Athleague will come alive with music, entertainment and family activities when its End of Summer Festival returns from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd.
Now in its second year, the festival will feature a fully covered dance floor, licensed bar, live performances, children’s events and activities celebrating the history and community of Athleague.
Organised by a dedicated local committee, the festival has become a vibrant addition to the summer calendar in the west of Ireland.
Tickets for the evening concerts are available through Eventbrite and can also be purchased at the door.
Friday, August 21st: Country Music Night
The festival begins with a night celebrating Irish country music.
Brendan Shine will take to the stage at 10 pm, bringing more than five decades of performing experience to Athleague.
Mike Denver will headline the evening from midnight with his high-energy live show and catalogue of popular hits.
Doors open at 9.30 pm and admission is €20. The event is restricted to those aged over 18.
Saturday, August 22nd: Folk, traditional and rock music
Roscommon five-piece Vinegar Bill will perform from 10 pm on Saturday night.
The band is known for combining contemporary ballads with traditional Irish music.
They will be followed at midnight by Proud Mary and the City Limits Band, a Tina Turner tribute act celebrating the music and stage presence of the late Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Doors open at 9.30 pm and admission is €20. The event is restricted to those aged over 18.
Sunday, August 23rd: Family Fun Day
Sunday’s programme will feature an afternoon and evening of family entertainment, food, music and community activities.
The gates will open at 4 pm, with a barbecue running from 4 pm until 6 pm.
Danny Arnold will also perform between 4 pm and 6 pm, delivering a varied set of classic rock anthems and contemporary hits.
Admission to the Family Fun Day is €10, with children aged under 16 admitted free of charge.
Qween to close the festival
Queen tribute act Qween will bring the festival to a close on Sunday night.
The band will take to the stage at 10 pm with a two-hour show featuring songs including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Radio Ga Ga’ and ‘Somebody to Love’.
Doors open at 9.30 pm and admission is €20. The event is restricted to those aged over 18.
Activities throughout the weekend
Five Star Amusements, an ice cream van and a catering van will operate throughout the festival weekend.
A village treasure hunt will leave Athleague Community Centre at 1 pm on Saturday, August 22nd. At 3 pm that afternoon, author and historian Paul Connolly will give a heritage talk entitled The Castles and Big Houses of the Athleague Area in the community centre.
A children’s toy tractor run will take place at the Circle of Life Park at 2 pm on Sunday, August 23rd. Only self-propelled vehicles can take part.
A festival spokesperson said: “The End of Summer Festival is all about bringing people together – locals, neighbours, families and friends.
“It is a chance to celebrate what makes Athleague so special: music, hospitality, heritage and a great community spirit. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to join in the fun.”
Whether attending for the live music, family entertainment or local heritage, organisers say the 2026 Athleague End of Summer Festival promises a weekend to remember.
