Sleepout for Cork Simon at Elizabeth Fort

What to Expect

Cork Simon Community’s Sleepout asks participants to spend a night sleeping out at Elizabeth Fort, the 17th century star fort overlooking Cork City, to raise funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness in Cork. It follows the format used by similar sleepouts around the country: participants fundraise in the run-up to the night, then gather at the fort itself to sleep out together rather than doing so alone, with organisers on hand throughout. The event was first held at Elizabeth Fort and has continued as an annual fixture on Cork Simon’s fundraising calendar.

The charity notes that homelessness figures in Cork have risen sharply in recent years, with hundreds of people facing homelessness this winter, a substantial year on year increase. The Sleepout is timed for early October, ahead of the coldest months, to draw attention to that need. Participants who cannot attend Elizabeth Fort in person are also invited to hold their own sleepout in their community, school or workplace on the same night.

Good to Know

• Friday 2 October 2026, at Elizabeth Fort, Cork City.
• Overnight format: participants sleep out together at the fort through the night.
• Fundraising is central to taking part; register and set a fundraising target via corksimon.ie.
• Own-venue option: schools, workplaces and community groups can run a linked sleepout elsewhere on the same date.
• All proceeds go directly to Cork Simon Community’s services for people experiencing homelessness.

Getting There

Elizabeth Fort sits on Barrack Street on the southside of Cork City, a short uphill walk from the South Gate Bridge and South Main Street in the city centre. It is within easy walking distance of the main bus routes through the city centre, and there is limited parking in the surrounding streets, so participants are encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible.