Pre-booking secure and convenient city centre parking for events in Cork City Centre.
The Dragon of Shandon returns to Cork on Saturday 31 October 2026, bringing one of Ireland's most spectacular Halloween celebrations back to the streets of the city.
Make your Halloween visit easier by pre-booking at Q-Park locations across Cork City Centre. Enjoy 10% off pre-booked parking with code SPOOKY10, giving you a convenient base for experiencing the famous Samhain parade.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, The Dragon of Shandon features a magnificent 36-foot dragon puppet accompanied by an extraordinary procession of ghosts, ghouls, mythical creatures, musicians and performers. This free community celebration transforms Cork's historic streets into a spectacular Halloween experience.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Start time: 7pm
Location: Shandon and Cork City Centre
Parade route: Church Street, Shandon Street, North Main Street, Castle Street and Coal Quay
Event Admission: Free
Parking: Q-Park locations across Cork
With thousands of visitors expected in Cork for Halloween night, arranging your parking in advance is a convenient way to prepare for the celebrations.
Q-Park offers four centrally located car parks across Cork, giving visitors a choice of parking locations depending on their preferred arrival route and where they plan to watch the parade.
Q-Park Carroll's Quay is a convenient choice for visitors heading towards the Shandon area. Located north of the River Lee, the car park provides access to the northern side of Cork City Centre and is well positioned for exploring the area around the parade route.
As the parade travels through nearby streets, visitors should arrive well before road closures begin and check their planned departure route.
Q-Park Grand Parade is located in the heart of Cork City Centre, close to the English Market and the city's shopping and dining destinations.
It provides a convenient option for visitors planning to watch the later stages of the procession around Castle Street and Coal Quay, while enjoying the wider Halloween atmosphere in Cork.
Q-Park City Hall is situated on Eglinton Street beside Cork City Hall. This location offers an alternative for visitors approaching from the eastern side of the city.
From the car park, visitors can walk through Cork City Centre towards the parade route, passing restaurants and attractions along the way.
Q-Park St Finbarr's is located on Sharman Crawford Street, providing another convenient option for visitors travelling into Cork from the southern side of the city.
Visitors can walk towards Grand Parade and the city centre to enjoy the Halloween celebrations and watch the procession.
Pre-book your parking at Q-Park Carroll's Quay, Grand Parade, City Hall or St Finbarr's and enjoy convenient parking for your Halloween visit.
Discount code: SPOOKY10
Discount: 10% off pre-booked parking.
Participating car parks: All four Q-Park Cork locations.
Organised by Cork Community Art Link, The Dragon of Shandon is one of Cork's most distinctive cultural traditions, bringing together artists, performers, community organisations and volunteers to celebrate Halloween and the ancient festival of Samhain.
At the heart of the celebration is the magnificent 36-foot Dragon of Shandon, a giant puppet created through the creativity and dedication of Cork's local community.
On Halloween night, the dragon emerges from the historic Shandon neighbourhood, accompanied by a procession of extraordinary characters, elaborate costumes and spectacular performances.
The dragon's appearance has become one of the most recognisable Halloween traditions in Cork, attracting families and visitors from across Ireland.
The parade begins at 7pm on Church Street, travelling through Shandon Street and North Main Street before continuing towards Castle Street and finishing at Coal Quay.
Visitors can expect giant puppets, imaginative floats, live music, dance performances and hundreds of costumed participants bringing Cork's streets to life.
The event concludes with a special finale celebrating the creativity, folklore and community spirit behind The Dragon of Shandon.
The 2026 event marks 20 years of The Dragon of Shandon, celebrating two decades of community participation, artistic collaboration and unforgettable Halloween performances.
Since its beginnings in 2006, the parade has grown into one of Cork's most popular free public events, with local artists, volunteers and community groups helping to create the dragon, costumes and performances each year.
The Dragon of Shandon takes inspiration from Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the transition from autumn into winter.
Traditionally associated with the boundary between the living and the spirit world, Samhain provides the inspiration for the parade's supernatural characters, theatrical performances and imaginative storytelling.
The event combines this rich cultural heritage with contemporary community arts, creating a Halloween experience that is uniquely Cork.
Visitors should be aware that temporary road closures will be in place throughout the evening of Saturday 31 October to accommodate the parade and large crowds.
Restrictions will affect parts of Shandon, North Main Street, Castle Street, Daunt Square and Cornmarket Street, with some closures beginning during the afternoon and others continuing late into the evening.
We recommend arriving early and checking local traffic restrictions before travelling. Access to some car parks or surrounding roads may be affected depending on the parade's progress.
For the latest route and road closure information, visit the official Dragon of Shandon website.
Q-Park Carroll's Quay, Grand Parade, City Hall and St Finbarr's all offer 24/7 parking access, making them convenient options for visitors enjoying Halloween celebrations in Cork.
Please note that temporary road closures may restrict vehicle access or exit routes during the parade, even where the car park itself remains open.
Cork City Centre offers plenty to explore before and after The Dragon of Shandon, from the historic English Market and the lively Victorian Quarter to restaurants, shops and traditional pubs.
With Q-Park locations across the city, visitors can choose a convenient parking location for their Halloween plans and enjoy Cork's seasonal celebrations on foot.
Pre-book your Q-Park parking and use code SPOOKY10 to save 10% on your visit to Cork for The Dragon of Shandon 2026.
Saturday 31 October 2026
Parade begins at 7pm
Shandon and Cork City Centre
Free Halloween Parade
