The Dragon of Shandon
Shandon, Cork City
Fri 31 Oct 2025
The 36-foot Dragon made entirely out of tape will prowl the streets escorted by her legion of loyal ghouls, beasts, misfits and demons to celebrate the ancient tradition of Samhain in a thrilling nighttime parade and finale show attracting thousands of spectators, young and old, to Cork City.
Hundreds of participants will bring the dragon to life, volunteers and community groups such as Suisha inclusive Arts, Blackpool Community Access Program and National Learning Network will be collaborating with our artists to create floats, costumes, and performances.
We will be joined by the french co-operative La Bergerie and Australian theatre company Curious Legends. Expect fantastic performances from Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, CCAL Drama Troupe, Slí Danú, The Butter Exchange Band, The Coal Quay Shawlies and many more, to be announced.
A true grassroots event that began by asking the people of Cork, what do you want in your city? The event has grown into a real-life urban legend and myth, showcasing a night for the community, built by and with the community of Cork City, it is The Dragon of Shandon that
belongs to the people of Cork. To keep in line with our main value of inclusiveness, most of our projects take place or had their outcome presented in the public space. Whenever, and as much as we can, we aim to provide our workshops, large scale visual arts or parades are free of charge or subsidised for everyone.
Dragon Tribe DIY Kits
This year Cork Community Art Link is inviting everyone to download one of its Dragon Tribe DIY Kits and make their own costume at home. Each booklet has plenty of suggestions including; links to mythological histories, information, how-to-make videos, and photographs to help you along.
If anyone needs help or advice, Cork Community Art Link will be hosting Tribe clinics at The Lido, Blackpool in October, so keep an eye on their instagram page, or on their website.
On Saturday 25th October, the company will be hosting an initiation ceremony for all the tribes at 3pm, before the big night on Friday 31st October.
So, get your family and friends involved, have a bit of craic, and take part in Corks biggest night time spectacle. If you are under 18 years of age you will need to be accompanied by a guardian or parent on the night. Any questions please get in touch with Moray at manager@corkcommunityartlink.com.
You can access our free downloads @ https://corkcommunityartlink.com/dragon-tribe-diy-kits.
For information on the Dragon of Shandon and Cork Community Art Link go to https://corkcommunityartlink.com.
