International Pan Celtic Festival Competitions 2026
Traditional performing artists needed for Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland. Compete in fiddle, harp, dance, choral and singing categories.
The Irish Pan Celtic committee is seeking traditional performing artists to represent Ireland at the International Pan Celtic Festival, which will be held in Carlow Town from April 7-11, 2026. This prestigious event welcomes Irish dancers, musicians, and choirs to participate in a wide range of competitions.
Competition categories include fiddle, harp, duet, choral, and dance performances. The winners of specific competitions from Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 (Corn Uí Riada, Sean-Nós na mBan & Sean-Nós na bhFear) will automatically participate on behalf of Ireland in the traditional singing competition.
The Irish song for the International Pan Celtic Song Contest will be selected at an event in the GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual, Carlow, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 20:00.
The Pan Celtic Festival is one of Europe's oldest cultural festivals, first held in May 1971 in Killarney, Co. Kerry, and takes place every Easter year. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of six Celtic nations: Alba (Scotland), Breizh (Brittany), Cymru (Wales), Éire (Ireland), Kernow (Cornwall), and Mannin (Isle of Man).
According to Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of the International Pan Celtic Council, "The Pan Celtic competitions give a great insight into the culture of the other Celtic Nations, as well as providing a new creative platform for Irish traditional performing artists." The festival program includes events for musicians, singers, composers, dancers, choirs, poets, and storytellers.
Irish artists have historically performed well in singing competitions, and organizers are seeking similar success in dancing, instrumental, and choral competitions to promote Ireland's cultural heritage among Celtic nations.