News From Events in Fingal
17th February 2025
Over €500k awarded to support local festivals and events across Fingal in 2025
Fingal County Council’s Events Unit has announced the allocation of €525,000 in funding to 101 groups and organisations across the county as part of its Festival and Events Funding Programme for 2025.
The funding will help support a wide range of exciting musical, sporting, and cultural events, driving community engagement, tourism, and regional vibrancy over the coming months. These events will play a pivotal role in showcasing the county's diverse culture, community offerings and help boost local economies.
Each year, over 100 events across the Fingal region are financially supported by the Events Unit, ranging from major music and theatre festivals to seafood festivals, summer events, and parades. These events create invaluable opportunities to celebrate the arts, sports, food, history, and entertainment while fostering a sense of community pride.
Mayor of Fingal, Brian McDonagh said: "I am incredibly proud to see our community come together year after year to host such a diverse array of events. The €525,000 funding will ensure that these gatherings continue to thrive and bring joy to Fingal. I look forward to seeing our residents and visitors enjoy all that 2025 has to offer."
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “We are thrilled to provide financial support to the broad range of groups and organisations in hosting many fantastic events this year, as they are essential to the county’s social and economic development. These events provide platforms for local talent, enhance tourism, and bring people together to celebrate what makes Fingal so special.”
Among the many highlights in the 2025 events calendar are the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day parades, which are expected to once again attract large crowds as they provide an exciting cultural experience for locals and tourists alike. There will be seven of these taking place across Fingal on 17 March.
As part of the funding process, successful applicants will have to participate in an Events Training Module, this training will ensure that event organisers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to run safe, successful, and sustainable events.
With the release of its major events programme for 2025, it showcases a jam-packed calendar with exciting events for all to discover. From the infamous summer events of Flavour of Fingal, Fingal Proms, Swords Castle Concerts to Howth Roots and Blues to Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival, Fingal Festival of Fire and Christmas Markets and Tree Lightings in the colder months, the programme promises something for everyone, ensuring a year-round vibrant calendar of activities for all to enjoy.
Stay updated on all the exciting events happening in Fingal by following our social media channels, or by checking eventsinfingal.ie to find out what’s on.
15th April 2024
Swords Castle Town Park Summer Concerts return with legendary lineup
The lineup for this year’s Swords Castle Town Park Summer Concerts Series has been announced, with two unforgettable summer evenings set to take place in July in the heart of Swords.
On Friday 26 July, Irish country star Nathan Carter will rock the main stage, along with The Ennis Brothers & Jem and The BeezNeez adding their vibrant performances and talent. Carter's previous performances at Swords Concert Series have been nothing short of sensational; don't miss your chance to see the Wagon Wheel singer up close and personal at this intimate event by securing your tickets early and avoiding disappointment.
We are also thrilled to welcome the legendary Sister Sledge to our town park’s stage on Saturday 27 July. The Grammy-nominated group will be joined by the lovely Blue Belles, Q102's Andy Preston serving as the evening's charismatic MC, as well as Essentially Cher who will be turning back time with a hugely authentic experience for music fans.
The arrival of these exceptional acts to Fingal as they grace the stage at Swords is a cause for delight. This event marks just one part of an exciting summer series, with numerous upcoming events scheduled throughout the sunny months. It is hoped that both residents and visitors will join in enjoying these festivities.
Whether it’s iconic disco tunes by Sister Sledge like "We are Family" or "Lost in Music" that get you moving, or any one of the hits from Carter’s 14 studio albums, the two summer nights promise non-stop dancing and unforgettable memories.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness live music at its finest amidst the historic backdrop of Swords Castle. For more information and tickets, see: https://eventsinfingal.ie/swordsconcerts
09th April 2024
Trade Applications for Flavours of Fingal Now Open!
We are delighted to inform you that applications for Flavours of Fingal 2024 (Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June) www.flavoursoffingal.ie are now open.
This year our application process is online, to apply and find out all the details and terms & conditions please visit: https://eventsinfingal.ie/show-tradestand and create your own account.
Applications will be open until 5pm on Tuesday 23rd April.
As space is limited and due to the very large amount of interested traders, priority will be given to applicants that fit in with the overall Flavours of Fingal Theme, Variety and those that Live and or Work in Fingal. The selection of traders is at the absolute and sole discretion of Fingal County Council’s Events Office and all decisions are final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
Should your application be for a Food Truck/Unit, please email photos of your truck/unit and food offering, menu and pricing to events@fingal.ie and we will forward to our Food Concession Manager who will deal with you directly.
We look forward to receiving your application.
1st February 2024
Brigid in Balbriggan
To celebrate Brigid's bank holiday, the wonderful community of Balbriggan gathered for a spectacular, illuminated procession through the streets of the town and onto the beach. Balbriggan is one of Europe’s most diverse towns and is expanding into a vibrant hub of creative expression and life.
On a beautiful, calm February evening, performers from Luxe Landscape Theatre Company were joined by community groups at the Lark Concert Hall.
Accompanied by an ethereal soundtrack, they carried light together from Church Street, gathered the community at George’s Square and in a powerful and emotive performance, spread Brigid’s light, before bringing everyone on a processional journey down Quay Street, under the viaduct and onto a celebration on the beach. All were welcome to join in this family-friendly event to celebrate the return of Spring with a celebration of light, hope, and the coming together of this wonderful and beautifully diverse community.
This breathtaking procession was developed through a collaboration between Creative Fingal, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, Community Wellness, Luxe Landscape Theatre, and the entire Balbriggan community. This demonstrates how the Creative Ireland Programme delivers through collaboration and partnership to promote understanding and appreciation of the value of creativity in all its forms. It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to celebrate community and creativity and to mark the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day.
1st September 2023
Fun weekend of coastal delights awaits as the Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival returns!
The much-anticipated Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival is back, promising another unforgettable weekend of entertainment, delicious cuisine, and the very best of what Howth has to offer. The two-day celebration is set to take place along the seafront promenade on 9-10 September 2023. Running from noon to 6pm each day, visitors will get to indulge in a range of activities that celebrate the rich maritime history and vibrant culture of one of Ireland’s most picturesque coastal villages.
As expected, the delicious food on offer is the major drawcard of the festival, with local pubs and restaurants displaying a mouth-watering array of seafood dishes that showcase the area's coastal bounty along with the stunning waterfront views. There will also be live music, a circus tent with aerial acts, the Strictly Come Howth dancing competition, vintage games and inflatables for all ages to enjoy across the weekend.
The annual event is delivered in partnership with Howth Tourism, an organisation dedicated to promoting the area's attractions and enhancing the visitor experience. Fully guided tours and experiences are on offer along with self-guided walks and trails, giving all who visit Howth plenty things to see and do.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: "This is an event that celebrates Fingal’s rich maritime heritage and gives visitors a chance to enjoy some of the finest seafood going. I encourage everyone to come and join in festivities over the weekend and to make the most of what our region has to offer."
Adding to the excitement of the festival, the Howth Yacht Club will be hosting the ICRA & J24 National Championships 2023. This prestigious event will see over 100 boats and some 1,000 competitors battling it out on the water between Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island off the Fingal coastline. With limited parking available, the best way for visitors to join the festivities is via public transport. If possible take the train out, particularly as the Howth DART station is in the heart of the event. The 6 and H3 buses will also bring you to the epicentre of the festival!
For more information and updates follow: @HowthMaritime on Twitter & @howthmaritimeandseafoodfestival on Facebook.
