Heart of the Glens Festival 2026

What to Expect

The Heart of the Glens Festival is a nine-day community festival held every year in Cushendall on the Antrim Coastal Route. The programme includes over 100 events: a community opening parade, the Lurig Challenge Run (limited to 400 entrants), lorry and float parade, a Glens Vintage Day with classic vehicles, a Food Fest Night, sheep dog trials, sailing, cycling, golf, heritage walks, children’s workshops, and a large outdoor street ceili. The festival showcases the music, culture, and landscape of the Glens of Antrim.

Good to Know

• Dates: Saturday 3 August to Tuesday 11 August 2026.

• Festival begins on the first Saturday of August each year.

• Most daytime events and the main parade are free; evening entertainment may be ticketed.

• Lurig Challenge Run entries are limited to 400 and fill quickly - check the festival Facebook page.

Getting There

Cushendall is on the A2 Antrim Coastal Road, approximately 30 miles north of Belfast. Ulsterbus service 150 runs from Ballymena and Larne. Car parking is available in the village, though road closures apply during parade events.