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Festivals & Events in Sligo 2026

A year of culture, creativity, and connection on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Sligo’s calendar for 2026 is bursting with festivals, music, arts, sport, and community gatherings that capture the energy and creativity of the county. From experiences on the coast to traditional music, heritage traditions to modern performances, there’s something happening in every corner of County Sligo — all year long.

Here’s your month-by-month guide to the unmissable festivals and events lighting up Sligo in 2026.

January – A Bright Start to the Year

Sligo begins the year in style with Sligo On Ice, the Yeats Winter School, and The Sligo Tournament — a celebration of sport, culture and creativity that sets the tone for an exciting year ahead. Whether you’re skating under the winter lights or exploring Yeats’ legacy, January in Sligo blends art, literature and fun.

February – Comedy, Innovation, and Community

February welcomes the return of the So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival, bringing laughter and top talent to venues across town. The Sligo Engineering Fair showcases innovation and creativity, while the Western Drama Festival in Tubbercurry continues South Sligo’s proud theatrical tradition.

March – Drama and Celebration

As spring arrives, the Western Drama Festival continues in Tubbercurry, celebrating community theatre from across Ireland. The West of Ireland Amateur Golf Championship draws players and spectators to scenic fairways, while St. Patrick’s Day Festival fills Sligo’s streets and villages with parades, music and colour.

April – Tradition and Getting active

April invites exploration and culture, with the Castle to Cave Camino offering a beautiful walking route through Sligo’s landscapes, and Feis Shligigh celebrating Irish language, dance, and music — an enduring showcase of local talent and cultural pride.

May – Coastal Adventures and Local Spirit

May is made for the outdoors with the Coastal Cycle Event and the Cóis Cóis Sean Nós Festival, bringing traditional music and dance to communities along the Wild Atlantic Way. Sligo Chamber Music Festival, Sligo Races, and the extremely popular Love Is A Stranger Festival add to a month rich in culture, creativity and community spirit.

June – Summer in Full Swing

Festival season blooms in June with the Sligo County Fleadh, Yeats Day, and the lively Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival celebrating maritime heritage in coastal villages. Add in the Streets of Sligo 5k, Ballisodare Falls Festival, and Sligo Indian Association Events, and you have a month that reflects Sligo’s diversity, energy, and global connections.

July – Music, Heritage, and Family Fun

July is one of Sligo’s most vibrant months. From Cairde Festival and Sligo Camino to the South Sligo Summer School and Benbulben Country Music Festival, every corner of the county comes alive. Highlights include the Sligo International Jazz Festival, Yeats International Summer School, and Black Pig Festival in West Sligo. Whether it’s theatre, jazz, or traditional tunes, July in Sligo is unforgettable.

August – Heritage and Celebration

August brings heritage and culture to the forefront with the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival and Sligo Heritage Week. Traditional music takes centre stage at the Coleman Traditional Festival and Warriors Festival, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the South Sligo Walking Festival, Sligo Glow Walk, and Tread Softly, a celebration of creativity inspired by Yeats. The Sligo seaside shines with the Strandhill Film and Folk Festival, and community spirit is celebrated at the Sligo Volunteer Centre’s 20-Year Anniversary.

September – Food, Wellness, and the Arts

As summer fades, Sligo’s harvest season begins with the Taste of Sligo Food Festival and Ballintogher Traditional Music Festival. The Wild & Well Festival and Relay for Life encourage health and community connection, while Culture Night Sligo and the Sligo Baroque Festival bring creativity and elegance to the fore. History lovers can commemorate the Remembering the Armada events along north Sligo’s dramatic coastline.

October – Music and Mindfulness

October offers the perfect mix of reflection and rhythm. The Change Your Mind Festival explores wellbeing through talks, art, and performance, while Sligo Live draws major music acts and audiences from across Ireland. The Coastal Cycle Event also returns, inviting cyclists to experience Sligo’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way scenery.

November – Winter Warmers

As the evenings grow shorter, November fills with music, movement, and light. The Yeats Winter School continues, alongside Spilt Milk Festival, Salsa Festival Sligo, and the joyful Christmas Lights Turn On in Sligo Town. Winter fun returns too, with Sligo On Ice reopening for another festive season.

December – Giving Back and Looking Ahead

The year ends with International Volunteer Day, celebrating community spirit across the county — a fitting close to a year that highlights all that makes Sligo such a vibrant, welcoming place to live and visit.

Plan Your Visit to Sligo

With events spread from Enniscrone to Ballymote, Tubbercurry to Strandhill, and every village in between, Sligo 2026 offers a celebration in every season. Whether you’re here for music, wellness, sport, or food, you’ll find the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way right here in County Sligo.

Use the Ideas Engine to get your tailored, bespoke itinerary for Sligo here.

Sligo Town Christmas Lights Switch-On Event

Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
O’Connell St, Sligo

The twinkling of the Christmas lights to mark the official start of the cheery Christmas season is set to take place on Sunday November 30th on O’Connell Street, Sligo.

Don your Christmas jumpers and bring the family in for some free Christmas fun!

Event Highlights:

  • Santa Claus switches on the lights at 6:00 PM
  • Ocean FM broadcasts live from O’Connell St from 2:00 PM
  • Street Entertainment including walkabout characters and free face painting from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Live Music with seasonal tunes 4:00-5:30PM.
  • Seasonal tunes with Scruffy Duffy from 5:30PM
  • Snow Queens adding a touch of winter wonder
  • Meet Santa’s Elves and have fun with their festive antics and take an Elfie with them.

Note: Any updates due to weather will be posted on Sligo BID Social Media Channels, follow for any and all updates.

Don’t miss out on the magic! Come along and experience the sights and sounds of Christmas in Sligo Town.

Celebrating William Bourke Cockran; Exhibition and Conference to Honour a Forgotten Sligo Statesman

The remarkable transatlantic life and legacy of William Bourke Cockran will be celebrated in Sligo this November through a special exhibition and conference exploring his enduring influence on Irish, American, and world affairs.

The commemorative events will begin with the official opening of an exhibition in Sligo City Hall, Quay Street , on Friday 7th November at 7.00 pm, admission free.

The exhibition will present rare photographs ,documents on interpretive panels highlighting Cockran’s journey  from his early years in Sligo to his prominence as one of the most influential and admired Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The following day ,Saturday 8th November , Sligo Field Club Conference on William Bourke Cockran will take place in the Sligo Park Hotel, bringing together historians, scholars and members of the public to discuss Cockran’s extraordinary career and his significance in the story of Sligo ,Irish and Irish-American identity.

Though widely admired in his lifetime, his name has faded from public memory – a gap that we in Sligo seek to redress by reintroducing Sligo’s ‘ Forgotten Son’ to a new generation.

William Burke Cockran was made a Freeman of the Borough of Sligo in 1903 but due to an omission, his name was never added to the Honour Roll of Freeman that is displayed in City Hall. Fortunately, due to representations from Cllr Declan Bree & Cllr Dónal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Burke Cockran’s name has now been added to this Honour Roll. A temporary Roll displaying the names of the Freemen of the Borough of Sligo is on display in City Hall for the length of the exhibition with a new permanent Honour Roll to be erected in the near future.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist explores Sligo with new tour company

A three-time Olympic gold medallist was among the first guests to explore Sligo’s heritage and landscapes with Ireland in Focus, a new tour company launched by local landscape photographer Ciarán McHugh.

The week-long heritage and photography tour, based out of Temple House Estate, offers visitors an immersive small-group experience uncovering Ireland’s hidden heritage, from sweeping coastlines and ancient tombs to local craft studios.

While designed to showcase the “real Ireland,” Ireland in Focus tours also weave in gentle photography instruction from McHugh, helping guests learn how to better capture their journey, whether using professional cameras or mobile phones.

“My aim was to create something personal and authentic – an experience that lets guests connect with Ireland the way locals do,” said Carney resident Ciarán McHugh. “The tour moves at a relaxed pace, giving guests time to take it all in. Photography becomes a tool for seeing, not just taking pictures. It helps guests slow down and notice the details that make Ireland so special.”

Among the inaugural tour guests was Nancy Hogshead, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and one of the most accomplished female swimmers in U.S. history. Hogshead, now a leading advocate for gender equity and athlete rights, joined the tour as part of her first visit to Ireland.

Speaking after the tour, Nancy Hogshead said: “Every day was unforgettable, one heart-stopping view after another. We watched pottery and iron being forged into art, listened to a harpist during dinner. We listened to the local storyteller regale us with stories of the fairies and local customs”.

The group spent seven days based entirely at Temple House, a 1,000-acre estate that includes a lakeside 13th-century Knights Templar castle. Staying in one location allows guests to unpack once, unwind, and truly immerse themselves in the surroundings.

The tour was also a showcase of local collaboration, bringing together some of Sligo’s most talented craftspeople, musicians, and storytellers. Guests enjoyed exclusive meet-the-makers visits, including a behind-the-scenes look at John Ryan Ceramics and a hands-on demonstration at the forge of master blacksmith Michael Budd.

One of the most memorable evenings at  Temple House saw the haunting Uilleann pipes of Brian Leach drift across the lakeside night sky, guiding guests to a surprise firepit gathering. There, under the stars, the group sipped hot chocolate and listened to ghost and fairy stories told by renowned Mullaghmore storyteller Joe McGowan – an experience that perfectly captured the magic and intimacy of the week.

From private visits to traditional workshops to exploring the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast and ancient sites, each day offered a unique encounter with Irish culture. The tours particularly appeal to senior travellers and solo female travellers seeking meaningful, well-paced experiences with exclusive local access and genuine personal connection.

“Around 90% of our week was spent in Sligo, and we still only scratched the surface,” added Ciarán McHugh. “It’s the total opposite of those big whistle-stop tours that try to cover all of Ireland – you see everything, but experience nothing. Sligo has so much to offer, and what we’re doing proves you can build an incredible experience around one region.”

With Ireland in Focus now fully booked for 2025 and new dates for 2026 soon to open, the company looks set to put Sligo firmly on the map for visitors seeking authentic Irish cultural experiences.

Hawk’s Well launches Ireland’s cosiest Christmas experience at the Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote!

This December, families in Sligo – and visitors from across Ireland – can forget queues in the rain and long drives in the dark of winter: Santa’s Movigloo is here.

Created especially with families in mind, this brand-new immersive Christmas experience marks Hawk’s Well’s very first production at the newly acquired Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote, with 22 magical performances only – designed to make Christmas memories for children and the grown-ups who come with them.

Families step straight inside to magic, music, mischief and movies: Meet Santa in his BIG glowing holiday igloo. Meet their MOViGLOO band, Elf and Safety, who have songs to sing and plenty of mischievous tricks up their sleeves. Relax with a festive film while you wait.

It’s everything in one ticket, one trip – Santa + film + music + gift + photo – all on your doorstep in Sligo.

And getting there couldn’t be easier. Ballymote is just a short train ride away, with kids under 8 travelling free, and the theatre is only a six-minute walk from the station – part of the adventure for families making the trip.

No long queues in the cold, no cross-country travel, no stress. Just cosy, magical memories. In our imaginations, the family adventure of visiting Santa comes with soft falling snow, frosted wonderlands and the perfect Christmas photo.

The reality in Ireland is often very different – biting winds, battering rain, dampened spirits. Movigloo changes all that. Warm, welcoming and full of fun, every moment of the visit becomes part of the experience.

Getting there is easy too! The Art Deco is just a 6-minute walk from Ballymote Train Station, and with free train travel for under-8s, it’s the perfect festive day out for families.

“As a parent, I know the challenge – sometimes the wait can feel longer than the visit itself, or it’s a late drive into the countryside in the dark and in terrible weather conditions,” said Kieran Griffiths Director of Hawk’s Well Theatre.

“We wanted Movigloo to be different: warm, welcoming and joyful, but with all the magic of Christmas. Every minute adds to the magic, not the stress. We wanted to design something which appealed to the child, the parent and the child within the parent.”

Hawk’s Well Theatre Expands into Historic Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote

The Hawk’s Well Theatre, in partnership with Sligo County Council, have announced their expansion into the iconic Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote – a landmark moment for arts and culture in County Sligo.

This exciting development marks the beginning of a new chapter for this historic venue.

The Art Deco Theatre will play a central role in the ambitious vision of The Hawkswell to create a Creative Village for Sligo – a network of spaces dedicated to performance, rehearsal, learning, and community engagement.

As one of Ireland’s leading regional theatres, they are expanding their footprint to ensure that every community across the county, from Sligo town to its rural heartlands, can connect with creativity.

Kieran Griffiths, Director of Hawk’s Well Theatre, said:

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Art Deco allows us to extend our reach and bring the best of theatre, music, and the performing arts to a wider audience. We’re excited to engage with the community of Ballymote and its surrounding areas, to spark ideas and foster access to the arts for all. This expansion is a natural evolution of our role as a cultural lighthouse for the region.”

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, added:

“We are thrilled to see the beautiful Art Deco Theatre, first built in 1947, come alive once again under the stewardship of Hawk’s Well. This venue has deep historical and architectural significance, and its revival by a professional and visionary team is a hugely positive development for Ballymote and for Sligo. Hawk’s Well has a strong track record of artistic excellence and community engagement, and we are proud to support this exciting new chapter.”

By breathing new life into the Art Deco, The Hawk’s Well will honour its rich legacy while opening its doors to a new era of performance and participation – strengthening Sligo’s position as a vibrant hub for the arts.

The Sligo Picnic Launches: A Taste of Sligo to Take Outdoors

Sligo’s stunning landscapes and vibrant food culture come together this autumn with the launch of The Sligo Picnic – a brand-new collaboration between Sligo Food Trail and Visit Sligo.

This exciting initiative invites visitors and locals alike to savour the very best of Sligo’s food and drink offering while exploring the county’s mountains, lakes, beaches, towns, villages and heritage sites.

From cafés and hotels to restaurants and artisan producers, members of the Sligo Food Trail are creating premium picnic experiences designed for every kind of day out.

Whether you are setting off on a coastal walk along any point on the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoying a hike in the Ox Mountains, planning a round of golf on a world class links golf course, or relaxing by a lake shore in South Sligo, you can now take the flavours of Sligo with you.

Each picnic is crafted using the finest and freshest ingredients – celebrating Sligo’s thriving food scene while connecting people to the county’s breathtaking outdoors.

Families, couples, friends, golfers, surfers, and walkers alike can all enjoy a ready-to-go taste of Sligo that enhances every adventure.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy said:
“Food is central to the Sligo experience – it is a reflection of our people, our creativity, and our landscape. The Sligo Picnic brings together two of our greatest strengths: outstanding local produce and the natural beauty of our outdoors.

Whether you are in South Sligo exploring our lakes and heritage trails, in West or North Sligo along the Wild Atlantic Way, or in the bustling heart of Sligo town, this initiative ensures you can enjoy the very best of Sligo’s food wherever your journey takes you.”

The Sligo Picnic is designed to support local businesses, promote sustainability through local sourcing and appropriate packaging, and provide visitors with memorable experiences that combine taste, place, and community.

Members of the Sligo Food Trail taking part in the campaign include GG’s Foodtruck, Hooked, Sligo Wellness Centre, Cawley’s Hotel, Diamond Coast Hotel, Ocean Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, The Address Sligo, The Glasshouse and The Riverside Hotel.

Carrowmore Visitor Centre Reopens

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, visited Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Co. Sligo to view the completion of refurbishment works at the visitor centre. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the oldest and largest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland with remains of over 35 passage tombs constructed almost 6,000 years ago.

Minister Moran, said “I am delighted to see these works in the final stages at the Carrowmore Visitor Centre. The refurbished, modernised and fully accessible visitor centre will enhance the overall visitor experience. If you are making a trip to Sligo make sure to pay a visit to Carrowmore Monolithic site. We will be open this year until December 3rd with an extended season.

The upgraded visitor centre includes new immersive interpretation and exhibitions, increased accessibility including baby-changing facilities, upgraded staff accommodation and sheltered outdoor areas, including a new glazed canopy to facilitate guided tours. This project has been funded by Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In recognition of the demand to experience this unique site, the OPW is extending the visitor season at Carrowmore until 3 December 2025. This will allow more people the opportunity to explore the megalithic landscape and the new facilities. The refurbished Visitor Centre offering will be officially launched in March 2026 with a national and international promotional campaign.

Carrowmore Monolithic Site is located near Sligo town on the Cúil Íorra Peninsula, at the heart of Neolithic north-west Ireland. It promises to become a cornerstone of Sligo’s cultural tourism, blending centuries of history with a modern visitor experience. For more information about this historic location please see – www.heritageireland.ie

Visit Sligo “Ideas Engine” Wins Prestigious eGovernment Award

Sligo County Council is celebrating national recognition after its innovative tourism platform, the Ideas Engine, won a top honour at the Ireland eGovernment Awards held in O’Reilly Hall, Belfield on the 18th September and attended by Minister Jack Chambers.

The Ireland eGovernment Awards, now in their 23rd year, are the recognised benchmark for excellence in digital government services in Ireland. They celebrate innovation, creativity, and leadership in the public sector, honouring projects that transform how services are delivered to citizens through technology.

The Ideas Engine, a first-of-its-kind digital tool in Ireland, was awarded for its excellence in digital innovation and citizen engagement. The app stood out for its personalised itinerary-building capabilities, powered by local data and AI, which connect visitors with experiences across County Sligo — from scenic trails and cultural events to food, wellness, and family fun.

Commenting on the success of the Ideas Engine, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, said:

“This award is a testament to what can happen when innovation, local talent, and a love for Sligo come together. The Ideas Engine is more than a tool — it’s a celebration of everything that makes our county special. We’re proud to lead the way in digital tourism.”

Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon, added:

“Winning this award reflects our commitment to smart, sustainable development and the power of collaboration. The Ideas Engine is a shining example of how technology can enhance visitor experiences while supporting local businesses and communities.”

The project was developed in collaboration with tourism students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, who played a key role in researching and organising local tourism data. Their involvement brought fresh insights and ensured the platform reflects the full diversity of Sligo’s offerings.

The technical delivery of the Ideas Engine was provided by Great Visitor Experiences, an Irish-based tourism promotion brand known for its cutting-edge digital solutions. Their expertise helped bring the platform to life, making it accessible, intuitive, and impactful for both visitors and locals.

Accessible via www.sligo.ie/visit/ideas-engine, the Ideas Engine continues to evolve as a cornerstone of Sligo’s smart tourism strategy — connecting people with unforgettable experiences across every corner of the county. It marks a new approach in destination marketing in Ireland, being the first platform of its kind in the country.

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