The Swift & Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, County Kildare runs from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 19 July 2026.
This annual arts festival celebrates the unique literary relationship between author Jonathan Swift and Esther Vanhomrigh (whom he called “Vanessa”), who lived at Celbridge Abbey.
The 2026 edition highlights the 300th anniversary of the publication of Gulliver’s Travels. It features an extensive line-up of author talks, musical concerts, local workshops, and heritage celebrations.
- Dates: 9–19 July 2026: Multiple venues across Celbridge including Castletown House (Hunting Room), Christ Church Celbridge, Celbridge Library, and Kildrought House. Prices vary by event (many are free). A Gulliver Traveller’s Pass costs €10 and provides a 25% discount on festival arts ticket sales. You can buy passes and manage bookings directly via the Swift and Vanessa Official Website or on their Ticket Tailor Page.
- Thursday 16 July 2026, Literary Evening, 18:30, The Hunting Room, Castletown House, Interviews with authors Mary O’Donnell (Sweep the Cobwebs off the Sky) and Martina Murphy (DS Lucy Golden series), followed by a reception.
- Friday 17 July 2026, Book Reading: ‘Swift, Vanessa & the Sluttery’, 17:30, Castletown House, Author Cathy Conlon reads from her new book exploring the historical nuances of Swift and Vanessa’s relationship.
- Saturday 18 July 2026, Swift’s Salon, 12:15, Christ Church Celbridge, Readings of new local writing interspersed with music from the Arietta Trio and flautist Andrew Keeling., €5 (Free for OAPs, students, and low-waged).
- Saturday 18 July 2026, In Conversation with Katriona O’Sullivan, 14:00, Christ Church Celbridge, A live talk with the bestselling author of Poor.
- Saturday 18 July 2026, In Conversation with Dearbhla Mescal, 15:30–17:00, Christ Church Celbridge, Interview regarding her debut book Finding Joy: Words to capture the beauty of ordinary life., €15 standard entry (concessions €10, youth/children free).
- Saturday 18 July 2026, Ronan Tynan and Deirdre Masterson in Concert, 20:00, Christ Church Celbridge, Headline musical celebration marking the Gulliver’s Travels tricentenary, featuring the renowned tenor and soprano with the Irish College of Music Theatre ensemble., Tickets start at €15.
- Sunday 19 July 2026: Gulliver’s Travels 300th Anniversary Finale, Castletown House & Parklands, The grand festival culmination featuring family entertainment, markets, craft exhibitions, and the official launch of four satirical Gulliver voyage cartoons by illustrator Harry Burton.
