Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Westmeath, offering a vibrant mix of contemporary music and arts, Celtic heritage celebrations, amateur theatre, family adventures, craft beer tastings, and lively live gigs across Athlone, Mullingar, Moate, and the Hill of Uisneach. This spring period highlights Westmeath’s central location for cultural creativity, historic sites, and community gatherings, with Easter (3-6 April) boosting family-friendly activities.
Major Festivals
- Croílár – Athlone Music and Arts Festival 2026 (17-19 April): Returning for its second year in Athlone across 12 venues, this eclectic festival celebrates emerging Irish talent with live music (including artists like Joshua Burnside, Morgana Huartan, Officer John, Olan Monk, and more), comedy, storytelling, spoken word, wellness sessions, visual arts, and cultural experiences-fostering connections through creativity and shared moments in the heart of Ireland.
- RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival (30 April – 8 May, with gala on 9 May): Ireland’s premier amateur drama competition at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, showcasing top regional theatre groups in high-quality productions over nine nights of performances, adjudications, and the prestigious awards ceremony-celebrating the best in Irish community theatre.
- Bealtaine Fire Festival (main events 9-10 May, with prelude elements potentially from 1 May): A magical Celtic celebration at the sacred Hill of Uisneach (Ireland’s ancient centre), marking the start of summer with ancient fire rituals, music, ceremonies, crafts, heritage storytelling, and community gatherings-now expanded to a weekend with camping available for an unforgettable experience of tradition and renewal.
Special Events & Entertainment
- Belvedere Easter Circus Workshops & Adventure Trail (5-6 April): A fun family event at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, featuring circus skill sessions (juggling, balancing), a decorated Easter egg trail, face painting, and outdoor adventures in the historic estate-ideal for children and families over the holiday weekend.
- Mullingar Wild Beer & Cask Festival (25 April): A craft beer enthusiast’s delight at Smiddy’s Bar in Mullingar, showcasing a selection of wild ales, cask-conditioned beers, local brews, tastings, and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
- Dún na Sí Heritage Park Reopening (28 March): The official seasonal opening of this cultural heritage park in Moate, welcoming visitors to explore historical exhibits, ancient ringforts, nature trails, and family-friendly activities amid the midlands landscape.
- Movicals – The Best of Movie Musicals (16 April): A high-energy theatrical showcase at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, taking audiences on a journey through iconic songs and scenes from Hollywood musicals with dynamic performances and sing-along vibes.
Live Gigs & Performances
- Derek Ryan Live (21 March): Popular Irish country singer Derek Ryan in concert at the Mullingar Park Hotel, delivering upbeat hits and a brand-new show with special guests.
- Mundy Live @ Dead Centre (27 March): An intimate acoustic evening of songs and stories by the acclaimed singer-songwriter at Dead Centre Brewing in Athlone.
- Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly & Martin Maloney (4 April): A comedy night featuring stars from the “Hardy Bucks” series at the Columbia Comedy Club in Mullingar, promising laughs and banter.
- Nathan Carter and his Band (11 April): A major country music concert at the Mullingar Park Hotel, with energetic performances of chart-topping hits and crowd favourites.
- The Haus of Kwēn’s Grand Return (24 April): A glamorous night of drag, performance art, music, and entertainment at the Piano Bar in Athlone.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Westmeath, the “Lake County,” is famous for its midlands heritage, musical history, and the legendary Hill of Uisneach.
- Westmeath Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, featuring top theatrical groups from across Ireland.
- St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Major community parades and family-focused events held in Mullingar, Athlone, and Moate.
- All-Ireland Drama Festival (May): A prestigious national final held in Athlone where the best amateur drama groups in the country compete for the top title.
- Bealtaine Fire Celebration (May): A spectacular revival of the ancient Celtic fire festival held at the Hill of Uisneach, featuring ceremony, music, and heritage tours.
- Body & Soul (June): An independent music and arts festival held at Ballinlough Castle during the summer solstice, known for its creative installations and diverse lineup.
- Mullingar Agricultural Show (July): A traditional rural showcase featuring livestock competitions, show jumping, and local artisan food at the Cullion showgrounds.
- Athlone Agricultural Show (July): One of the oldest shows in the region, featuring equestrian events, cattle classes, and family entertainment.
- Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (August): While the location rotates, Mullingar famously hosted this massive national celebration of traditional music in recent years and remains a major hub for “The Homecoming” events.
- National Heritage Week (August): Extensive events across the county focused on Belvedere House, Athlone Castle, and the Royal Canal.
- Luan Gallery Summer Series (August): A program of visual arts, workshops, and artist talks held at the contemporary art gallery overlooking the River Shannon in Athlone.
- Westmeath Bachelor Festival (August): A high-energy community festival in Mullingar featuring a competition to find the country’s top bachelor, alongside street music and markets.
- Old Melodies & New Notes (September): A traditional music and song weekend held in various venues across Mullingar.
- Halloween at Belvedere (October): A popular family event at Belvedere House and Gardens featuring spooky trails, treasure hunts, and night-time illuminations.
- Winterfest Mullingar (December): A festive celebration in the town centre featuring an outdoor ice rink, Christmas markets, and a Santa grotto.
- Athlone Christmas Market (December): A traditional festive market in the Civic Square featuring local crafts, seasonal food, and live carols.
Festivals
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Westmeath:
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