Carlow town was absolutely buzzing for Pan Celtic Festival

CARLOW town was the centre of the Celtic universe last week when it hosted a festival that celebrated the arts and culture of six Celtic nations. The event celebrated Celtic heritage, culture and language over five days and nights of music, song, dance, storytelling, poetry, sport, craft, art and friendship.

Minister for social protection, rural and community development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary officially opened the festival at an event in Visual, with many of Carlow’s Irish language promoters, including Bríde de Róiste, in attendance.

The town’s hotels and hostelries played host to visitors from six Celtic nations – Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. The festival participants all dressed in traditional costumes and took part in many music and dance events throughout the busy week. Locals and visitors alike were delighted with the sight of the performers as they ambled around the town in full costumes, only too happy to stop for a chat and a selfie!

Throughout the week, there was all sorts of trad music and dance, featuring musicians and artists of all ages so it was fitting that the festival should end with the return of Streetfest on Tullow Street. On Friday and Saturday, the family-friendly event provided festive fun for all the family, including music, street entertainers, busking, face painting, juggling and lots more.

And the best news is that it’s all going to happen again next year and the year after as Carlow has been chosen to host the event for 2026 and 2027, having already hosted it for the past three years.

The decision was announced on Thursday evening following a meeting of the festival council, with representatives from the six Celtic nations present.

“The beautiful vibrant town of Carlow is a favoured destination among all the Celtic delegates and regular attendees of the festival for a myriad of reasons”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, Cathaoirleach of the International Pan Celtic Council. “Not least the heartfelt ‘céad míle fáilte’ we receive from the people of Ceatharlach, the excellent venues and facilities in the town and the generous support of Carlow County Council.” 

Speaking on behalf of the local organising festival committee, Bríde de Róiste said it has been an honour to host the event on several occasions over the past 15 years.

“With the Irish language on the crest of a wave in Ceatharlach – coupled with the tremendous support of the entire community and the backing of the local authorities – the town is a perfect fit for this prestigious festival,” she said.

“We know that we can rise to even greater heights in 2026 and 2027. Tá áthas an domhain orainn!"