OFFALY events: Upcoming festivals in Ireland’s county Offaly

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Offaly from 20 March to 1 May 2026, highlighting a rich mix of traditional Irish music, classical performances, motorsport thrills, community dances, children’s camps, and eco-wellness activities across towns like Tullamore, Birr, Ferbane, Shinrone, and Shannonbridge. This spring period celebrates the county’s musical heritage, outdoor pursuits, and family-friendly spirit.

Major Festivals

Tullamore TradFest 2026 (27-29 March): A vibrant weekend of traditional Irish music at the Bridge House Hotel and various venues in Tullamore, offering over 150 hours of entertainment including headline concerts (e.g., Tara Breen, Jim Murray, and P√°draig Rynne on Friday), a lively Session Trail in local pubs, workshops, recitals, album launches, family events, and the induction of the Kinsella Family into the Offaly Hall of Fame-delivering non-stop craic and culture.
Birr Festival of Music (30 April – 4 May): The 10th edition of this acclaimed classical music festival across various venues in Birr, featuring national and international musicians, street performances, workshops, concerts, and the prestigious Trench Award for young singers-blending indoor elegance with outdoor pop-ups over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Offaly County Fleadh Cheoil (24-26 April in Tullamore, featuring traditional music competitions and sessions.

Community & Seasonal Events

Spring Equinox Mini Eco Retreat (21 March @ 12:00): A rejuvenating outdoor wellness event at Coole Eco Community in Ferbane, focused on nature connection, sustainable green tips, mindfulness, and seasonal recharging in a peaceful eco-setting.
Birr Stages Rally (29 March): A high-adrenaline motorsport event organised by Birr & District Motor Club, with competitive stages regionally based around Birr and returning to Nenagh/Offaly border areas-drawing rally enthusiasts for fast-paced action.
Shinrone Barn Dance (4 April @ 19:30): A traditional community social dance at Shinrone GAA Sports Complex, featuring live music from Ruaile Buaile and The Buckleys for an evening of c√©il√≠-style fun and dancing.
Birr GAA Easter Camp (9-10 April, 10:00-13:00): A fun, skill-building camp for children of all levels at St. Brendan’s Park in Birr, centred on Gaelic games, coaching, games, and plenty of laughs over the post-Easter period.

Live Performances

Tina Turner Tribute – Proud Mary (21 March @ 21:00): A high-energy tribute show starring Amanda Lane and the City Limits Band at the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, delivering iconic soul and rock classics.
‘Wild Things’ Luke Combs Tribute (10 April @ 21:00): A dedicated country music night at The Phoenix Venue in Tullamore, with the tribute band performing Luke Combs’ anthems in a lively setting.
Hermitage Green: 15 Years Tour (17 April @ 21:00): An intimate celebratory performance by the popular Irish band Hermitage Green at Luker’s Bar & Live Music Venue in Shannonbridge, marking their 15th anniversary with folk-infused hits.

Annual & recurring festivals

County Offaly, known as the “Faithful County,” hosts several unique festivals centered on its monastic history, the River Shannon, and its vast peatlands.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Major community parades and family-focused events held in Tullamore, Birr, and Edenderry.
Offaly Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the Tuar Ard Arts Centre in Moate/Clarane featuring top national theatre groups.
Birr Festival of Music (May): A classical music festival featuring concerts, masterclasses, and the “Lions Club Schools’ Music Competition” in the historic town of Birr.
Hullabaloo! Offaly Children’s Arts Festival (May/October): A dedicated multi-disciplinary arts week for children featuring workshops, theatre, and storytelling across the county.
Scripts Ireland’s Playwriting Festival (July): An innovative festival in Birr where new plays are developed, performed, and judged in a public forum.
Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show (August): Ireland’s premier one-day agricultural event, attracting over 60,000 visitors for livestock competitions, fashion, and food.
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival (August): One of Ireland’s longest-running community festivals, featuring a massive vintage parade, arts exhibitions, and traditional markets.
Shannonbridge Mid-Summer Festival (August): A riverside celebration featuring boat rallies, live music, and family activities at the historic bridge crossing.
National Heritage Week (August): A series of events across the county focused on Clonmacnoise, Charleville Castle, and the Grand Canal.
Offaly Walking Festival (September): A series of guided hikes through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, ranging from gentle forest walks to challenging ridge treks.
Shorelines Arts Festival (September): An intimate arts festival in Portumna and the surrounding lake region featuring literature, film, and visual arts.
OFFline Film Festival (October): A unique filmmaking festival in Birr where participants are challenged to make a short film in just a few days.
Tullamore TradFest (November): A celebration of traditional Irish music and dance featuring sessions, workshops, and concerts in the town’s pubs and venues.
Christmas at Birr Castle (December): A festive experience within the castle demesne featuring light trails, a Santa grotto, and seasonal workshops.