Top ten festivals to visit in Longford in 2025

Over the last few years the number of cultural festivals and events in the county has seen massive growth. With regional appeal these festivals are ideal for one day adventures and family friendly. So here are the top 10 family friendly events to enjoy in County Longford this year.

No. 1: Longford Lights February 20-23

The largest attended festival in the north midlands, Longford Lights has carved out a national reputation as a festival with high quality interactive art installations and performances from amazing artists and entertainers. Now in its third year the festival has expanded to four days and a larger festival site. This year the festival boasts over 40 separate exhibitions and performances with other fringe activities in Longford town. The festival is ideal for young and intergenerational families. Be sure to check out this years main spectacle event – Metamorphosis.
For more information visit www.longfordlights.ie

No. 2: Granard Book Town Festival April 11-13
Entering its third year this festival might be the new kid on the block, but it has got off to a great start. Inspired by the global ‘booktown’ movement – Granard becomes a hotbed of famous writers, poets, journalists, podcasters and musicians for one jam packed weekend of readings, interviews, workshops and concerts every April. Meet your favourite authors, and get a selfie!
For more information visit www.granardbooktown festival.ie

No. 3: Maria Edgeworth Festival May Bank Holiday
From it’s initial beginnings almost thirty years ago this festival has grown to a nationally recognised literary event. Every year there is a different theme to celebrate the many accomplishments of the Maria Edgeworth and her father who give the lovely town its name. The weekend hosts a broad range of activities including talks, poetry, short story competitions, workshops, readings, historical trails, musical performances, nature walks and theatre performances. And a highlight every year is the 18th Century Costume Tea Party where everybody dresses up. Crumpet anyone?
For more information visit www.maria edgeworthcenter.com

No. 4: The Goldsmith Festival June Bank Holiday weekend
In honour of the famous Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith, this is one of the longest running festivals in the country, now entering its 41st year. The festival provides a unique social, cultural and literary event celebrating the life and works of Oliver Goldsmith who spent his forming years in the Ballymahon-Forgney area of south Longford. The festival includes music, theatre, lectures and a national poetry competition in the lovely relaxed setting of Ballymahon town. A treat every year is a a commissioned theatre piece performed professionally, full of wit, music and bawdy one-liners, I'm sure Goldsmith would have approved.
For more information visit www.olivergoldsmith festival.com

No. 5: Cruinniú na nÓg 14 June
Ireland is the only country that celebrates children’s creativity with a national day. Every year we celebrate the National Day of Creativity for children and young people by organising lots and lots of amazing activities all over County Longford and the region. Cruinniú na nÓg (The Gaelic for Gathering of Youth) is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to support the creative potential of children and young people. All the activities run from early morning to evening and you don’t have to put your hand in your pocket and it's all free. Check out libraries for details nearer the time.
For more information visit www.cruinniu. creativeirel and.gov.ie

No. 6: Sun Town June 21
Want to get in touch with your inner Celt? Experience early Irish mythology brought to life?
Well look no further than Sun Town, a new festival that has developed in Granard that celebrates the Summer Solstice and pagan sun Goddess Áine. Situated on an ancient hill beside Granard’s famous Motte and Bailey this lively festival gives festival goers a panoramic view from the famous mound as the sun sets.
Druids, and performers invite you to celebrate the Celtic welcoming of summer with fire, music, ritual and celebration.
Attendees are given ancient parchment paper and invited to write down their wishes for a good Summer, climb the hill and throw them on the fire.

The fun lasts all weekend with talks, performances and a parade that passes through the town on the way to light the fire.
For more information www.knightsand conquests.ie

No. 7: Camlin Keys Piano Festival Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4
The Camlin Keys Piano Festival is a boutique festival for classical music fans and is open to all young musicians who have an interest in performing and competing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The young participants are encouraged to perform both classical and modern repertoire and showcase their individual talents and piano and other instruments.
There are competitions and prizes but its about a whole lot more than that.

This a great experience for children and youngsters interested in making music and meeting other young musicians.
The year's festival promises to be a celebration of talent, passion, and the timeless beauty of piano music, singing and other instruments.
The closing concert in St. John’s Church is not to be missed.
For more information www.camlinkeys.ie

No 8: The Marquee in Drumlish August 8-11
Threading an unbroken line from great country music legends of the past to rising music stars of today, the Marquee in Drumlish is one of Longford’s most iconic and enduring festivals. Over 18 only, the festival draws a young energetic audience hungry for foot tappin', barn stormin' music and craic. The Marquee in Drumlish is a place where memories are made.
For more information www.themarqueeindrumlish.ie

No 9: Culture Night Friday September 19
Culture Night is a national day celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today and Longford is no exception.
It’s a night when the entire arts community come out and put on shows, exhibitions and performances for free. The programme is different every year but always contains something new and fresh.
Its best to try and plan your evening and cram in as many events as possible.
For more information www.culturenight.ie

No 10: Dead of Night Festival Fri 31st October
As the year draws to a close one of Longford’s most exciting festivals takes place in Longford Town.

The Dead of Night Festival contains a two-day family fun event called Samhain Town and the Fire and Shadows Procession.
Samhain is a great event for young families and stages the scariest Haunted House you will ever visit!
The Fire and Shadows Parade supported by Longford County Council and Failte Ireland has been growing every year and provides a street spectacle to rival anything you would see in a big city.

For more information see www.longfordcoco.ie