Tubbercurry Old Fair Day 2026 Festival Launched
Over 50 Traditional Crafts and Heritage Demonstrations to Feature at Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival 2026
As Ireland celebrates Craft Month this August, Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival returns with one of the country’s largest showcases of traditional skills and heritage, bringing together more than 50 craft and heritage demonstrations on Old Fair Day, Wednesday 12th August together with displays of vintage machinery, crafts and live music.
Celebrating 41 years since the revival of the traditional Fair Day in 1985, the five-day festival (8–12 August) has grown into one of Ireland’s leading heritage events, attracting visitors from across Ireland while also welcoming members of the diaspora back to Tubbercurry to reconnect with their roots and community.
From basket weaving, pottery, ironmongery and thatching to wood turning, butter making, haymaking, threshing and traditional musical instrument making, visitors will have the opportunity to meet skilled craftspeople and heritage practitioners who continue to preserve and share these important traditions.
Rather than simply viewing exhibits, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience. The Heritage and Craft Village offers opportunities to engage with demonstrators, learn about traditional skills and gain a deeper understanding of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Families can also visit the Little Folks Fair, where children can try their hand at traditional crafts, creative activities and interactive workshops designed to inspire the next generation of makers and storytellers. Combined with artisan food producers, vintage displays, animal exhibits, music and family entertainment, the festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditions, skills and community spirit that shaped rural Ireland for generations.
Festival Chair Louise Kilbane said: “At the heart of the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival is a commitment to preserving and celebrating our heritage. The crafts and demonstrations on display are not simply exhibitions; they are living traditions being passed from one generation to the next. We are proud to provide a platform for these skilled craftspeople while creating an authentic and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. We are also very proud of our new Youth Committee, established this year to help shape the future of the festival. Their enthusiasm, ideas and involvement ensure that the traditions we celebrate today will continue to be valued and enjoyed by future generations.”
A key feature of this year’s festival is the continued involvement of young people through the Old Fair Day Youth Committee. Young volunteers have played an active role in shaping elements of the programme, helping ensure that the festival remains relevant and engaging for future generations while maintaining its strong connection to local traditions and community values. The Youth Committee will organise the popular Family Fun Day and support activities throughout the festival, helping to create opportunities for children and families to connect with local heritage through fun, interactive experiences.
The highlight of the festival takes place on Wednesday 12th August when the streets of Tubbercurry are transformed into a bustling Fair Day experience featuring hundreds of exhibitors, traditional craft and heritage demonstrations, artisan food and craft stalls, vintage machinery and vehicle displays, children’s entertainment, street performances and interactive family activities. Visitors can spend the day exploring the sights, sounds and traditions of rural Ireland before enjoying a free outdoor concert in Wolfe Tone Square featuring one of Ireland’s most popular country music stars, Jimmy Buckley and His Band.
Families can enjoy the Little Folks Fair in St Brigid’s Hall, featuring crafts, workshops, activities and a dedicated sensory area, while visitors can also take part in dance workshops with South Sligo Summer School and Bróga Bríomhar Dance School. Ocean FM will broadcast live from Wolfe Tone Square.
The festival programme also includes the Tubbercurry Trail Parkrun, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Duck Race, Live music on the Saturday night with Wolfhound, Family Fun activities on Sunday and Tuesday, Square Sundays Car and Coffee Meet Up, the Real Tubber Headers Cup and a celebration of 80 years of Phoenix Players.
As a voluntary community festival, Tubbercurry Old Fair Day continues to thrive thanks to the support of local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, community organisations, Sligo County Council, Fáilte Ireland and visitors who return year after year.
For more information, follow them on social media or visit their website: www.oldfairday.ie
