County Antrim, home to Belfast and the Causeway Coast, hosts a mix of recurring annual events; many are cultural staples likely to proceed in 2026, though exact details may be confirmed closer to the time.
Music & Culture Festivals:
- Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (August 2-9, 2026): The world’s largest Irish music festival descends on Belfast, celebrating traditional music, song, and dance.
- Stendhal Festival (July 2-4, 2026): A vibrant music and arts festival on the scenic Causeway Coast.
- NI Science Festival (Feb 11-22, 2026): Over 250 events celebrating science across Antrim.
Traditional & Food Events:
- Ould Lammas Fair (Late August 2026): Ballycastle hosts Ireland’s oldest dating back centuries, with horse trading, stalls selling dulse and yellow man, artisan markets, entertainment, a lively atmosphere rooted in harvest traditions., and treats like Yellowman & Dulse.
- Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival (Early October 2026): Celebrate local produce with a focus on salmon and Bushmills Whiskey along the coast.
Motorsports & Outdoors:
- North West 200 (May 7-9, 2026): A major international road racing event on the North Coast.
- Witches & Ghosts of the North Coast Tour (Feb 7, 2026): A unique, themed historical tour along the North Coast.
Also:
- NI Science Festival (11–22 February, primarily in Belfast): A wide-ranging celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, featuring over 250 events including workshops, talks, debates, comedy, and family-friendly activities across various venues.
- St Patrick’s Day Celebrations (17 March, county-wide including Belfast and Antrim towns): Parades, music, and community events honouring Ireland’s patron saint, with lively festivities showcasing Irish culture and heritage.
- Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival (2–4 May, Glenarm): A vibrant spring event in the walled garden of Glenarm Castle, displaying thousands of tulips alongside live entertainment, family activities, carnival rides, food stalls, and crafts.
- Belsonic (June, Ormeau Park, Belfast): A major outdoor music festival series featuring top international and local acts across various genres, held in one of Belfast’s premier parks.
- The Twelfth (Orangemen’s Day) (12 July or nearest Monday if on weekend, county-wide parades including Ballymena, Antrim, and other towns): Commemorative parades and demonstrations by the Orange Order celebrating colonial heritage, with marching bands and community gatherings.
- Antrim Coast Half Marathon (likely August, Larne area): A scenic international running event along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, drawing elite athletes and participants for a challenging and picturesque race
Antrim:
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Festivals
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
