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festivals · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Various 
Cashel Arts Festival
At Cashel Town · Cashel, Co. Tipperary
At Cashel Town · Cashel, Co. Tipperary
One of the most established arts gatherings in the country, the Cashel Arts Festival has been running for over two decades and returns in 2026 with the theme of “Footprints” - an exploration of the marks left by those who came before and an invitation to consider what impressions we might leave ourselves. Set against one of Ireland’s most dramatic historic towns, it is the kind of event where the setting does as much work as the programme.
Eight disciplines are programmed across the four days: music, dance, visual arts, film, theatre, workshops, family events and literature. The mix means there is always something to suit your mood or your group. Lisa Hannigan has been confirmed for 2026, and the programme also includes a candlelight quartet playing music from Bridgerton, street performance and art exhibitions. Many events are free of charge; others carry a modest entry fee or offer concessions.
The organisers are deliberate about making this a community event as much as a ticketed one, with local, national and international acts sharing the same programme. Workshops are designed to pull in participants rather than just audiences, and family events run across the full four days. Full programme details and tickets are released in the lead-up to the festival at cashelartsfest.com.
Cashel sits on the M8 corridor, roughly halfway between Cork and Dublin - two hours from the capital and about an hour from Cork city. Bus Eireann runs intercity services from Dublin, Cork and Limerick; check their planner for current times. Parking in the town centre is generally straightforward, with spaces along the main street and at several car parks close to the festival venues.
The Rock of Cashel - the medieval fortress complex that dominates the skyline - is one of the most visited historic sites in the country and rewards a proper look around. There is more to see in Cashel and across Co. Tipperary.
Heading to Cashel Town in Cashel? Tipperary has plenty more to see. Read the Cashel area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.