Cillian Murphy’s Unforgettable Role at Cork’s Sounds From a Safe Harbour Festival – What You Need to Know!

Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy is set to return to his roots this summer, making a highly anticipated appearance at the Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival in his hometown of Cork. Known for his iconic roles in Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Murphy will play a central role in this exciting cultural event as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.

Taking place this September, the Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival is a biennial event that brings together music, dance, art, and conversation in the heart of Cork City. As one of the artists-in-residence, Murphy is not only attending the festival but is also serving as a member of the curatorial team, alongside other luminaries like Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National and renowned playwright Enda Walsh. This year’s festival will feature over 60 Irish and international musicians, artists, filmmakers, and writers collaborating in what’s dubbed the ’37d03d residency.’

Festival director Mary Hickson emphasized the importance of the residency, stating, “The residency represents the beating heart of SFSH. It’s why we do it. This year is the largest residency we have hosted in Cork, and we are excited to welcome new and old friends to Cork for the week to collaborate, agitate, create and fail together—but mainly to stop for a week and spend time making.”

Cillian Murphy, who was born in Douglas and raised in Ballintemple, has long been a proud ambassador for his home county. His early experiences in Cork’s Granary Theatre were pivotal in shaping his career, helping him secure his first big break. Throughout his career, Murphy has expressed his deep connection to his Irish heritage, famously correcting an interviewer during the Inception promotion when they mistakenly referred to him as British, reminding them he is “very proud” to be Irish. His pride in his roots was further evident when he took a moment during his 2023 Oscar acceptance speech to proclaim, “I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.”

The festival’s lineup promises an exciting mix of ticketed and free events across intimate venues in Cork City, offering a unique opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to experience the rich cultural offerings of this vibrant city.

In addition to his role at the festival, Murphy has recently completed filming for the Peaky Blinders movie, reprising his beloved role as Tommy Shelby. While the movie is sure to ignite excitement, rumors are also circulating about a possible seventh season of the hit series. Reports suggest that the show, which wrapped up its sixth season in 2022, could return with Murphy’s character taking on a new role as a father figure to a new generation of gang members.

As Cork gets ready to welcome Murphy back, the Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival promises to be a thrilling celebration of creativity, with the actor at the forefront, showcasing his deep ties to his roots and his continued impact on the global arts scene.