The Dragon of Shandon
A project by Cork Community Art Link & Cork City Communities
A little look behind the scenes of the Dragon of Shandon Parade 2023. Created by the wonderful filmmaker Mickaël Do Couto as part of his Portraits of Cork series.
Re-emerging from the underworld at 7pm on Friday 31st October 2025, the 36-foot Dragon made by the hands of the Cork City community will once again prowl the streets escorted by her legion of loyal ghouls, beasts, misfits and spooky creatures 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.
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 and CCAL need the support of the city to bring her back, bolder and brighter than ever!!
Does this sound like a project you would like to support? Great! Because we need your help! With the growing demand for group participation and our ethos to try and keep providing as many free workshops for the community as we can, CCAL needs the public’s support now more than ever to continue bringing this one of a kind community driven event to the streets of Cork for the benefit of all.
It takes a village to raise a child, but to raise a Dragon, we need an entire City!
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 and CCAL need the support of the city to bring her back, bolder and brighter than ever!!
Does this sound like a project you would like to support? Great! Because we need your help! With the growing demand for group participation and our ethos to try and keep providing as many free workshops for the community as we can, CCAL needs the public’s support now more than ever to continue bringing this one of a kind community driven event to the streets of Cork for the benefit of all.
It takes a village to raise a child, but to raise a Dragon, we need an entire City!
DRAGON OF SHANDON 2025 WORKSHOPS
DRAGON OF SHANDON 2025 OPPORTUNITIES
We're delighted to announce a new series of adult workshops at The Lido, Blackpool. These workshops are open and free to anyone over the age of 18, with an interest in practical creative skills on a larger scale. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 021 4553747
Drama Workshops
Every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Lido
join us every Thursday as we explore the battle between good and bad. Using fun theatre tools, we learn skills for confidence - giving us not only superpowers in everyday life, but the power to create dramatic scenes & tableaux for the famous Dragon of Shandon
Spaces are limited, so send us an email or give us a bell for more info or to sign up!
Volunteer Workshops
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2pm to 5pm at the Lido
In our volunteer workshops you'll be introduced to skills such as prop making and costume making in a fun, friendly, and supportive atmosphere.
We're delighted to announce a new series of adult workshops at The Lido, Blackpool. These workshops are open and free to anyone over the age of 18, with an interest in practical creative skills on a larger scale. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 021 4553747
Drama Workshops
Every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Lido
join us every Thursday as we explore the battle between good and bad. Using fun theatre tools, we learn skills for confidence - giving us not only superpowers in everyday life, but the power to create dramatic scenes & tableaux for the famous Dragon of Shandon
Spaces are limited, so send us an email or give us a bell for more info or to sign up!
Volunteer Workshops
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2pm to 5pm at the Lido
In our volunteer workshops you'll be introduced to skills such as prop making and costume making in a fun, friendly, and supportive atmosphere.
DRAGON OF SHANDON 2025 PROGRAMME
Shandon Spooky Stroll
A Guided Wander Through the Winding Streets of Shandon
Monday 27th - Thursday 30th October at 7pm
The family Shenanigan will take you on a cinematic adventure through their strange family story, from their initial encounter with the dragon in the first Viking Settlement of Cork, to their role as protector of the great beast, through the city's long history. This is no ordinary tour so expect films projected on the walls of the area, scary interventions, and spooky mischief, as you follow this ghostly tale through the windy streets of Shandon.
Tickets are €5 and free for children (under 16), the unemployed, and the elderly.
Kindly supported by Cork City Council Tourist office and Night Time Economy.
Click here for tickets
Dragon Tribes DIY Kit Workshop
Online Workshop
This year we’re inviting everyone across the city, to download one of our Dragon Tribe DIY Kits and make their own scary costume at home, for the Dragon of Shandon.
There are four tribes to choose from: gargoyles, werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Each booklet has plenty of making suggestions, as well as links to information, how-to-do videos, and photographs. Make them with your family, friends, or do it yourself.
We will be hosting Dragon Tribe clinics, in The Lido, during October, if you need any extra help. So, keep an eye on social media and on this website for details.
Click here for more information and to download your kit.
Dragon of Shandon Samhain Workshops
Running from 1st - 30th October
Glen Community Gardens
Glen Resource and Sports Centre, Glen Avenue, The Glen
Cork Community Art Link, in partnership with Cork City Partnership, will be hosting a series of Samhain workshops in the Glen Resource Centre community gardens in October.
Workshops will include pumpkin carving, using pumpkins from the community gardens own patch, garbage ghoul making, using compostable and recycled materials, spooky lantern making, Dragon Tribe costume making, foraging in the Glen Park and making wreathes with the found flowers and grasses, and old Samhain games. We might even get the chance to make some traditional barmbrack.
Night of The Hunter
25th October at 6.30pm Free Admission.
Blackpool Community Centre, 90 Great William O'Brien Street
The Night of the Hunter, is a 1955 American horror thriller film directed by Charles Laughton. It stars Robert Mitchum as Reverend Harry Powell, a psychopathic preacher with ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed across his knuckles, relentlessly pursuing the children of his former cellmate across Depression-era West Virginia in the belief that they know where their father stashed his money. It's blend of noir, thriller, and Gothic fairy tale elements a makes it a true cinematic masterpiece. Don't miss it. Click here for free tickets
A Guided Wander Through the Winding Streets of Shandon
Monday 27th - Thursday 30th October at 7pm
The family Shenanigan will take you on a cinematic adventure through their strange family story, from their initial encounter with the dragon in the first Viking Settlement of Cork, to their role as protector of the great beast, through the city's long history. This is no ordinary tour so expect films projected on the walls of the area, scary interventions, and spooky mischief, as you follow this ghostly tale through the windy streets of Shandon.
Tickets are €5 and free for children (under 16), the unemployed, and the elderly.
Kindly supported by Cork City Council Tourist office and Night Time Economy.
Click here for tickets
Dragon Tribes DIY Kit Workshop
Online Workshop
This year we’re inviting everyone across the city, to download one of our Dragon Tribe DIY Kits and make their own scary costume at home, for the Dragon of Shandon.
There are four tribes to choose from: gargoyles, werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Each booklet has plenty of making suggestions, as well as links to information, how-to-do videos, and photographs. Make them with your family, friends, or do it yourself.
We will be hosting Dragon Tribe clinics, in The Lido, during October, if you need any extra help. So, keep an eye on social media and on this website for details.
Click here for more information and to download your kit.
Dragon of Shandon Samhain Workshops
Running from 1st - 30th October
Glen Community Gardens
Glen Resource and Sports Centre, Glen Avenue, The Glen
Cork Community Art Link, in partnership with Cork City Partnership, will be hosting a series of Samhain workshops in the Glen Resource Centre community gardens in October.
Workshops will include pumpkin carving, using pumpkins from the community gardens own patch, garbage ghoul making, using compostable and recycled materials, spooky lantern making, Dragon Tribe costume making, foraging in the Glen Park and making wreathes with the found flowers and grasses, and old Samhain games. We might even get the chance to make some traditional barmbrack.
Night of The Hunter
25th October at 6.30pm Free Admission.
Blackpool Community Centre, 90 Great William O'Brien Street
The Night of the Hunter, is a 1955 American horror thriller film directed by Charles Laughton. It stars Robert Mitchum as Reverend Harry Powell, a psychopathic preacher with ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed across his knuckles, relentlessly pursuing the children of his former cellmate across Depression-era West Virginia in the belief that they know where their father stashed his money. It's blend of noir, thriller, and Gothic fairy tale elements a makes it a true cinematic masterpiece. Don't miss it. Click here for free tickets
Dragon of Shandon 2024Check out some of the fantastic photographs taken at 2024 Dragon of Shandon Parade. We want to thank everyone who participated, performed, volunteered and helped out on the day, as well as all those who came out to enjoy the Samhain chaos.
Register your interest in participating in the Dragon here! Dragon of Shandon 2023Dragon of Shandon 2022
Dragon of Shandon 2021
It’s nearly that time of year!
The Dragon of Shandon has taken place on Halloween annually since 2006 - the most spectacular street parade in Cork, a celebration and a creative partnership between artists and communities.
Poster Design by Diane O'Reilly
Spectators gathering for The Dragon of Shandon Parade 2016 - Photo by Dragan Tomas
Check the ARCHIVES section of the website for photos and videos!
The Dragon of Shandon parade is made possible only thanks to many participants, volunteers and friends, as well as to the many sponsors who come on board with financial and in kind support. |
Reg Charity No. CHY20769
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Cork Community Art LinkCharity No. CHY20769
Address: The Lido, 71 Watercourse Road Blackpool T23 DV24 Cork City, Ireland Telephone: 00353 (0)21 455 3747 Email: [email protected] CCAL Website |
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