MEATH events: Upcoming festivals in Ireland’s county Meath

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Meath from 20 March to 1 May 2026, delivering an exciting blend of thrilling horse racing, family-friendly Easter celebrations, farm experiences, live music, wellness retreats, and the launch of creative arts programmes across historic spots like Fairyhouse, Trim, Navan, Kells, Slane, and the Boyne Valley. This spring period highlights Meath’s rich heritage, outdoor adventures, and community spirit.

Major Festivals & Multi-Day Events

Fairyhouse Easter Festival (4-6 April): A flagship highlight of the Irish National Hunt racing calendar at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath, spanning three days over the Easter weekend. It features high-stakes races including Ladies Day (4 April), Family Day/Gold Cup (5 April), and the prestigious BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday (6 April)-complete with fashion, live entertainment, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Causey Farm Easter Experience (28 March – 6 April): An immersive family-oriented farm festival at Causey Farm near Kells, offering traditional Easter activities, seasonal entertainment, food stalls, farm animal interactions, and fun for children throughout the holiday period.
Newgrange Farm Easter Eggstravaganza (starting 4 April, over Easter weekend): A delightful family celebration at Newgrange Farm and Coffee Shop in Slane, with Easter egg hunts, seasonal games, appearances by the Easter Bunny, and plenty of farm-based craic for all ages.
Bealtaine Festival (Launch & Programme) (beginning 1 May, continuing through May): Ireland’s national festival celebrating creativity and the arts as we age, with Meath’s events across libraries, arts centres, and community spaces-including theatre, concerts, dance projects, and exhibitions tailored to inspire older participants.

Seasonal & Community Events

Sage & Stone Flea Market (4-6 April): A three-day market at Sage & Stone in Duleek, showcasing local crafts, vintage items, food, and community vibes in the scenic Boyne Valley-ideal for browsing and seasonal shopping.
Larchill Easter Forest Camp (1-3 April, from 10:00 AM): A three-day wilderness nature camp for children at Larchill Arcadian Gardens near Kilcock (on the Meath border), run by Forest School Ireland in the historic 18th-century Ferme Ornée gardens, focusing on outdoor exploration and play.

Live Music & Performance Highlights

Aidan Duffy Album Launch (20 March @ 20:00): A special live band performance and listening event at the Cathedral Church of St Patrick in Trim, celebrating the release of local songwriter Aidan Duffy’s new album.
Arco Arena Live at The Lantern (26 March & 28 March, approx. 19:30): A multi-band alternative/rock showcase at The Lantern in Navan, featuring Arco Arena alongside disco-funk group Disko Volante and alternative rock band Consolers.
Remembering Joe Dolan (28 March @ 20:00): A heartfelt musical tribute to the iconic Irish entertainer Joe Dolan at the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells.
Oasis of Calm II: Morning Retreat (25 April @ 07:45): A relaxing wellness morning at Bellinter House Hotel and Spa in Navan, including flow yoga, luxury outdoor thermal spa access, and a nourishing brunch in the peaceful Boyne Valley setting.

Annual & recurring festivals

County Meath, known as the “Royal County,” is the heart of Ireland’s ancient heritage and the home of the Irish Halloween tradition through the connection between the sacred hills of the county such as Tlachta (bandraoi) and the Celtic new year, Samhain.

Scurlogstown Olympiad (March/August): A traditional country heritage festival in Trim featuring “old world” skills like haymaking, threshing, and butter making.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Major community parades in Navan, Trim, and Ashbourne, often including the lighting of the fire on the Hill of Slane.
Royal Meath Show (September): A massive agricultural show in Trim featuring livestock competitions, dog shows, and local artisan food.
Boyne Music Festival (July/August): An international chamber music festival held at Townley Hall, featuring classical performances and workshops.
Trim Swift Festival (July): A literary and satirical festival celebrating the life and works of Jonathan Swift, who was a rector in nearby Laracor.
Hinterland Festival of Literature & Arts (June): Based in Kells, this festival brings together authors, historians, and artists for a weekend of debates and readings.
Tara Skryne Fair (August): A traditional fair day featuring local crafts, music, and pony shows at the foot of the historic Hill of Tara.
Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival (August): A major heritage event showcasing vintage steam engines, horse-drawn machinery, and traditional crafts.
Navan Choral Festival (May): A competitive and non-competitive event attracting choirs from across Ireland to perform in various venues.
Púca Festival (October/November): A massive flagship Halloween festival celebrating Meath as the birthplace of Samhain, featuring fire spectaculars, music, and folklore in Trim and Athboy.
** Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival (October/November):** A county-wide programme of spooky events ranging from “Farmophobia” at Causeway Farm to historical ghost tours.
Kells Type Trail (June/July): A unique outdoor art festival where the town of Kells is transformed by typography-based art installations.
Meath Film Festival (September): A showcase of independent cinema and local filmmaking talent held at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan.
Christmas at Emerald Park formerly Tayto Park (November/December): A festive experience featuring light displays, a Santa grotto, and seasonal theme park activities.