Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Kerry from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a strong emphasis on outdoor adventures, nature, dark skies, wellness, and cultural heritage across iconic spots like Killarney National Park, the Iveragh Peninsula, Fenit, Tralee, and the Dingle Peninsula.
Major Festivals
- Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival (20-22 March): The fifth edition of this astronomy celebration in the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, spanning locations across the Iveragh Peninsula (Waterville, Cahersiveen, Portmagee, Valentia Island). It includes astronomy talks, guided stargazing sessions, family workshops, art installations, and events tied to Irish Astronomy Week, highlighting one of the world’s premier dark sky areas.
- Wander Wild Festival Killarney (17-19 April): Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival in Killarney National Park and town (now in its 5th year). It offers over 120 events blending adventure (hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, pony trekking, stand-up paddleboarding on the lakes) with wellness (yoga, mindfulness, sunrise swims), evening entertainment, and a buzzing basecamp in the UNESCO-protected landscape.
- Wild Mind Festival (24-26 April): A vibrant celebration of nature, biodiversity, creativity, and community in the coastal village of Fenit. It features inspiring talks, guided nature walks along the scenic Kerry coastline, creative workshops, music, and family-friendly activities to foster connection with the environment.
- Kerry Camino Walking Festival (1-3 May): An annual three-day guided walking event following the historic Kerry Camino route from Tralee to Dingle, tracing the footsteps of St. Brendan and ancient pilgrims. It includes multi-day hikes with scenic views, community spirit, and cultural insights (starts on 1 May within the period).
- May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival & Comic Con (begins 1 May): A fun, themed event at Portmagee Whiskey in Portmagee, celebrating science fiction, comic book culture, and the area’s Star Wars connections (e.g., Skellig Michael filming locations), with screenings, cosplay, panels, and fan activities.
Arts & Culture Events
- LOINNIR presented by Céim Arts (22 March): A showcase of traditional Irish song, dance, and storytelling at Siamsa T√≠re in Tralee, featuring talented performers from academies across Kerry.
- European Wool Experience (25-28 March): A conference and vibrant event series in Tralee (with a main free, family-friendly day on 28 March at Meadowlands Hotel), focusing on wool heritage, craftsmanship, demonstrations, and related activities.
- Easter Puppet Workshop (late March/early April): A creative, family-oriented puppet-making and performance workshop in Tralee as part of the spring season.
Sports & Active Events
- Tralee 50K Ultra Marathon (21 March): A challenging long-distance road ultra starting and finishing in Tralee.
- Fenit Coastal Cycle (21 March): A scenic cycling event along the beautiful coastline near Fenit.
- Streets of Killarney 5 Mile (3 April): A community road race organised by Killarney Valley Athletic Club, starting at Killarney House.
- Run Ballybunion (4 April): A popular seaside community running event in the coastal town of Ballybunion.
- Cnoc na dTobar Good Friday Guided Walk (3 April): A sacred guided hike up the historic mountain near Cahersiveen, blending spirituality, history, and stunning views.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Kerry is a major hub for Irish tourism and culture, hosting world-famous festivals that range from ancient pagan traditions to international film and literature events.
- Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh (February): A five-day traditional music spring school in Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula, featuring workshops, concerts, and sessions.
- The Gathering Traditional Festival (March): A premier celebration of Irish traditional music and set dancing held in Killarney, attracting dancers from all over the world.
- Killarney St. Patrick’s Festival (March): A multi-day celebration featuring a massive parade, lake-based activities, and buildings illuminated in green across the town.
- Feile na Bealtaine (May): A vibrant arts and culture festival in Dingle that marks the beginning of summer with street performances, poetry, and concerts.
- Listowel Writers’ Week (May/June): Ireland’s oldest literary festival, bringing together internationally acclaimed authors and aspiring writers for workshops and readings in North Kerry.
- Ireland BikeFest (June): A massive three-day motorcycle festival in Killarney featuring bike parades, custom shows, and live rock music.
- Killarney Races (May, July & August): A scenic horse racing festival held over several three-day meetings, famous for its “Ladies’ Day” and mountain backdrops.
- Sneem Family Festival (July): A community-focused week in the picturesque village of Sneem featuring raft races, guided walks, and children’s entertainment.
- Puck Fair (August): One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, held in Killorglin, where a wild mountain goat is crowned “King Puck” and presides over three days of markets and music.
- Rose of Tralee International Festival (August): A globally recognized celebration of Irish culture and heritage where women of Irish descent from around the world compete for the title of “The Rose.”
- Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival (August): A tribute to the film legend (who was a frequent visitor) held in Waterville, featuring screenings, stand-up, and street theatre.
- Dingle Food Festival (October): A massive culinary event featuring the famous “Taste Trail,” where visitors use tokens to sample food and drink from over 70 venues across the town.
- Kerry International Film Festival (October): A Killarney-based festival showcasing international and local cinema, with a strong focus on short films and emerging talent.
- Other Voices (December): An intimate and world-renowned music festival in Dingle that records high-profile international and Irish acts in St. James’ Church.
- Christmas in Killarney (November/December): A winter festival featuring festive parades, an outdoor ice rink, and traditional Christmas markets.
Festivals
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