Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Roscommon from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a delightful mix of traditional Irish music competitions, Easter family fun, literary celebrations, live performances, arts workshops, and community parades across towns like Roscommon Town, Strokestown, and Castlerea. This spring period emphasises the county’s cultural traditions, heritage sites, and family-oriented activities, with Easter (3-6 April) bringing extra festive energy.
Major Festivals and Arts Events
- Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil 2026 (3-6 April): Hosted by Comhaltas Ceolteórí Éireann in Roscommon Town, this county-level fleadh celebrates traditional Irish music, song, dance, and storytelling with competitions across instruments and categories, lively sessions, and community gatherings-ideal for experiencing authentic trad culture in a welcoming setting.
- World Circus Day (18 April): An annual family-friendly event at Somers Park in Castlerea, featuring circus-themed entertainment, performances, workshops, and interactive activities to mark the global celebration of circus arts.
- Strokestown International Poetry Festival (1-3 May, starting on the final day): A renowned literary festival at Strokestown Park, including poetry readings, workshops, competitions, discussions, and events honouring both contemporary and historical voices-drawing poets and enthusiasts for an inspiring weekend.
Easter Traditions and Family Fun
- Roscommon Town Easter Parade (5 April @ 12:30): A major community parade through Roscommon Town on Easter Sunday, showcasing colourful floats from local businesses, schools, and groups, with a significant prize fund, music, and festive atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.
- Strokestown Park Easter Trail (28 March – 12 April): A self-guided daily adventure in the Victorian Walled Gardens at Strokestown Park, where children follow a bunny trail, solve clues, and claim a chocolate prize-perfect for families exploring the historic estate.
- ‘Ding n’ Dong & The Easter Bunny’ Puppet Show (29 March): A charming puppet theatre performance by Custard Pie Puppet Theatre at Strokestown Park, bringing Easter stories to life with fun and laughter for young audiences.
Performances and Workshops
- The 4 Of Us (21 March): A live concert by the popular Irish band at the Roscommon Arts Centre, delivering their signature folk-rock and melodic tunes in an intimate venue.
- Gallery Days with Marian Balfe (21 March): Free interactive family art sessions at the Roscommon Arts Centre, encouraging creativity through hands-on activities and exploration.
- Spring into Storytime (1-30 April): A month-long programme across Roscommon libraries, featuring storytelling sessions, readings, and child-friendly literary events to spark imagination and reading enjoyment.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Roscommon is a land of kings and high crosses, hosting festivals that celebrate its royal Gaelic history, literary heritage, and the scenic River Shannon.
- Roscommon Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the Roscommon Arts Centre featuring top-tier theatrical groups from across Ireland.
- Percy French Festival (July): An annual celebration of the life and work of the famous songwriter, painter, and entertainer at Castlecoote House.
- O’Carolan Harp Festival (August): A world-renowned traditional music festival in Keadue celebrating the legendary harper Turlough O’Carolan with competitions and concerts.
- Boyle Arts Festival (July): One of Ireland’s premier regional arts events, featuring a massive program of visual arts, classical music, and literature in the historic town of Boyle.
- Elphin Agricultural Show (September): A traditional rural showcase in the shadow of the Elphin Windmill featuring livestock competitions, home industries, and local crafts.
- Castlerea Rose Festival (July/August): A massive family-friendly community festival featuring live open-air music, street markets, and a local “Rose” competition.
- Douglas Hyde Conference (September): A heritage and literary gathering in Frenchpark celebrating the first President of Ireland and his efforts to revive the Irish language.
- Strokestown Agricultural Show (September): One of the largest agricultural events in the West, featuring over 100 classes of cattle and sheep alongside food and craft marquees.
- Strokestown International Poetry Festival (May): A prestigious literary event held at Strokestown Park House attracting poets from across the globe for readings and prizes.
- Lough Ree Monster Festival (August): A quirky community festival in Lanesborough-Ballyleague celebrating the legendary lake monster with water sports and music.
- Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival (August): A community-led celebration featuring local art exhibitions, street performances, and traditional music sessions.
- Roscommon Lamb Festival (May): A flagship food and farming festival in Roscommon Town celebrating the local sheep farming heritage with BBQ competitions and craft fairs.
- Christmas at Strokestown Park (December): A festive experience at the historic Palladian mansion featuring traditional Victorian Christmas tours and artisan markets.
Festivals
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