IRELAND’S inaugural dedicated vegan festival drew hundreds of attendees to the picturesque grounds of Lisnavagh House in Rathvilly, for what organisers described as a groundbreaking celebration of cruelty-free living.
Paula Keane and Maxim Costic
Féile Vegan 2025, which ran from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August, marked a significant milestone as the only organised vegan gathering in the country. The three-day event combined the atmosphere of a music festival with traditional elements of vegan advocacy, set against the backdrop of the historic 17th-century estate.
Ruaidrí, Fiona and Ulrich
The festival, organised by events producer Darragh O’Connor and the Vegan Society of Ireland, attracted families, seasoned vegans and curious newcomers alike to experience plant-based food, wellness activities and educational talks. Attendees enjoyed everything from forest walks through the estate’s scenic grounds to performances by various musical acts and DJ sets.
Cáit Ní Bheirn with Pawdie
“There’s a lovely resurgence of interest in Irish culture and heritage, and all these things that connect us to each other. And there’s a really vibrant vegan community in Ireland as well,” said Darragh of his decision to go beyond a food festival and blend it with music, talks, wellness sessions and glamping to create a unique festival experience.
Some of the festival goers relaxing at Sharon Shannon's gig in the forest
Far from being a vegan exclusive event, it was designed with everyone in mind including those simply looking to try some different cuisines.
“I think you’ll have a far more positive effect by making something like this inclusive and letting people make up their own minds rather than trying to preach to anyone how they should live their lives,” explained Darragh.
Lorena Braga shows off her work
Dr Maureen O’Sullivan, who introduced Ireland’s first Animal Law module at the University of Galway, was among the featured speakers addressing crowds throughout the weekend. The festival also showcased dozens of vegan food vendors and entrepreneurs, including Hungry Soul, a plant-based store from Ennis, Co Clare, which provided specialty cheese alternatives. Darragh recommends you try their cashew cheese!
Lara and Cian Lernihan with little Theo
“We wanted to create this event to bring everyone together and also to showcase some of the amazing artists and musicians and craft makers who are doing these incredible things, but just people aren’t aware of it. We were so lucky to have Lisnavagh House and Gardens open their doors to us, it’s absolutely gorgeous. It looks like it’s custom-made for gatherings like this,” he enthused.
Rachel Pilkington, Delia Clarke, Ashling Ní Fhlatharta, Sandra Butler and, back row, Melanie Walsh and Robin Allen
One of the musical highlights of the weekend, he said, was a set from Sharon Shannon who, aside from being a much-loved musician, also used to run a vegan food truck and is a big advocate for animal rights.
“She’s one of the champions of the vegan community in Ireland, and also just a lovely person and an amazing musician. So to have her attached brought it all together,” explained Darragh.
