RTÉ is supporting 21 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this July

Wednesday, 24 Jun 2026 11:46
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From Cork to Limerick to Earagail: 

RTÉ is supporting 21 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this July

RTÉ Supporting the Arts is delighted to spotlight an exciting programme of festivals, exhibitions, performances and cultural experiences taking place across Ireland this July. From world-class theatre and music to visual arts, film, heritage and community celebrations, audiences nationwide can enjoy an extraordinary range of artistic events throughout the month.

July’s line-up showcases the richness and diversity of Ireland’s cultural landscape, with major international festivals, acclaimed theatrical productions, pioneering exhibitions and accessible arts experiences taking place from Donegal to Cork, Galway to Belfast.

Among the highlights is The Whiteheaded Boy at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, a revival of Lennox Robinson’s classic Irish comedy that continues to resonate with audiences through its sharp wit and enduring themes. Dublin theatre goers can also experience The Brightening Air, a new production by acclaimed playwright Conor McPherson at the Gate Theatre. Literature lovers can explore Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), an exhibition celebrating Brendan Behan’s life, work and enduring literary legacy.

Festival season is in full swing with some of Ireland’s most celebrated cultural gatherings. The Galway International Arts Festival returns with an ambitious multidisciplinary programme spanning theatre, music, visual arts and spectacle, while the Galway Film Fleadh once again brings filmmakers and cinema lovers together to celebrate the best of Irish and international filmmaking.

In the northwest, Earagail Arts Festival transforms Donegal with a vibrant programme of contemporary arts and cultural events, while Cairde Sligo Arts Festival and the Sligo Jazz Project International Summer School and Festival offer audiences a unique combination of visual arts, performance, and world-class jazz.

Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances from some of the country’s finest young musicians as the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland Summer Proms tour Waterford, Cork, Wexford and Dublin. The Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra presents its summer concert series, Suite Dreams, in Cork and Dublin, while the Boyne Music Festival and King John Summer Prom 2026 bring exceptional classical music experiences to audiences in Louth and Meath.

Traditional music lovers can head north for Belfast TradFest, one of the island’s leading celebrations of Irish traditional music, song and dance. Meanwhile, Wicklow’s Ancient Music Festival – Music in the Forest 2026 offers a distinctive programme of early music performances in a unique natural setting.

Visual arts and heritage are strongly represented this month. The National Gallery of Ireland presents William Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy, exploring the life and work of one of Britain’s most visionary artists. In Limerick, the Hunt Museum’s exhibition Our, Óir, Ore: Four Millennia of Limerick Silver and Gold traces the remarkable history of precious metal craftsmanship in the region.

Visitors to Mayo can explore the rich collections and beautiful grounds of the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park, while in Kildare, The Shackleton Experience, Athy continues to celebrate the remarkable story of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Community and participation remain at the heart of the arts calendar. The Liberties Festival, one of Ireland’s oldest festivals, returns with a packed programme of arts and cultural activities across Dublin’s historic Liberties district, while Clonmel Junction Arts Festival once again brings artists and audiences together in Tipperary through an innovative programme of contemporary arts events.

This month also features the nationwide Mental Health Matters: National Poster Campaign, using creativity and visual expression to promote positive conversations around mental health and wellbeing throughout communities across Ireland.

RTÉ Supporting the Arts is proud to champion artists, organisations and cultural institutions that enrich communities and inspire audiences every day. We encourage audiences to discover these outstanding events and experience the breadth of artistic talent on offer across the island this July. We encourage everyone to explore, attend, and enjoy the wealth of creativity on offer this month. For more information, rte.ie/culture       

Events supported by the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme this July: