Dunmore Annual Festival returns with nine-day action packed programme
52nd edition of popular festival starts on July 31
THE DUNMORE Annual Festival is once again set to deliver ten days of family fun, with a culchie competition among the exciting new additions to the lineup.
Taking place from Friday July 31 to Sunday August 9, this year's schedule will be filled with action-packed days of entertainment, sport and music, catering to people of all ages.
The 52nd edition of the popular festival was officially launched on Saturday June 27 by the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Andrew Reddington, in Glynn’s Bar in Dunmore.
"It is absolutely astonishing for a festival to have lasted 52 years. It must be a record for a rural town like Dunmore to have that length of service in terms of festivals," commented Cllr Reddington who praised the dedication of the committee, both past and present.
One event already creating plenty of excitement is The Green Ball Gamble. On Saturday August 8, hundreds of numbered balls will race around The Green in Dunmore, with the first ball across the finish line winning the €2,000 top prize.
Local rivalries will once again be renewed in the Four Roads GAA contest and the Festival Road Race, but a new addition for 2026 is the I’m A Culchie, Get Me Out of Here! contest. Teams of two will face each other in a series of challenges to be crowned Dunmore's newest champions in this battle of rural life.
Music is always a highlight of the festival and 2026 promises to be no different. The Town Hall will come alive with an 80s & 90s Night featuring Spring Break, while Rave Bingo promises a unique mix of classic bingo, great music and plenty of glow-stick energy.
Festival favourites also return this year, including the traditional Market Day, road bowling, pavement art, Country Night and the Sensory Express, with many more events scheduled throughout the ten days.
"Our sponsors are absolutely vital. Without their support it simply wouldn't be possible to host a festival like this for the 52nd year,” said Festival Chair Lisa Mullarkey.
“I'd also like to thank our incredible committee, who give countless hours, days and weeks of their own time. We hope everyone comes out to support the events, gets involved and enjoys the fun and craic of Festival Week in Dunmore."
The full ten-day programme will be announced in mid-July. In the meantime, festival-goers are encouraged to follow Dunmore Annual Festival on social media for the latest updates, alongside information on how to enter I'm A Culchie, Get Me Out of Here! and The Green Ball Gamble.