Businesses in the city are hoping the extra-long weekend will see a huge increase in takings and signal the start of the tourism season.
Thousands of people are expected to visit Cork for the Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Thursday and many will be staying in hotels in the city centre for the weekend.
Events are taking place across the long weekend including the Lee Sessions traditional music trail and the Nano Nagle Place Markets.
Speaking to RedFM News, General Manager of the Maldron Hotel on South Mall Robert McCarthy says they have noticed a strong increase in demand for rooms.
