Ballygar is preparing to welcome visitors from near and far as the 82nd Annual Ballygar Carnival gets underway on Thursday, July 30th – promising six days of entertainment, music, sport and community celebration!
Running until Tuesday, August 4th, this year’s carnival programme features a packed schedule of events catering for all ages, with organisers combining much-loved annual favourites with a number of exciting new additions.
The official opening will take place on Thursday, alongside a talk from local historian Michael Martin on the famous Malahide Murders. This free event will begin at 8 pm, and later that evening, local favourites Big Ideas will officially launch the carnival’s live music programme.
A number of new events have been added to this year’s line-up, including an appearance by former World Darts Champion Rob Cross, an all-inclusive music session with Lewd Tunes for adults with additional needs, and the magical Slí na Sídhe Fairy Trail in Aghrane Forest.
In terms of traditional favourites, music remains at the heart of Ballygar Carnival, with an impressive line-up performing throughout the weekend and into the following week. Mike Denver returns for what promises to be another memorable night in the Mattie McDonagh Centre, while audiences can also look forward to performances from Rise the Dust, Half Landing, Switch, Mad for Ceol, and All Folk’d Up. One of the biggest nights of the festival will see Europe’s leading Queen tribute act, Qween, bring the celebrations to a close on Sunday night.
Family entertainment also once again plays a central role in the carnival. The annual Children’s Fancy Dress takes place in the Mattie McDonagh Centre from 2.30 pm (registration required), followed by the exuberant Drumadore! This event will give children of all ages the opportunity to take part in an exciting drumming workshop.
Among the many attractions sure to interest younger attendees – and older ones too – will be Murray’s Amusements. Murray’s will be on the square every night from 7.30 pm, and on Sunday and Monday from 2 pm. Ballygar Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Murray’s and organisers are delighted to have them to celebrate again with again this year.
The programme also celebrates Ballygar’s rich history and community spirit, with heritage talks, storytelling, guided walks through Aghrane Forest, local art exhibitions, blacksmith demonstrations, basket-weaving, and sporting competitions all returning as part of this year’s festivities.
Monday’s traditional Market Fair Day remains one of the highlights of the carnival calendar, with dozens of craft and food stalls expected to line the town, alongside the annual busking competition and live entertainment throughout the day.
The carnival will conclude on Tuesday evening with the ever-popular Monster Bingo. With a jackpot of
€3,000 and up to €7,000 in prizes all night, it promises to be a great event for all!
The carnival committee greatly look forward to welcoming all to Ballygar for this special annual event. As everyone gathers to celebrate the 82nd carnival, it is natural to reminisce about carnivals of old – childhood memories, and of course, the characters of the event who have gone before us. All is set for this year to be another memorable event, where new memories and friendships are made.
For the full programme of events, ticket information and the latest updates, visit ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival, follow the Ballygar Carnival Facebook and Instagram pages, or pick up a carnival brochure from local businesses.
Jam-packed music and entertainment programme sure to hit right note!
Music and entertainment has always been a focal point for Ballygar Carnival, and this year is no exception, with a jam-packed six-day programme of events in store, and everything from traditional Irish music and céilís, to country, rock, tribute acts, marching bands, and family entertainment on offer!
The first music event kicks off on Thursday, July 30th, at the Mattie McDonagh Centre with local band, Big Ideas. The group, made up of local lads, have performed at the carnival for a number of years, and organisers are delighted to welcome them back as the 2026’s first big act!
Organisers are also delighted to introduce an up and coming ensemble to Ballygar Carnival this year: the Dún na Sí Marching Band. Based in Moate, the band were formed earlier this year and comprise members from 5 to 16 years old. They are performing at the All-Ireland Fleadh Ceol in Belfast the week after the carnival, and the very best of luck is extended to them!
The next evening, Friday, the annual ‘Céilí at the Crossroads’ takes place on the street – a highlight of the carnival. The dynamic Irish traditional group Rise the Dust will return to lead an evening of craic and dancing – so bring your dancing shoes!
The festivities continue the next day, Saturday, when Galway-based music group, The Half Landing, perform on the street from 9.30 pm. Following this, the night’s musical entertainment will conclude at the Mattie McDonagh Centre with a performance from the famous Mike Denver, who returns to the carnival for another unforgettable show!
However, musical performances are not the only entertainment events to look forward to at this year’s carnival, with two very exciting performances taking place on Sunday outside St Mary’s Church. At 7.30 pm, there will be a 30-minute, high energy, professional, highly-talented acrobatics show, which will be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. This will be followed by a show from Celtic Rhythm Irish Dancers at 8.30 pm, whose traditional Irish dancing performance will showcase Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
It’s back to the music later on Sunday, when party band Switch perform on the street from 9.30 pm. And to finish Sunday’s entertainment, Ballygar is proud to welcome Europe’s best Queen tribute band, Qween, who have a fantastic line-up of the iconic band’s greatest hits to play. The event starts at 12 am at the Mattie McDonagh Centre, with doors at 11.30 pm.
Music fans – and performers alike – will also not want to miss the annual busking competition, taking place along the Main Street from 12 pm on Monday, August 3rd, with final performances to be held in front of the courthouse. Any buskers in the locality are heartily encouraged to register to take part!
Another carnival highlight is sure to be the two-day ‘Beat on the Street’ event. The first day, Sunday, will see the multi-award-winning Byrne Brothers take to the carnival street stage from 2 pm to deliver a high-energy performance. The second day, Monday, will see a performance from the popular local group, Mad for Ceol, who have been making waves with their unique fold twist on well-known classics.
Organisers are also delighted to welcome the renowned All Folk’d Up to the Mattie McDonagh
Centre on Monday night – for the first time ever! This group performs a mix of Irish traditional and folk music which promises to keep the audience on the floor all night.
With such a busy line-up of events in store, one thing is sure – music-lovers certainly won’t be short of choice throughout this year’s carnival! Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy spectacular live performances, or simply soak up the lively carnival atmosphere, Ballygar Carnival 2026 promises six unforgettable days and nights of top class entertainment. So don’t miss out!
Lots of sporting events scheduled
A number of activity/sporting events will take place over the course of this year’s Ballygar Carnival, with something for younger and older attendees alike.
The very first event in the carnival’s calendar is the U-11 Boys Carnival Football Blitz, which will be held at the new GAA pitch from 6.30 pm on Thursday, July 30th.
Young sporting enthusiasts will have yet another treat in store on Friday, July 31st, with junior tag rugby to be held at the Niall Walsh Pitch, in collaboration with Creggs Rugby Club. Registration for this event begins at 5.30 pm and it all gets underway at 6 pm.
The next day, Saturday, sees the Michael Brennan Hurling Tournament take place, beginning at 11 am in the new GAA pitch.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated event for the active carnival-goer this year is the annual fun run, being held in association with the local St Brendan’s Ladies Football Club (on Saturday, August 1st). Registration for this begins at Coláiste Mhuire at 10.30 am, and the event begins at 11 am.
There will also be a number of walks taking place through Aghrane Forest over the course of the carnival, which may be of special interest to those who also have a passion for local history and/or nature.
This includes an exploratory walk on Sunday, August 2nd led by local historian Padraig Hannon and local Environmentalist Gerard Hannon, and a nature walk on Monday led by botanist Sinéad Keane.
Whether you’re lacing up your runners, taking to the pitch, or enjoying a leisurely walk through Aghrane Forest, this year’s carnival offers plenty of opportunities to get active while enjoying the best of the local community.
From competitive sporting events to family-friendly outdoor activities, Ballygar Carnival 2026 promises something to suit every age and ability.
New carnival events sure to inject additional excitement
Now in its 82nd year, it goes without saying that the annual Ballygar Carnival has long been a staple of the local calendar, and while attendees can look forward to all the traditional favourites, organisers are ensuring the 2026 programme is as fresh as ever, with a host of exciting new events and attractions set to make their debut this year.
The first of these new events – sure to be a highlight of the overall festival itself – comes on Friday, July 31st, when Ballygar Carnival hosts an evening of darts with former world champion, ‘Voltage’ Rob Cross.
Rob will be challenged by a number of local darts enthusiasts on the night, and will take part in a meet and greet. There will also be an opportunity for photographs.
Tickets to see this legend (and local legends too) are €20, and there will be music provided by DJ Carl Reddy throughout the night. This new venture for the committee promises to be a fantastic evening, so come along and bring a friend!
Sunday sees another new event this year: an all-inclusive music event taking place on Saturday with the Lewd Tunes. This event, for adults with additional needs, takes place from 2 pm in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.
And last, but not least, the Slí na Sídhe Fairy Trail is set to make its debut at the 2026 Ballygar Carnival. To be held in collaboration with the newly established Ballygar Players Drama Group, this exciting event will begin at 12 pm at the gazebo of Aghrane Forest and promises to be a magical event with stories, a treasure hunt, and much more!
With such an exciting mix of brand new attractions and much-loved traditions, this year’s carnival is sure to offer something for everyone!
Art, culture, and nature to be celebrated at Ballygar Carnival
Ballygar Carnival will once again celebrate the local area’s rich artistic, cultural, and natural heritage over the course of this year’s event. From local art and storytelling, to guided history tours and nature walks, there will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to discover the people, places, and traditions that make Ballygar unique.
First off is the ‘AN PORTACH’ art exhibition, featuring works from local artists, which will run all day on Saturday, August 1st from 12 pm to 5 pm. Held in the courthouse on Market Square, this free exhibition will comprise a collection of works based around the theme of the bog, with pieces ranging from craft to visual art.
The main attraction on Saturday afternoon will be the ‘Bus Journey through the Ages’ event with local historian Paul Connolly. This popular event is always a sell-out; it is a ticket only and tickets can be purchased online from universe.com.
The next day, Sunday, will see the evening’s entertainment begin in the courthouse with an
evening of storytelling presented by Maria Gillen, a fourth generation storyteller and resident of Sheehan’s Storytelling 300-year-old cottage in Co Kerry. Maria grew up “where wisdom lives in the stones”, and her work is described as bringing the warmth of the Irish fireside to community gatherings across the world.
Sunday (August 2nd) will also feature an exploratory walk through Aghrane Forest, beginning at 11.30 am (meet at the gazebo). This will be led by local historian Padraig Hannon and local environmentalist Gerard Hannon. Gerard and Padraig will take attendees through the more unknown pathways of the forest.
As the carnival wind down, organisers are delighted to welcome back botanist Sinéad Keane to lead the nature walk in Aghrane Forest. This year, Sinéad will focus on the trees of Aghrane Forest and their importance for biodiversity. The walk/talk will begin at 2 pm (meet at the gazebo).
Whether discovering local history, admiring the work of talented artists or exploring the beauty of Aghrane Forest, the cultural programme offers visitors a chance to experience another side of Ballygar Carnival alongside the week’s many sporting, music, and entertainment events.
