The witches and ghosts of the Dragon of Shandon

Some of the ghosts and witches at the Dragon of Shandon parade, 2025.


Apertureƒ/5
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO8000
Shutter speed1/30s

Cork’s Halloween Parade Brings Magic to the Street

Group of Dragon of Shandon parade dancers in metallic skirts and black clothing with theatrical face paint performing on North Main Street, Cork, at night with colourful murals and parade marshal in hi-vis vest visible in background.

Participant in black feathered bird-like costume with grey mask and large white wings performing dramatic pose during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street, Cork, with pink and orange striped van in background.

Crowd of Dragon of Shandon parade participants in black clothing and face paint gathered on North Main Street Cork at night with pink and orange striped van and colourful murals visible in background, spectators filming on phones.

Young participants in elaborate black costumes with skeleton face paint performing choreographed routine during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street Cork, including child in grey outfit in foreground.

Young participant in black costume with detailed skull face paint and orange fabric details crouching dramatically during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street Cork with crowd and King Fadez shop visible in background.

Two young participants in black clothing with skeleton face paint and orange prop masks performing energetically during Dragon of Shandon parade on North Main Street Cork at night with string lights visible overhead.

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.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO2000
Shutter speed1/15s

Cork’s Halloween Spectacle in Motion

Three Dragon of Shandon parade participants posing on Patrick Street Cork - man in orange dungarees with denim jacket, person in skull face paint with "2039" marking, and person in yellow patterned full-body suit, with crowd and colourful parade backdrop visible behind them at night.

Dragon puppet or float with fierce carved wooden head featuring flames and elaborate details being carried through Dragon of Shandon parade on Patrick Street Cork at night, with two participants in face paint and decorative waistcoats manipulating the construction, motion blur visible in background.

Yeah, that’s a giant demonic head they’re pushing along the North Main Street, Cork. 🙂


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO160
Shutter speed1/3s

Dragon of Shandon’s Spooky Crew

A puppeteer manipulates a large white skeleton puppet on Patrick Street during the Dragon of Shandon parade in Cork, with a pink and orange striped van, costumed parade participants, and spectators visible in the background under street lights at night

A puppeteer with skull face paint looks up whilst manipulating a towering articulated skeleton puppet overhead during the Dragon of Shandon parade on Patrick Street in Cork, surrounded by crowds of spectators and other costumed participants, with colourful building murals and string lights visible in the background at night

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.


Apertureƒ/5
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/250s

The Big Bones Brigade

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 them.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO320
Shutter speed1/25s