorcycle parking down the middle of the street? That was twenty years ago! See there’s no mural on the wall behind? This photo was taken on Christmas Eve 2005.
Right, so let’s talk about the absolute star of Cork’s Dragon of Shandon parade—the massive skeletal dragon that dominated the streets and created that perfect mix of ancient mythology and contemporary street theatre that defines this extraordinary event. The parade really is a spectacular event, and the dragon brings up the rear with ominous music…
Who’s pulling the strings?
A float with a maritime theme goes down North Main Street, Cork as part of the Dragon of Shandon parade.
It’s not often you’ll see giant jellyfish floating along North Main Street, although with the rains pummeling Cork in the last few days there may well have been floods along there.
A small selection of photos of the fabulous costumes and dancers at the Dragon of Shandon parade in Cork over the weekend.
Some of the ghosts and witches at the Dragon of Shandon parade, 2025.
This is what Cork’s Dragon of Shandon parade does best. It transforms the streets into a moving theatrical spectacular where elaborate costumes, dedicated face paint, choreographed performances, and pure Halloween energy collide in the most brilliant way possible.
Yeah, that’s a giant demonic head they’re pushing along the North Main Street, Cork. 🙂
A few more photos of the Dragon of Shandon parade last night. I’ll spread these out over the next few days. You’ll get a proper chance to experience the fun of the night. They’ll all be visible here in the future if you’re coming across this post by itself.
One of the fabulous skeleton dancers at tonight’s Dragon of Shandon parade in Cork! What a buzz and atmosphere! Crowds were lining North Main Street where we waited, down Castle Street and then on to Cornmarket Street. Amazing night. Not to be missed next year! More photos to follow when I have time to edit…