The Savoy Cork: Historic Venue Reborn as a Live Music Hub

After a decade of closure, the iconic Savoy venue in Cork City has reopened its doors as a reimagined live music space. The relaunch, completed on Valentine’s Night, marks the culmination of efforts to save one of Cork’s most beloved nightlife destinations from dereliction. Gigs are already being scheduled for the venue, including bookings for Christmas.

A Collaborative Revival

The revival of The Savoy is a joint effort between local promoters Good Room and building owners Clarendon Properties. The Irish Examiner reports that the experience has been “hugely rewarding” despite being exhausting for the Good Room principals – Joe Kelly, Caoilian Sherlock, and Ed O’Leary.

From Cinema to Cultural Space

The Savoy boasts a rich history, originally opening as a cinema in 1932. It served as a key venue for the Cork Film Festival, hosting stars like Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. Resident Advisor notes that in the 1970s, the space transitioned to live music, and in more recent years, before its 2016 closure, welcomed artists such as Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris, MGMT, and Wu-Tang Clan.

A Reimagined Venue

The revamped Savoy features two distinct spaces: a main section and a smaller upstairs lounge. The venue now has a capacity of nearly 600 people. Renovations focused on improving sound and sightlines to create a more intimate setting. O’Leary noted the paint was still wet on opening night due to the extensive construction process, as reported by The Irish Examiner.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Kelly of Good Room highlighted the challenges facing nightclubs and music venues in Ireland, stating that the industry has been negatively impacted by a lack of political support. Despite these challenges, the reopening of The Savoy is seen as a positive sign for Cork City’s cultural landscape. Sherlock described the reopening as “a really good news story for Cork,” noting the importance of breathing novel life into the city’s venues.

What’s to Arrive

The Savoy has already announced upcoming events, including a Six Nations discussion featuring Ronan O’Gara and Dan Biggar on March 4th. The Good Room team is optimistic about the future, with plans for further events and a commitment to preserving the venue’s historical character. O’Leary emphasized that the goal was to revive an old building for a new generation, rather than replace it with something new.