Pan Celtic song finals 

CARLOW is gearing up for the final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2026 this month, and, for the very first time, five songs that were composed by songwriters from Co Carlow have made it to the final. The Carlow finalists are enCÓRe, Emmet Jones and Dara Eaton, Dave Barron, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach and Seán Breathnach.

All songs are in the Irish language and have been shortlisted for the live final, which will take place in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow on Saturday 24 January at 7.30pm.

The finalists will go head-to-head on stage for the top prize of €1,000, as well as the chance to represent Ireland at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest 2026 in April.

The judges this year are Charlie McGettigan, a Eurovision winner and singer/songwriter; Órla Fallon, singer, songwriter, harpist and former member of Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna; and Martin Bridgeman, musician, broadcaster and presenter on KCLR.

Musical director for the event will be Carlow’s Ollie Hennessy, backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic House Band. The song contest is organised by Pan Celtic Carlow in association with Carlow Co Council and supported by IMRO, Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, Glór Cheatharlach and An tOireachtas.

Three prizes will be awarded on the night, with €100 for third place, €200 for second place and the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic National Song Contest trophy going to the overall winning song. That song will go on to represent Ireland at the International Song Contest during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow in April. Tickets for the event cost €15 from boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie or on 059 9172400 and will also be available on the night. Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sell-out and a fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Contact Bríde on 087 2857048, Emma 085 1340047 or email pancelticcarlow@gmail.com