CARLOW events: Upcoming Festivals in Ireland’s county Carlow

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Carlow from 20 March to 1 May 2026, delivering an energetic blend of Celtic culture, high-profile live music, family Easter fun, contemporary art, local markets, and outdoor heritage walks across Carlow Town, Leighlinbridge, Graiguenamanagh, and scenic spots like Duckett’s Grove and Altamont Gardens. This spring period showcases Carlow’s vibrant community spirit, musical heritage, and emerging garden beauty, with Easter (3-6 April) adding extra family appeal.

Major Festivals & Seasonal Events

Pan Celtic Festival (7-12 April): A flagship celebration of the six Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany) hosted in Carlow Town. Expect street performances, choral competitions, traditional music sessions, c√©il√≠ dancing, cultural workshops, and the highlight Pan Celtic Song Contest-transforming the town into a hub of Celtic pride, language, and music over the Easter holiday week.
Easter at Duckett’s Grove (5 April): A family-oriented fun day at the atmospheric Gothic ruins of Duckett’s Grove near Carlow Town, featuring Easter egg hunts across the grounds, traditional games, craft stalls, face painting, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities with the historic backdrop-ideal for children and families enjoying the open parkland.
Carlow Garden Festival (Spring Openings) (mid-April onward): While the main summer festival runs later, many properties on the Carlow Garden Trail open for spring visits in April. Highlights include guided “Spring Awakening” tours, plant sales, woodland walks, and early blooms at Altamont Gardens (famous for its rhododendrons and lakeside paths) and Huntington Castle (with its formal gardens and historic house tours).

Live Music & Performance

The Tumbling Paddies (20 March): High-energy folk-rock from one of Ireland’s most popular bands at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow Town-expect lively sets, crowd sing-alongs, and their signature blend of trad and modern vibes.
The High Kings (27 March): The world-renowned Irish ballad group performs timeless folk classics at the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art & George Bernard Shaw Theatre in Carlow Town.
Lyra (11 April): Rising Irish pop sensation Lyra brings her powerful vocals and intimate yet dynamic set to Visual Carlow as part of her 2026 tour.
Johnny Cash – The Concert (17 April): A faithful tribute to Johnny Cash at the Visual Theatre, covering iconic hits from the Sun Records era through to the American Recordings period with authentic sound and storytelling.
Mike Denver & Guests (23 April): A top Irish country music night at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, featuring Mike Denver and special guests delivering upbeat hits and dance-floor favourites.

Arts & Community

Visual Carlow Spring Exhibitions (20 March – 1 May): Rotating contemporary art installations and exhibitions at the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art in Carlow Town. The expansive Link Gallery and other spaces showcase emerging and established artists in a range of media-free entry makes it an accessible cultural highlight.
Tullow Agricultural Show Table Quiz (27 March): A lively community fundraiser and social evening at Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow, with teams competing in a themed quiz ahead of the summer agricultural show season-great fun and local camaraderie.
Carlow Farmers’ Market (every Saturday morning): A weekly staple at the Potato Market in Carlow Town, offering fresh local produce, artisan breads, cheeses, crafts, street food, and seasonal treats-a true mini-festival of county producers.

Sports & Outdoors

Carlow v Wicklow (Allianz Football League) (22 March): A keenly anticipated local derby in Division 3/4 (depending on standings) at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow Town-expect passionate GAA support and competitive football action.
The Barrow Way Walks (spring schedule from April): Guided historical and scenic walks along the Barrow Track and towpath in Leighlinbridge and Graiguenamanagh, highlighting lock houses, old mills, wildlife, and river heritage as the weather improves-suitable for various fitness levels.

Annual & recurring festivals

Snowdrop Week (February): A month-long celebration at Altamont Gardens and Delta Sensory Gardens featuring guided tours of one of Ireland’s largest snowdrop collections.
St Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Traditional festivities including parades across towns like Carlow, Tullow, and Borris, along with music events at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
Seachtain na Gaeilge (March): A nationwide Irish language festival with a specific programme of local events held throughout Carlow Town.
International Pan Celtic Festival (April): A major cultural gathering of the six Celtic nations featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling competitions and performances.
Carlow Arts Festival (May/June): An eclectic multi-disciplinary festival that kicks off the Irish summer season with theatre, circus, visual arts, and the “Carnival of Collective Joy”.
Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas (June): A world-renowned literary event at historic Borris House bringing together international authors, journalists, and thinkers for intimate discussions.
Carlow Garden Festival (July/August): A celebration of the county’s renowned gardens featuring talks by gardening experts, workshops, and guided tours of public and private estates.
Tullow Agricultural Show (August): A traditional agricultural event showcasing livestock, local crafts, and family entertainment.
Féile Vegan (August): Ireland’s only dedicated vegan festival, held at Lisnavagh House, featuring plant-based food vendors, eco-workshops, and live music.
Hidden Hearth Wellness Festival (October): An intimate wellness gathering focused on yoga, mindfulness, and nature connection at Lisnavagh House.
Samhain Festival (October/November): A town-wide celebration of the ancient Celtic festival featuring haunting events at venues like VISUAL and Duckett’s Grove.
Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow (November/December): A newer Christmas festival across the county featuring festive markets, light installations, and family performances.