Thousands to visit Carlow as Cairn Community Games returns 

THE National Cairn Community Games will make a grand return to Carlow this summer, offering a fantastic opportunity for both local residents and visitors from across Ireland to experience the best of youth sport, creativity, and community spirit.

With an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 attendees expected over two weekends, this exciting event not only celebrates young talent but also promises to give a significant boost to the local economy.

The games will take place across two weekends in August and September. The first weekend, on 23 and 24 August, will be held at SETU Carlow, where children aged 8 to 16 will compete in a wide range of athletics events, along with team-based sports like soccer, football, and tag rugby.

Families from all 26 counties of Ireland will descend upon Carlow for the occasion, filling the town with energy, excitement, and anticipation.

On 6-7 September, the second phase of the National Cairn Community Games will take place at St Patrick’s College and Visual Carlow. The focus will shift to the arts, with children showcasing their creative talents in areas such as visual art, model-making, and singing. This event offers a platform for young people to express their creativity and be recognized for their talents outside the world of sports.

While the games themselves will bring together thousands of young athletes and artists, Carlow County Council has also arranged a series of family-friendly events to ensure that visitors enjoy a well-rounded experience. The highlight of this additional celebration is Streetfest, which will transform Lower Tullow Street into a hub of entertainment and activity. Streetfest will run from 6-7 September, with attractions including bouncing castles, live music performances, face painting and street performances. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the local culture while also enjoying the festivities that come with the games.

In addition to the Streetfest celebrations, Carlow County Council will be offering a free open-top bus tour on both 6-7 September, departing from Carlow College at 10am. The bus will take visitors on a scenic tour of the town, showcasing its rich heritage and cultural landmarks, offering a unique way for tourists to explore the area.

This large-scale event provides a tremendous economic boost to the local community. Cllr Paul Doogue, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, said: “We’re incredibly proud to host the National Cairn Community Games in Carlow. This is not only a celebration of youth achievement but also a major boost for our town, with the local economy expected to benefit significantly from the thousands of visitors staying, dining, and shopping here over both weekends.” 

The event draws crowds from across Ireland and even from overseas, with over 20,000 people tuning in each year to watch the games live-streamed. This exposure presents Carlow as a vibrant and welcoming destination for tourism and events, while also highlighting the town’s excellent sporting and cultural facilities.

The National Cairn Community Games in Carlow would not be possible without the tireless efforts of a wide range of people and organizations. Special thanks must go to SETU Carlow, St. Patrick’s College, Visual Carlow, An Garda Síochána, and Carlow County Council, all of whom have worked collaboratively to bring this event to life. Most importantly, the event relies on the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers, who are the unsung heroes of this incredible community event.

Kieran Comerford, head of economic development & enterprise with Carlow County Council spoke of the event’s impact locally.

“The National Cairn Community Games offer something for everyone: an exciting sports competition, a showcase of creative talent, and a chance to be part of a larger community celebration in the heart of Carlow.

£With thousands of visitors expected, the event promises to be a significant occasion for both participants and the wider community, underscoring Carlow’s position as a prime location for national events. Through its commitment to supporting young people and local businesses, the National Cairn Community Games exemplify the spirit of collaboration, community pride, and positive growth that is characteristic of the town.” 

To enter the competition go to, etc Cairn Community Games National Finals - Shop Local, Shop Carlow Competition | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation Portal

To enter the competition, go to consult.carlow.ie website.