Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Longford from 20 March to 1 May 2026, offering a blend of literary celebrations, outdoor sporting challenges, community socials, and potential smaller cultural activities across towns like Granard and Longford Town. This spring period showcases the county’s literary heritage, scenic waterways, and community spirit.
Major Festivals and Multi-Day Events
- Granard Booktown Festival (16-19 April 2026): A vibrant literary festival in Granard, featuring book fairs, author readings, discussions, workshops, and appearances by writers, speakers, and artists. It honours the town’s historic storytelling connections and draws book lovers for an engaging weekend of culture and creativity.
Community & Outdoor Events
- Midlands TY Ball 2026 (3 April @ 20:00): A lively social evening and dance for Transition Year students from the Midlands region, held at the Palace Venue & Nightclub in Longford Town-perfect for young people to celebrate with music and friends.
- Royal Canal Run Longford (25 April): A popular scenic running event along the flat, tarmac Royal Canal Greenway in Longford Town, offering distances including marathon, half-marathon, and 10km routes. Ideal for runners of all levels enjoying the peaceful canal views and community atmosphere.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Longford offers a varied annual festival calendar, highlighting local culture, history, and arts.
- Longford Lights (February): A major community light festival in Longford Town featuring, art, and parades.
- Granard Booktown Festival (April): A literature-focused event with book fairs and author readings in Granard.
- Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival (May): Celebrates the author’s legacy through workshops and family activities in Edgeworthstown.
- W.A.L. – Walk Arts Longford (May): A street festival showcasing performance art, music, and poetry.
- Bealtaine Festival (May): Nationwide celebration of creativity for older adults, with local library events.
- Goldsmith International Literary Festival (June): A long-running event honoring Oliver Goldsmith in Ballymahon/Abbeyshrule.
- Longford Vintage Show and Family Fun Day (June): A community event featuring vintage vehicles and entertainment.
- Longford Agricultural Show (July): Historic show in Enybegs with livestock, showjumping, and family fun.
- Longford Summer Festival (July): Music festival featuring Irish artists in Longford Town.
- Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day (July): Traditional fair with a parade and local music.
- Marquee in Drumlish (August): Country music festival featuring popular Irish acts.
- Culture Night (September): Free cultural events and performances across the county.
- Dead of Night Festival (October): Folklore and theatre-focused Halloween events.
- Longford Set Dancing Weekend (November): Traditional dance event held in Longford Town.
Festivals
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