Percy French Festival 2026

The Percy French Festival manages to be genuinely scholarly and thoroughly enjoyable at the same time. Held across three days at Castlecoote House in County Roscommon, it celebrates William Percy French (1854-1920) - the songwriter, watercolourist, and entertainer who gave Ireland “The Mountains of Mourne”, “Phil the Fluter’s Ball”, and dozens of other songs still sung today. The 2026 festival, the 18th edition, takes the theme “The Crisis of Identity”. If you have any interest in Irish music, cultural history, or the kind of afternoon where tea and good debate come in equal measure, this is worth the journey.

What to expect

Each day follows a satisfying rhythm: three or four lectures during the morning and early afternoon, an afternoon recital, and refreshments including tea, coffee, and homemade cakes in between. The 2026 programme features speakers Peadar Tóibín and Maria Steen among others, alongside performances from the Fuerty Ensemble, Paul McDonald, and Col Ceathair. The mix of informed talk and live music is the hallmark here - a summer school as much as a concert, and the discussion spills naturally into the breaks. President Michael D. Higgins is Honorary President. Tickets sell out quickly, so booking ahead is strongly advised.

Getting there

Castlecoote House sits roughly 20km south of Roscommon town. By car it is the most practical option: the M6 brings you from Dublin in around two hours, with the N61 connecting Roscommon town southward. Roscommon town has a rail link from Dublin, but public transport does not serve Castlecoote village itself - a taxi or hired car is needed for the last stretch. Parking is available on site at the venue.

While you’re in Roscommon

Castlecoote is a quiet corner of a county that rewards a slower pace - the River Suck runs close by, and the wider landscape of east Roscommon is easy, open country. There is more to see in Roscommon and across Co. Roscommon.

Good to know

• Dates: 15-17 July 2026 (three-day festival)
• Times: Various throughout each day; programme typically runs morning through late afternoon
• Adult day ticket: €50 (three-day pass €150)
• Student day ticket: €20 (three-day pass €60; student card required)
• Children under 12: €10 per day when accompanied by an adult ticket holder
• Booking: percyfrench.ie or by phone on +353 (0)90 666 3794
• Tickets sell out in advance - book early