Bealtaine Festival Sligo 2026 – A Month‑Long Celebration of Creativity, Community & Culture Every May, Sligo comes alive with Bealtaine – Ireland’s national festival celebrating arts and creativity as we age. This year’s programme is one of the most vibrant yet, with over 70 events spanning music, visual art, dance, literature, workshops, talks, and community […]
Andy Fairweather Low came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner. The 60s saw them clock up hit after pop hit. Songs such as 'Bend Me Shape Me', 'Hello Suzy', '( If Paradise is ) Half As Nice' are internationally remembered to this day. But if you were paying close attention, you might have picked […]
Shaskeen is a legendary Irish traditional band whose journey spans over five decades of preserving and innovating Ireland’s rich musical heritage. Formed in 1970 in the historic setting of the Oxford Tavern, Kentish Town, London, the band has established itself as a cornerstone of Irish music, renowned for their captivating performances and deep cultural roots. […]
Love Is A Stranger festival at Juniper Barn is a unique event that combines music, arts, and community engagement. The festival will feature a diverse line-up of local and international artists and DJs, creating an atmosphere perfect for an early summer party. Attendees can enjoy the Wild Folk Dining experience in the Turf Barn, which […]
Irish country music icon Declan Nerney has been inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a beloved national treasure. The honour was bestowed during the Late Late Country Music Special, where Nerney received his award to the delight of fans and fellow artists alike. A Lifetime of Music, Charm, and Heartfelt Storytelling. Born in Drumlish, […]
The Sligo County Fleadh is an annual celebration of traditional Irish music and dance taking place in County Sligo. The next event is scheduled for May 30th and 31st, 2026, featuring competitions, performances, and a variety of events showcasing the best of Sligo's traditional music talent. The festival attracts up to 400 competitors and includes […]
Califone is an acclaimed musical project centered around Tim Rutili and a regular and rotating list of contributors. Formed out of the Chicago band Red Red Meat, they've been exploring the tension between experimental noise, acoustic texture, technology, humanity, cinematic images and microscopic poetry since 1998 with over a dozen albums of sleeper hits and […]
The Druids, winners of the prestigious Irish Folk Music Award for Best Live Act, have been enchanting audiences since their formation in 2008 by founding members Mick O’Brien and Gary Lawlor. Over the years, the band has evolved with the addition of master accordion player Neil Harney from Athlone and Dublin guitarist Kevin Rooney, who […]
Head to Enniscrone every Monday evening for an unforgettable evening of flavour and foot-tapping fun! The Diamond Coast Hotel are bringing the best of the west to your Monday nights with their brand new Trad & Tapas experience. Relax in the cosy surrounds of the Inishaven Bar as you soak up the sounds of live […]
Sun. 7 Jun. 2026, 1 – 3pm €8pp, children go free Informal Music Afternoons are a series of monthly events, presented in partnership with Sligo Baroque Orchestra, where an eclectic mix of music is performed in a welcoming format in The Model’s Atrium space. The Informal Music Afternoon is an ideal way to spend a […]
On Friday 12 June 2026 at 7:30pm, the Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange will come alive with powerful harmonies, uplifting music and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of this talented local choir. Their Summer Serenade promises an evening of energy, praise and connection — a perfect way to celebrate the season. […]
Join a special screening of a poetic and music-driven documentary by Niall Breslin (Bressie) exploring his deep personal connection to the iconic Benbulben and the landscape of Sligo. Following the screening, Bressie will take part in a live Q&A, sharing insights into the film and the inspiration he draws from the mountain and the Northwest.
Join this free walking tour of Sligo and discover Sligo’s historical, musical, sporting and cultural gems. Your experienced and professional guide will entertain you on this two hour tour which departs every Thursday to Saturday at 3.00pm between 2nd July 2026 and September 26th 2026. The tour departs from the Discover Ireland Tourist Information Centre […]
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter, great food, and relaxing comfort at the Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone. Join us for a fantastic Comedy Night with Danny O’Brien, one of Ireland’s most in-demand comedians, known for his quick wit, high-energy performances, and hilarious storytelling. Whether you’re planning a night away or simply looking for […]
Inspired by the creative energy of Ireland’s Northwest, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is a unique coming together of artists and audiences. It is a celebration of imagination and shared experience that welcomes all. Cairde Sligo Arts Festival works across three main areas: Festival Programme: They present an 8-day multidisciplinary arts festival each year in July […]
Sat. 4 Jul. 2026, 3.30pm – 11.30pm Screening | Visual Art | Dance Admission Free, suggested donation of €10 with proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians Referencing the 1935 novel They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, which tells the story of gruelling dance competitions as a form of entertainment during the Great Depression, they shoot horses was a […]
Sat. 4 Jul. 2026, 11.30pm Admission Free To celebrate the opening of Cairde Sligo Arts Festival and following Phil Collins’ durational film event they shoot horses, Cairde and The Model are delighted to present Select. Select is a Sligo based, grassroots collective and club night pushing underground dance music on Ireland’s west coast made up of notjack and […]
South Sligo Summer School (Scoil Samhraidh Shligigh Theas) is a long-running cultural festival and educational programme dedicated to traditional Irish arts, held each year in Tubbercurry, County Sligo. At its heart, it is a week-long summer school focused on traditional Irish music, song, and dance, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels. Founded in […]
The Ballygawley Music Festival is now a four-night annual event held in Ballygawley Village, Co. Sligo, attracting music fans from Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Founded in 2019, the festival is organized by local volunteers and is known for its high-quality performances, lively atmosphere, and community spirit. The festival is for over 18s and includes […]
The Wipeout Festival in Strandhill, Co. Sligo is a free, summer event that blends live music, local art, and surf culture right by the Atlantic at the National Surf Centre. Usually held in mid-July, it showcases emerging Irish bands in a relaxed outdoor setting during the day, with additional gigs and after-parties in nearby pubs […]
Summer School Sligo International Jazz Summer School is a 6 day event featuring workshops, masterclasses and jam sessions with some of the world’s finest jazz educators and musicians. Jazz Festival Previous festival acts have included Mike Stern/ Victor Wooten Band, Dhafer Youssef, Kenny Werner, Avishai Cohen, Yellowjackets, Christian Scott, The Bad Plus and many more. […]
An Evening with Joanna Sweeney & Friends at the Coleman Traditional Irish Music Centre Join acclaimed traditional musician Joanna Sweeney for a special evening of music at the Coleman Traditional Irish Music Centre, Gurteen, where she will be joined by an outstanding lineup of talented musicians: Padraic Collins, Junior Davey, Cliodhna Quinlan, and Mark Murphy. Together, this exceptional group brings a wealth […]
Set along the sweeping Atlantic shoreline, the Black Pig Festival is the heartbeat of summer in the seaside village of Enniscrone, drawing locals and visitors together each year for a lively celebration of community, culture and coastal life. Held at the end of July, the festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of music, […]
Set against the lively backdrop of Queen Maeve’s Square in the heart of Sligo, the Taste of Sligo Food Festival has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting culinary gatherings along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. First launched in 2024, the festival was created to showcase the richness of Sligo’s food culture while drawing […]
