Kinsale Arts Weekend

03/06/2026

✨ Our second early programme announcement for Kinsale Arts Weekend 2026 is here.

Ahead of our full programme launch on 11 June, we are delighted to reveal that acclaimed concertina player will perform at on Sunday 12 July.

🎶 One of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated musicians, Cormac has redefined what the concertina can do, creating powerful, immersive performances that honour tradition while pushing its boundaries. Performing across an extraordinary range of instruments, from bass to piccolo concertinas, his music is rich, expansive and deeply moving.

🏆 Winner of Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Folk Awards and creator of the acclaimed album B, Cormac has captivated audiences across Ireland and beyond through both solo work and collaborations with Lisa O’Neill and Ye Vagabonds.

✨ Set within the intimate surroundings of St. Catherine’s Cultural Centre, this promises to be a special opportunity to experience one of Ireland’s finest musicians up close.

Stay tuned as we continue to reveal more of our 10th anniversary programme ahead of our full launch on 11 June.

02/06/2026

10 years of Kinsale Arts Weekend 🎊

We’re feeling a bit nostalgic! 2026 marks 10 years of celebrating community and artistry at Kinsale Arts Weekend. We’re excited for you to join us from the 9 - 12th of July for unique events in music, art, film and more.

A big thank you to the community, partners, artists and volunteers who have made this past decade possible — we could not have done it without you all. Follow along this week as we continue to roll out the programme 🥳

Arts

30/05/2026

✨ A landmark performance on the Atlantic edge... ✨

Experience a powerful reimagining of one of Ireland’s greatest expressions of love, grief and defiance. This Kinsale Arts Weekend, the extraordinary oral tradition of Lament for Art O’Leary is transformed into a keening and contemporary opera performance set on the stunning, elevated grounds of Joseph Walsh Studios, Fartha, County Cork.

Here is what makes this a must-see event:
🌿 An Immersive Journey: Begin in the open-air Hedge Theatre with a haunting exploration of traditional keening.
🏛️ An Intimate Concert: Move indoors for a spellbinding performance featuring a contemporary score by composer Irene Buckley, set to a version by poet Vona Groarke.
🎻 World-Class Talent: The specially formed Kinsale Arts Weekend Ensemble is conducted by Gary Beecher. The orchestra leader is Katherine Hunka and will feature powerhouse sopranos Emma Nash and Kim Sheehan along with members of the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra and the MTU CSM Opera Lab Ensemble.

This is a rare meeting of ancient lament, contemporary composition and breathtaking landscape.

🎟️ Don’t miss out - secure your tickets via the link in our bio.

28/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE ✨
Kinsale Arts Weekend | July 9–12, 2026

We are celebrating 10 years of creativity and community.

Our 2026 theme is Immrama (“The Voyage”), drawing inspiration from ancient Irish tales of discovery and transformation. Get ready for four days of music, film, performance, and conversation in Kinsale’s most unique spaces.

🎨 We’re proud to debut this year’s festival artwork by Erin Connally, beautifully capturing the dreamlike pull of sea and story that threads through this year’s programme.

Thank you to the audiences, volunteers, artists, and partners who have made the last decade possible. We have some very special announcements on the way - stay tuned as we begin revealing the KAW26 programme.

30/01/2026

Congratulations to all involved in , looking forward to a great weekend 🎶

23/07/2025

Opening night of Kinsale Arts Weekend!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported us, whether you bought tickets, volunteered your time, performed, or worked behind the scenes. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing team and community! 🎭🎨❤️

19/07/2025

Today is the final day of the KAW25 Exhibition of Folk artist Seanie Barron’s work. Pop by to the Kinsale Library, we’re until 5.30!

15/07/2025

13/07/2025

Another amazing day at Kinsale Arts Weekend! 🎭🎶 Saturday was bursting with music, acting, and creativity. Huge thanks to everyone for the incredible support enjoy the final day of festivities! 💫