Ablefest to return to Fairyhouse for 2026

Ablefest will return to Fairyhouse Racecourse this summer, with organisers promising another major line-up for the inclusive music and arts festival.

Now in its seventh year, the event will take place on Saturday, 25 July and has grown to become Ireland’s largest festival for people with additional needs, attracting visitors from across the country to its Meath base.

The official launch took place at Fairyhouse last Friday and was attended by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee, along with councillors and invited guests.

Meath County Council is partnering with the festival for a second consecutive year following the success of the 2025 event.

Guests at the launch were treated to performances from Jake Carter and Mundy, both of whom are set to return as part of this year’s line-up alongside DJ Mark McCabe and Irish Elvis, with further acts expected to be announced.

In addition to its music offering, the festival will again include a wide range of arts and activity stations designed to ensure a fully accessible and inclusive experience for attendees, their families and carers.

Welcoming the return of the event, Cllr Harding said Ablefest was “a fantastic, vibrant and truly inclusive event” taking place in the county.

Deputy Chief Executive Fiona Lawless said the council was proud to support an initiative that reflects its commitment to inclusion and community wellbeing.

The festival is organised by Able Events, founded by Kevin Farrell and Shay Casserley, and has continued to expand in recent years.

Mr Farrell said organisers were looking forward to building on the успех of previous festivals.

“We are delighted to have the continued support of Meath County Council and look forward to another fantastic event this summer,” he said.

Further information on the festival, including ticket details, is available through the Able Events website.