On 23 May 2026, UCC CI, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University, successfully hosted the event “Tai Chi, Health and Local Practice”. Nearly 60 Tai Chi enthusiasts from different local communities in Cork participated in the programme.

From 8 to 12 April 2026, an Irish educators delegation organised by UCC CI visited Shanghai to promote multi-level educational exchange and cooperation in both higher and secondary education.

On 9 May 2026, the 19th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students (Ireland Region), hosted by the Embassy of China in Ireland and organised by UCC CI, was successfully held in Devere Hall on UCC’s main campus.

The programme included Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, dumpling making, Peking Opera, tea culture, and guided city tours. Through hands-on participation, local residents experienced the richness and diversity of Chinese culture at close range.

Each event attracted enthusiastic participation and created a vibrant atmosphere, becoming a distinctive highlight of the festival.

On 17 March 2026, UCC CI led a Chinese cultural parade group in the Cork St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The group included UCC staff and students, members of the Chinese community in Ireland, and international participants.

The Confucius Institute at University College Cork (UCC) successfully hosted the Ireland Final of the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students on May 3rd, 2025, at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork.

During the 2025 Easter break, the UCC Confucius Institute successfully organized a two-week cultural exchange trip to China for 18 secondary school students from Cork and surrounding areas, led by UCC Confucius Institute teacher Zhang Shuaishuai. The program offered students an immersive experience in Chinese language and culture, with academic classes at Shanghai University and cultural exploration across the cities of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.

On April 26^th, a special event celebrating UN International Chinese Language Day was held in Cork, organized by the UCC Confucius Institute. The event, titled “Tai Chi and Wellness – A Showcase and Experience of Traditional Chinese Health Practices”, the event was held in conjunction with “World Tai Chi and Qigong Day”, observed annually on the last Saturday of April. The event drew together scholars, practitioners, and Tai Chi enthusiasts from Ireland, China, Italy, the United States and so on, fostering a meaningful dialogue on culture, health, and philosophy.

UCC Confucius Institute is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of its students at the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students (Ireland Region). The competition, hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ireland and organized by the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland, concluded successfully on April 13, 2025. The event brought together talented Chinese language learners from across the country, showcasing their linguistic prowess and diverse talents in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that garnered significant attention from various sectors. His Excellency, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Ireland, Zhao Xiyuan, and Deputy President of University College Dublin, Professor Dolores O'Riordan, graced the occasion and attended the awards ceremony.

What an incredibly vibrant month it has been! Throughout this March and April, the UCC Confucius Institute buzzed with cultural energy, creating unforgettable moments and fostering meaningful exchange across Cork and its surrounding areas. Dedicated to advancing Chinese language and culture in Ireland, we left a trail of cultural enrichment through a diverse range of activities, from the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade to insightful school visits, from the serene art of tea ceremonies to the expressive strokes of calligraphy workshops, truly bringing Chinese culture to life in every corner we touched.