Cyprus Avenue, located on Caroline Street in Cork City, Ireland (T12 PY8A), is one of the city’s most prominent live music venues, renowned for its critical role in the cultural and nightlife landscape of Cork. Situated in the heart of the city, Cyprus Avenue has become synonymous with high-quality music performances, spanning a range of genres from rock, indie, and electronic to folk and hip-hop. The venue takes its name from the iconic Van Morrison song, paying homage to the rich musical heritage of Ireland.
Established in 2003, Cyprus Avenue originally emerged as a response to the vibrant live music scene in Cork, seeking to offer both local and traveling artists a stage where creative expression and audience intimacy could thrive. Over the years, the venue has cemented its reputation for delivering dynamic and memorable concerts, prized by both musicians and concertgoers alike. The space itself is known for its excellent acoustics and welcoming ambiance, often praised for fostering close connections between performers and their audiences.
While Cyprus Avenue’s physical site on Caroline Street has maintained its original location, the venue underwent a transformative redevelopment in the late 2010s, which significantly expanded its capacity and upgraded its interior design, stage, and technical equipment. These improvements allowed it to accommodate larger crowds while maintaining the cozy atmosphere that had become its hallmark. Cyprus Avenue is celebrated for its contribution to Cork’s night-time economy and for serving as an incubator for rising talent.
It has also enhanced Cork’s appeal as a touring destination for international acts, while steadfastly supporting Ireland’s own vibrant music scene. The venue is often mentioned alongside other cherished Cork landmarks as instrumental in fostering a sense of community and artistic identity in the city.
Notable artists who have performed at Cyprus Avenue include internationally acclaimed acts such as Hozier, Fontaines D.
C., Villagers, The Coronas, and Passenger. The venue has also hosted an array of celebrated local and Irish talents like Mick Flannery, Gavin James, Lisa Hannigan, Kojaque, Talos, Hermitage Green, David Kitt, and Delorentos, alongside a rich assortment of emerging artists and underground acts, affirming its place as a cornerstone of Cork’s contemporary music scene.