Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Wicklow from 20 March to 1 May 2026, showcasing the “Garden of Ireland’s” stunning landscapes through scenic runs, adventure races, wellness retreats, live music, and family Easter celebrations across towns like Wicklow Town, Bray, Glendalough, Arklow, and Gorey. This spring period emphasises outdoor exploration, holistic wellbeing, and cultural performances, with Easter (3-6 April) enhancing family activities.
Major Festivals & Sports Events
- Wicklow Half Marathon & 10km (22 March): A scenic coastal road race starting in Wicklow Town, offering half-marathon and 10km distances along the picturesque Wicklow coastline-popular with runners and walkers for its stunning sea views and supportive atmosphere.
- Easter in Wicklow (28 March – 6 April): A county-wide series of family-friendly holiday events, including egg hunts, trails, workshops, and seasonal fun at major sites like Wells House & Gardens (Gorey) with scavenger hunts, chocolate rewards, and new Little Bo Peep Train Rides, plus activities at Avondale Forest Park and other estates.
- Quest Glendalough (18 April): An epic one-day adventure race in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough Valley, combining trail running and cycling through dramatic scenery-ideal for endurance enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience.
- Hell & Back Trail Running @ Dawn (25 April): A sunrise trail run focused purely on natural terrain (no obstacles), highlighting the rugged beauty of Wicklow’s mountains and forests in a peaceful, early-morning setting.
- Bray Jazz Festival (starting 1 May, over the May Bank Holiday weekend 1-4 May): The silver jubilee edition of this acclaimed festival in Bray, featuring international and local jazz artists (e.g., Fred Hersch Trio, Roberto Fonseca) across venues like the Mermaid Arts Centre, with concerts, sessions, and vibrant performances.
Special Workshops & Retreats
- Spring Equinox Self-Care Workshop (21 March): A holistic wellbeing session at Festina Lente in Bray, focusing on renewal practices, mindfulness, and creative self-care for the new season.
- Wild Women Wellness and Sauna (22 March): A women’s health and relaxation event in the scenic Glendalough area, combining wellness activities with sauna experiences amid nature.
- Return to Balance – Spring Equinox Retreat (29 March): A day of deep rest, yoga nidra, movement meditation, and seaside serenity at the Gorse Hill Centre in Rathdown Upper.
- Wildflower Creative Retreat (10-12 April): A weekend getaway at Mucklagh Lodge in Aughavannagh, featuring craft workshops, sewing, watercolour painting, and inspiration from spring wildflowers.
- Victorian Kitchen Garden Programme (19 April): A workshop series at Festina Lente in Bray on traditional gardening techniques, heritage plants, and sustainable practices.
Music & Performance
- Rock Icons Show (21 March): A high-energy classic rock tribute concert at the Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre in Bray, featuring hits from bands like AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses.
- The Fuel of Youth Screening (20 March): A specialised film screening event in Baltinglass, likely tied to local cultural or motivational themes.
- Damien Dempsey Live (11 April): The acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter performs heartfelt folk and roots music at the Arklow Bay Hotel.
- Hothouse Flowers (25 April, acoustic show): The iconic Irish soul-rock band delivers an intimate performance at the Arklow Bay Hotel, blending powerful vocals and traditional influences.
Ongoing Seasonal Activities
- Adventure Walk in Dorlindon Forest: Daily guided trails through the Realm of Dorlindon Forest, exploring hidden shrines, mysterious paths, and enchanting woodland scenery.
- Daredevil Circus Bray (20-22 March): A travelling circus show at the Bray seafront near Star Leisure, with thrilling performances and family entertainment.
Annual and recurring festivals
- Snowdrop Festival (February): A month-long celebration at Altamont Gardens and Hunting Brook, featuring guided tours of rare snowdrop collections.
- Wicklow Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the St. Patrick’s Hall in Arklow, featuring top theatrical groups from across Ireland.
- St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Major community parades and family events held in Bray, Wicklow Town, Arklow, and Greystones.
- Bray Comedy Festival (April): A multi-day event featuring top Irish and international stand-up comedians in venues across the seaside town.
- Wicklow Walking Festival (May): A series of guided hikes through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ridges.
- Garden Festival at June Fest (June): A celebration of the county’s private and public gardens, featuring talks by expert gardeners and floral displays in Enniskerry.
- Viking Festival (June): A historical reenactment weekend in Wicklow Town, celebrating the town’s Norse origins with longships, battles, and traditional crafts.
- Bray Air Display (July): One of Ireland’s largest free spectator events, featuring spectacular aerial performances by vintage and modern aircraft over the seafront.
- Groove Festival (July): A family-friendly music and food festival held in the scenic surroundings of Bray or Kilruddery House.
- Heritage Week (August): Extensive events across the county focused on Glendalough, Russborough House, and Powerscourt Estate.
- Music Under the Mountains (September): A traditional Irish music festival held in the village of Hollywood, featuring sessions, workshops, and concerts.
- Wicklow Screen Arts Festival (September): A celebration of the county’s long history as a filming location, featuring screenings, workshops, and location tours.
- Bray Jazz Festival (May/October): An internationally recognized jazz event featuring a diverse lineup of world-class musicians in various venues.
- EcoTrail Wicklow (September): A major international trail running event and festival based in Bray, attracting runners from across the globe.
- October Harvest Festival (October): A celebration of local artisan food and traditional crafts held at Kilruddery House and Gardens.
- Wicklow Christmas Market (November/December): A festive celebration in Wicklow Town featuring traditional wooden chalets, a Santa Express train, and an outdoor ice rink.
- Christmas at Powerscourt (December): A high-end festive experience featuring traditional decorations, storytelling by the fire, and artisan craft fairs.
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