Festivals
Fastnet Film Festival
From script to screen, meet the film professionals shaping FFF 2026. This special video showcases the incredible guests joining us—writers, directors, editors, cinematographers, distributors, producers, composers actors and more—bringing stories to life on every level.
20 - 24 May 2026
Schull West Cork
West Cork Literary Festival 2026
Join us for a world-class, inclusive 8-day literary festival in West Cork, featuring renowned and emerging international and Irish writers, masterclasses and events for all ages.
Our 2026 line-up will be announced at the end of March
Ellen Hutchins Festival
Runs in the Bantry Bay area as part of Heritage Week in August.
The festival includes a wide range of events designed to encourage people of all ages to explore the natural and cultural heritage of Bantry Bay. Most events are free, many need to be booked.
Music
West Cork Chamber Music Festival 2026
Our West Cork Chamber Music Festival programme is packed with concerts and masterclasses from dawn to dusk, set against the backdrop of Bantry Bay.
Friday 26 June to Sunday 5 July
Bantry, Co. Cork
Masters of Tradition
Join us for a trad music festival, directed by Martin Hayes, that celebrates the cream of Irish musicianship, emerging talent and innovation, while weaving in sean-nós, dance, and international traditions.
19 – 23 August 2026
Jim Dowling Uillean Pipe & Trad Festival
The sound of the uilleann pipes takes centre-stage in the picturesque village of Glengarriff with a festival of great music to beat them all. www.jimdowlingfestival.ie
Michael O’Dwyer Tin Whistle Festival
Taking place in Allihies is a celebration of the renowned musician, who lived in the Ardgroom area of Beara.
Baltimore Fiddle Fair
Festival in the beautiful seaside village of Baltimore. It features quality acts from all over the world. It is one of the most eagerly awaited traditional music festivals of the year in Ireland.
Gaelige Culture Festivals
Seachtain na Gaeilge - Irish Language Festival: 1-17 March 2026
GA: Tá muid ag ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge go náisiúnta ón 1-17 Márta 2026. Is féile idirnáisiúnta Ghaeilge í Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia, atá ar an gceiliúradh is mó dár dteanga agus dár gcultúr dúchais a bhíonn ar siúl in Éirinn agus in go leor tíortha eile gach bliain. Tá eolas faoi imeachtaí Sheachtain na Gaeilge san Ollscoil ar fáil anseo.
EN: Seachtain na Gaeilge is an international Irish language festival and one of the biggest celebrations of our native language and culture that takes place each year in Ireland and in many other countries. The festival takes place from 1st to 17th March each year and gives an opportunity to everyone to enjoy Irish, whether you are a fluent speaker, learner or have a cúpla focal.
St. Patrick's -Bantry ‘Goes Green’
Join in the fabulous parade of creative floats, marching bands and experience Irish culture at it’s best in Bantry.
Enjoy a display of traditional Irish dancing on Wolfe Tone Square by a local dance troop, local Irish bands, face-painting and games for the children. Irish dancing will start at 12.15pm with the parade starting at 1pm on St. Patrick’s Day from Wolfe Tone Square.
Culture Night
Culture Night is a celebration of all things Irish through free cultural events in towns and cities across the island of Ireland. Arts and cultural organisations in Bantry open their doors with free events, talks and performances for everyone to enjoy. Events are held in local pubs, restaurants and hotels.
& More
Fit-up Theatre Festival
The core essence of the Fit-up Theatre Festival nods to the tradition of Fit-up theatre of the 1950s. Back then, professional companies travelled the length and breadth of Ireland reaching a wide variety of towns, villages and rural areas bringing all members of the community together through the act of theatre.
The events happen all over West Cork and Whiddy Island hosts events as part of this festival.
Agricultural Fair
Every year Bantry is host to one of the biggest summer agricultural shows in the area. Located on Bantry airstrip overlooking Bantry Bay, it is a fantastic show of all things agricultural competing for that prized rosette. There are different competitions for skill and breed for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats etc. and it is a fun day for all the family to sit and watch it all.
There are food stalls, bouncy castles, children’s entertainment, dog shows, pony riding, fashion shows, trade stalls, arts and craft competitions and much much more!
With free shuttle buses from the town, it is a perfect day out for young and old alike.
Summer Carnivals
Every year during the summer all the villages of Sheep's Head Peninsula host a one week Carnival with Live Music Events, Bingo Nights, Sport Events for all the family, Outdoor Cinemas, Discos, Parades, Quizzes, Food Stalls and Crafts Stalls.
Enjoy the lively Irish spirit by joining all the pubs and Community Halls acivties hosting singing, dancing and fun!