Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Monaghan from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a lively selection of traditional music celebrations, comedy, tribute concerts, theatre productions, folk performances, country music, and regular community markets across venues in Monaghan Town, Carrickmacross, Inniskeen, and beyond. This spring period showcases the county’s strong musical heritage, performing arts scene, and welcoming community gatherings.
Major Festivals
- Féile Patrick Byrne (late March, highlights 25-29 March including T√©ada concert on 28 March @ 20:00): A traditional music festival in Carrickmacross at St Louis Secondary School, honouring the legacy of Patrick Byrne, the last great Irish harper of the old tradition. It includes concerts (e.g., by award-winning group T√©ada), workshops, sessions, youth events, and a closing sets c√©il√≠-now in its 20th year, organised by Carrickmacross Comhaltas for an authentic trad experience.
- Countryfest 2026 (1-3 May): Ireland’s leading country music festival at Inniskeen GAA pitch, delivering high-energy performances by top Irish country artists, open-air dancing, and a festive Bank Holiday weekend atmosphere-perfect for fans of live country tunes and social vibes.
- Féile Oriel (typically early May, events often starting around 1 May): A regional celebration of traditional music, song, and culture from the ancient Oriel territory, held in Monaghan Town with concerts, sessions, competitions, and community activities highlighting local heritage.
Theatre & Arts Performances at The Garage Theatre, Monaghan
- Conal Gallen: The Last Laugh Tour (20 March @ 20:00): A hilarious comedy evening with renowned Irish comedian Conal Gallen, packed with his signature jokes, characters, and storytelling.
- The Piano Man: Elton John & Billy Joel Celebration (10 April @ 20:00): A dynamic live tribute concert celebrating the timeless hits of Elton John and Billy Joel through energetic performances and piano-driven classics.
- The Playboy of the Western World (11 April @ 20:00): A production of J.M. Synge’s classic Irish drama by the Clones Drama Group, exploring themes of rural identity, heroism, and mischief in a witty theatrical setting.
- Nineteen Eighty Something (25 April @ 20:00): A solo theatrical piece written and performed by Declan Gorman, blending humour, reflection, and storytelling in a unique performing arts experience.
Live Music & Community Events
- David James Live (22 March @ 21:00): A high-energy country music performance with social dancing at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club in Monaghan, featuring strong vocals and crowd-pleasing sets.
- Blindboy: The Live Podcast (4 April @ 20:00): A live recording of the popular Blindboy Podcast (from The Rubberbandits), mixing surreal storytelling, social commentary, and humour at a Monaghan venue.
- All Folk’d Up (5 April @ 22:00, or similar evening time): An energetic folk-rock gig by the Irish band All Folk’d Up at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, delivering lively takes on traditional sounds with a modern twist.
- Monaghan Town Farmers Market (every Friday, e.g., 20 March, 27 March, 3 April, etc., 10:00-14:00): A weekly community staple in Church Square, Monaghan Town, offering fresh local produce, artisan crafts, baked goods, and a chance to support local makers.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Monaghan is known for its strong literary links to Patrick Kavanagh and its vibrant traditional and country music scenes. Here are the recurring and annual festivals in County Monaghan:
- Monaghan Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the Garage Theatre featuring top-tier theatrical groups from across Ireland.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March): Large community celebrations and parades held in Monaghan Town, Castleblayney, and Clones.
- Cavan-Monaghan Science Festival (November): A regional celebration of STEM featuring workshops, demonstrations, and talks across various local venues.
- Monaghan County Agricultural Show (July): A traditional rural showcase featuring livestock competitions, home industries, and family entertainment.
- Castleblayney Agricultural Show (August): One of the region’s largest one-day shows, focusing on equestrian events, cattle, and local artisan food.
- Muckno Mania Festival (July): A four-day family festival in Castleblayney featuring street theatre, sporting events, and water-based activities on Lough Muckno.
- Flat Lake Festival (August): An eclectic arts, music, and literary festival held at Hilton Park, known for its quirky atmosphere and diverse line-up.
- Harvest Time Blues Festival (September): A major international blues festival that turns Monaghan Town into a hub for world-class guitarists and performers.
- Patrick Kavanagh Weekend (September): An annual literary festival and keynote event in Inniskeen celebrating the life and works of the famous poet.
- Castleblayney Music Festival (July): A popular outdoor festival showcasing the best of Irish country and contemporary music.
- Clones Canal Festival (October): A community heritage event celebrating the town’s history and the Ulster Canal with music and family fun.
- Monaghan Country Music Festival (July): A four-day open-air event in Monaghan Town featuring the biggest names in Irish country music and outdoor dancing.
- Winter Wonderland Monaghan (December): A festive celebration in the town centre featuring an ice rink, Christmas markets, and a Santa grotto.
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