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.
20th Anniversary
The Dragon of Shandon
Re-emerging from the underworld at 7pm on Saturday 31st October 2026, 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 PROGRAMME 2026
DRAGON OF SHANDON 2026 OPPORTUNITIES
We'll be producing a large programme of events for the 20th anniversary of the Dragon of Shandon. Work is already underway, and we'll post up info as soon as we have it for you. If you want to get involved, or are looking for more information please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 021 4553747
We'll be producing a large programme of events for the 20th anniversary of the Dragon of Shandon. Work is already underway, and we'll post up info as soon as we have it for you. If you want to get involved, or are looking for more information please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 021 4553747
DRAGON OF SHANDON PROGRAMME 2025
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 21st September - 28th October
Glen Community Gardens, Kempton Park, Ballyvolane, St. Mary's Campus, Gurranabraher
Cork Community Art Link, in partnership with Cork City Partnership and the Health Action Zone, will be hosting a series of Samhain workshops throughout September and October. Workshops will include upcycling scary dolls, scarecrow building, mobile making, foraging + wreath making, costume making and pumpkin carving. We might even get the chance to make some traditional barmbrack and dunk for apples and play floury grape.
Volunteer workshops
When: Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2nd September - 23rd October
Where: The Lido, Blackpool T23 DV24
What Time: 2pm - 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 2pm - 8pm on Thursdays
Drop in and help us build props and accessories for the parade
Embossed Aluminium Crown Workshops
When: Every Tuesday evening from 29th September - October 20th
Where: The Lido, Blackpool T23 DV24
Tuesdays 6pm - 8pm
Learn how to make beautiful headpieces out of recycled aluminium cans
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 21st September - 28th October
Glen Community Gardens, Kempton Park, Ballyvolane, St. Mary's Campus, Gurranabraher
Cork Community Art Link, in partnership with Cork City Partnership and the Health Action Zone, will be hosting a series of Samhain workshops throughout September and October. Workshops will include upcycling scary dolls, scarecrow building, mobile making, foraging + wreath making, costume making and pumpkin carving. We might even get the chance to make some traditional barmbrack and dunk for apples and play floury grape.
Volunteer workshops
When: Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2nd September - 23rd October
Where: The Lido, Blackpool T23 DV24
What Time: 2pm - 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 2pm - 8pm on Thursdays
Drop in and help us build props and accessories for the parade
Embossed Aluminium Crown Workshops
When: Every Tuesday evening from 29th September - October 20th
Where: The Lido, Blackpool T23 DV24
Tuesdays 6pm - 8pm
Learn how to make beautiful headpieces out of recycled aluminium cans
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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