Excitement is building in Athleague ahead of the second Athleague End of Summer Festival, which takes place from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd.
The three-day festival will bring music, family entertainment and community events to the village, with a fully covered dance floor and licensed bar available throughout the weekend.
Organised by a dedicated local committee, the festival returns for its second year following its addition to the summer calendar in 2025. A packed programme is planned, with live performances, children’s activities, food, amusements and a heritage event among the attractions.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite and will also be available at the door.
Friday, August 21st – Country Music Night
The festival gets underway on Friday night with a celebration of Irish country music.
Brendan Shine – 10 pm
Veteran performer Brendan Shine will take to the stage at 10 pm, bringing more than 50 years of experience and a catalogue of well-known hits.
Mike Denver – 12 am
One of Ireland’s best-known country performers, Mike Denver, will headline the night with a live show from midnight.
Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only
Saturday, August 22nd
Vinegar Bill – 10 pm
Roscommon five-piece Vinegar Bill will open Saturday night’s entertainment, bringing their mix of folk, traditional music and contemporary ballads to the festival stage.
Proud Mary & The City Limits Band – 12 am
Saturday night will continue with a Tina Turner tribute from Proud Mary & The City Limits Band, featuring many of the rock icon’s best-known songs.
Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only
Earlier on Saturday, a Village Treasure Hunt will leave from Athleague Community Centre at 1 pm.
At 3 pm, author and historian Paul Connolly will give a heritage talk entitled The Castles & Big Houses of the Athleague Area in the Community Centre.
Sunday, August 23rd – Family Fun Day
Sunday afternoon will feature a programme of family entertainment, live music, food and community activities.
Gates open at 4 pm, with a barbecue running from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Danny Arnold – 4 pm to 6 pm
Danny Arnold will provide the afternoon’s live music, with a set ranging from classic rock favourites to contemporary hits.
Admission to the Family Fun Day is €10, with children under 16 admitted free.
A Children’s Toy Tractor Run will also take place at 2 pm in the Circle of Life Park. Participants are asked to bring self-propelled vehicles only.
Sunday Night, August 23rd
Qween – 10 pm
The weekend will conclude with Qween, a Queen tribute act performing a two-hour show featuring favourites including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and Somebody to Love.
Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only
Five Star Amusements will be in place throughout the weekend, along with ice-cream, crepe and catering vendors.
Athleague – Celebrating community and culture
Festival organisers said the weekend is focused on bringing together locals, neighbours, families, friends and members of the Athleague diaspora.
“The End of Summer Festival is all about bringing people together. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes Athleague so special – music, hospitality, heritage and a great community spirit – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to join in the fun.”
The Athleague End of Summer Festival 2026 takes place from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd.
