The Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival, set for 1 to 9 August in Birr, Co. Offaly, will offer a nine-day programme celebrating the town’s Georgian heritage alongside a diverse array of arts and community events.
Visitors can expect over 90 events across 40 locations, including visual arts exhibitions, theatre performances, live music, street entertainment, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Key events include the Vintage Sunday Parade, featuring vintage cars and period costumes, drawing thousands of spectators, and the Crinkill Soapbox Race, a lively community competition. The Courthouse Yard will serve as an arts hub, hosting visual arts workshops, music, and exhibitions such as “The Reason of Towns,” a touring display by the Irish Architecture Foundation celebrating architect Valerie Mulvin’s work. Other highlights include a fireworks display, the Birr Air Display, and the Vintage Market on Green Street, offering artisan food and crafts.
Art exhibitions, like the Press Photographers Association of Ireland’s national touring collection and the Birr Crafters’ “Views of Birr” in memory of Frankie Gallagher, will be showcased at venues like Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and St. Brendan’s Hall.
Family-oriented activities, such as pavement art, treasure hunts, and workshops with artists like Caoimhe Dunn, cater to younger visitors, with many events free or low-cost. The festival also features historical talks, film screenings by Birr Historical Society, and community events like the Donkey Derby and Vintage Tennis. Visitors can explore Birr’s Georgian architecture, Birr Castle Demesne, or nearby attractions like the River Shannon, with accommodation options at the County Arms Hotel or local guesthouses.
Initiated in 1968 by a group of local volunteers, including members of the Birr Historical Society, the festival was established to celebrate the town’s Georgian heritage and vintage culture, starting with a focus on classic cars and period costumes.
Over its 57-year history, it has grown into one of Ireland’s longest-running festivals of its kind, earning national recognition for its blend of historical and cultural celebration. Now attracting over 20,000 visitors annually, it generates significant economic impact for Birr, with the 2023 Vintage Sunday Parade alone drawing 8,500 spectators.
The festival’s community-driven ethos, supported by sponsors like the Arts Council and Offaly County Council, has sustained its growth. Caroline Conway, the current chairperson and visual arts coordinator, has led the festival since at least 2023, overseeing innovative additions like the 2024 route change for the Vintage Sunday Parade to reduce costs and the expansion of the arts programme. Her leadership emphasises collaboration with local businesses, volunteers, and community groups, ensuring the festival remains a cornerstone of Birr’s cultural identity.
The 2025 festival, marking its 57th year, will continue to balance tradition with new offerings, supported by a dedicated team and volunteers. Plans to redevelop the old Courthouse into a creative hub are underway, enhancing the festival’s infrastructure. Visitors are encouraged to check www.birrvintageweek.com for the full programme, expected to be released closer to the event, and to support local sponsors.
