Festival fever returns to the Royal county

Hinterland Festival of Literature and Arts, 25th–28th June

One of Meath’s most established cultural festivals returns to Kells, transforming the town into a hub of storytelling, ideas, and performance. Across four days, audiences can dip into author talks and history discussions, comedy, music, workshops, and visual arts spread across multiple venues.

You might start the day with a thought-provoking talk, wander into a comedy set in the afternoon, and end it with live music in the evening, all within walking distance. A true celebration of creativity for all ages.

For more information, click here.

Navan Midsummer Festival, 19th–21st June

A fresh addition to Meath’s summer calendar, this new festival celebrates midsummer in the heart of the Boyne Valley with a lively mix of music, food, culture, markets, and community events across Navan.

At its centre is the Midsummer Market, taking over part of the St Mary’s Church car park, showcasing local food producers, crafts, and family-friendly activities. Expect everything from live music and storytelling to comedy and pop-up performances throughout the weekend.

Local businesses will also take part in a Celtic-inspired shopfront competition, with a €1,000 prize for the most imaginative display, adding to the midsummer magic within the town streets.

For more information, click here or here.

Boyne Music Festival, 23rd–26th July

This four-day boutique festival unfolds across the Boyne Valley, with performances at striking heritage locations including Townley Hall, Slane Castle, and St Peter’s Church of Ireland.

Blending classical and contemporary music with photography exhibitions, workshops, and family events, the festival is shaped as much by the landscape and history of the Boyne Valley as by the performances themselves.

For more information, click here.

NeuroFest Navan, 20th June, 11am–4:30pm

Hosted with Navan Adventure Centre as part of the Navan Midsummer Festival, NeuroFest is a welcoming, non-profit event designed for neurodiverse children and their families.

The day features interactive activities, live performers, and talks from experts focused on neurodiversity, offering practical and supportive information for parents and carers. Whether children are drawn to high-energy play or calmer, sensory-rich experiences, the festival is designed so families can explore at their own pace in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

Tickets are limited to help keep the atmosphere manageable and comfortable.

For more information, click here.

Rithim na Bóinne, 4th July

A new grassroots one-day music festival brings fresh energy to Drogheda this summer. Rithim na Bóinne will take over three venues, with live performances running between Sarsfield’s and McHugh’s from the afternoon into the evening, before finishing with an afterparty at Earth Nightclub until late.

The line-up showcases a mix of emerging and established acts, with a strong focus on supporting local musicians while also drawing touring artists into the town.

For more information, click here.

Luke Combs at Slane Castle, 18th–19th July

While not a festival, country superstar Luke Combs’ two-night run at Slane Castle is set to be one of the standout live music moments of the summer.

Part of his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour,” he’ll be joined by special guests The Script, Ty Myers, and The Castellows, marking a major return of live music to the iconic Meath venue. It will be the first concert at Slane Castle since Harry Styles performed there in 2023.

For more information on the venue’s concert history, click here.

Boyne Valley Film Festival, 8th–10th August

Returning for its fifth year, the Boyne Valley International Film Festival brings three days of film, creativity, and connection to Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda.

Curated by filmmaker Frank W. Kelly and Collette Farrell of Droichead Arts Centre, the festival spotlights emerging Irish and international filmmakers, with screenings, awards, and opportunities for development support for standout work.

It continues to build a creative hub in the region, connecting local talent with global storytelling voices and offering bursaries to upcoming filmmakers.

For more information, click here.

Navan Pride Festival, 15th-20th June

Kicking off on 15th June, Navan Pride 2026 is jam packed with fun events for all the family. Starting off on the 15th with a special screening of the movie 'Wicked' in the Solstice Arts Centre, dress up is highly encouraged!

The next day will follow with 'Breaking Down Barriers' returning to Solstice Arts Centre for a meaningful panel discussion on Living Authentically: Courage in Our Community.

From quiz's, drag bingo and the Pride Parade itself, you won't be bored if you take part!

For more information, click here.

Trim Midsummer Jazz and Blues Weekend, 19th-21st June

Trim is calling all Jazz and music lovers on the weekend of 19th June for three days of live jazz, great food and super company. With the scenic background of the River Boyne, the town's local pubs, hotels and the Swift Cultural Centre are taking part, with a very special outdoor event planned for Saturday 20th at the Bandstand in the Porchfields, marking the first time the location has been used for a live gig.

For more information, click here.

King John Summer Prom Festival Trim, 6th-8th July

Kings John Summer Prom returns to Trim this July, taking place in Trim Castle Hotel after a successful event in 2025 that saw Mel Gibson and the cast of Braveheart return to Trim where the movie was shot, for three days of orchestral music with a 65 piece orchestra, the Orchestral Odyssey family concert and Perter Byrne’s Neil Diamond Tribute.

Inspired by the town's medieval heritage and its association with Trim Castle, the festival features Irish music and storytelling performances, large scale orchestral concerts, guest singers, actors, and musicians and cultural celebrations connected to Irish history and heritage.

For more information, click here.