A Celebration Of Imagination With The Vibrant Cairde Arts Festival in Sligo

Ireland, Sligo, 56 Comments

Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025

Our hometown, Sligo, located in the northwest of Ireland, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and rugged coast. There’s also lush green countryside and rolling hills.

Besides nature, Sligo is a lively town with an excellent calendar of events and festivals, some of which occur annually. During the summertime, visitors can experience a special dose of magic as an array of art, music, artists, and their audiences invade the county to celebrate the festivals.

There’s the Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival with a Pirate Parade, Shanty Worhops and Blessing of the Boats. There’s Sligo County Fleadh in Easky bringing together dancers, performers and musicians for thunderous traditional music celebrations.

And there’s also my favourite – the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, which runs from the 6th to the 13th of July 2024, with a jam-packed schedule.

As the much-awaited festival is coming to Sligo next week, I decided to write a post about it, especially as it includes the show-stopping performance by the newly formed spectacle company, VolkiDána.

It is similar to last year’s LUXE The Seas Above performance, which I am going to highlight in this post.

Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Wonderful Caves Of Keash In Sligo, Ireland

Luxe performing during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival last summer

What is the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is a festival for the whole family showcasing a dynamic mix of art from national, international and local artists who deliver circus, film, visual art, literature and family-friendly entertainment as well as workshops, poetry and exhibitions.

This year, festival-goers will be treated to stunning visual performances bursting with vibrant colours.

We visited the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival for the last few years and absolutely loved the experience as the town felt alive with an incredible atmosphere and things were happening all over Sligo.

To find acts and shows, simply check the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival web page, flip through the event brochure or follow them on social media.

I would suggest going to a mix of shows, such as paid and free, as well as different types of shows to get the most from your Cairde Sligo Arts Festival experience.

Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Beautiful Gleniff Horseshoe Valley In Sligo

Luxe will perform during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

Where Does It Take Place

The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival takes place in County Sligo with artists performing in various pubs, parks, venues, on the street and in outdoor locations.

  • Family-friendly events involve Cairde in Sligo’s Peace Park on Sun 07 July | 1 to 6pm where you can experience Doris & Mabel’s Book Club by Sanita Circus and savour melodic performances by the Dollys and Dukes Uke Super Group, Stephen O’Dowd and Aremoja Drummers & Dancers.
  • Musical highlights can be enjoyed at various locations such as the Model, Markree Castle, Hawk’s Well Theatre and various pubs
  • Photography exhibitions and visual art can be found at the Model and Hamilton Gallery on Castle St
  • The poetry and film event Moonstruck by filmmaker Laura Sheeran can be experienced at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill

Read More: 7 Stunning Sligo Beaches to Visit When You’re In Need Of A Breather

Luxe will perform during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

Last Year’s Festival Highlight

Last summer, we were among the hundreds of spectators flocking to the small seaside village of Mullaghmore to witness the renowned performance group LUXE deliver the stunning act of The Seas Above, a spectacularly illuminated performance.

The widely anticipated performance. was a dazzling cluster of fire sculptures, music, mechanical puppetry, and processional and costume displays taking place on Mullagmore sandy beach at dusk

Crowds were mesmerised by a theatrical otherworld of fire, light, and fluidly shifting dancers.

Those who didn’t get to see the show by the coast could be captivated by the illuminated event in the Sligo town centre as the LUXE navigated to the Old Quay.

Read More: 20+ Memorable Things To Do In Sligo For Every Type Of Traveller

Luxe will perform during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

This Year Highlights

There are too many to choose from, but I am gonna highlight a few shows and acts worth looking into, such as:

  • You can enjoy BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, Ríoghnach Connolly’s musical performance at the Model
  • You can experience a lively music show by Felip Carbonell’s RUMBA EXPERIENCE showcasing Catalan Rumba, a musical style created and developed by the Catalan Gypsy Community in Barcelona City.
  • You can meet Adania Shibli, a Palestine-born writer who was awarded the Qattan Young Writer’s Award at the Clayton Hotel
  • You can watch an immersive outdoor circus performance by Prologue taking place in the forest at dusk

Read More: West Coast Living: 6 Incredibly Useful Tips For Moving To Countryside

Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet – photo courtesy of Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

Other Festivals Worth Checking Out in Sligo

Sligo has a packed calendar of festivals and events for visitors and locals to enjoy. Some of the best include:

  • Sligo Jazz Festival takes place from 23-28 July 2024. and features masterclasses, workshops and jam sessions with some of the world’s best jazz musicians and educators.
  • Ballygawley Music Festival, founded in 2019, is one of the North West`s biggest music festivals. It takes place from the 18th until the 21st of July in Ballygawley Village, Co Sligo.
  • Knocklane Traditional Music Festival takes place from 15th to 16th June and brings a weekend of dance and music to Sligo

Read More: A Fantastic Walk For A Weekend: Benbulben Forest Walk In Beautiful Sligo

Luxe will perform during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

…    …    …    …    …    …    …    …     …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …

Now, over to you!

Have you been to the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Sligo and have travel-related questions!

Subscribe For The Latest In Travel Inspiration

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to stay up to date with all our outdoor adventures

Enter your email below to receive updates

Unknown's avatar

Posted by

Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

56 thoughts on “A Celebration Of Imagination With The Vibrant Cairde Arts Festival in Sligo”

    1. Thank you, Jo 🙂 I always love seeing Sligo streets and venues come alive with music, theatre and mind-bending art installations during the summer months. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

        1. I looked it up, Jo. I hope you are having a great time experiencing celebrations and watching Tavira transform for its municipal holiday as the streets get embellished with festive decorations and bonfires xx

          Like

          Reply

          1. We normally have fireworks at midnight on 23rd but this year was a video projection on the wall. Not quite the same but eco friendly and the town was buzzing. There’s another free live concert at 10.00 tonight.
            Are you on Instagram or Threads? I have photos on there. Take care, and have a lovely summer 🌞🩷

            Like

  3. The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival seems like a very interesting festival to attend. I love the colour and how everything is illuminated — it makes sure the festival is pleasing to the eye. I hope you guys enjoy the festival this year and that it will exceed all expectation (and that the weather will play along).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Corna 🙂 It’s great to feel the fantastical spirit of the festival in every nook and cranny of Sligo town as it offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the culture and marvel at magnificent performances. Kids are finishing school this Friday, so we’ll be free to attend all the festivities to our heart’s content. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 I like to roam around Sligo and its many squares and venues to become immersed in the magic of the illuminating performances. We usually bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and feel our eyes widen as street theatres come to life right in front of us. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Wow! The Cairdre Sligo Arts Festival looks dazzling and lots of fun! Never heard of it, but it looks awesome. I hope you have a wonderful time going again this year. Thanks for sharing, Aiva 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca 🙂 It’s a great summer festival where you can watch the world dance around you and discover your new favourite artist as the music scene during the festival is on another level! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It is. The festival provides spectators with an opportunity to watch the stunning spectacle of world-class theatre, citrus and literature events. The best thing about it – many of the performing acts are entirely free and include tons of jaw-dropping exhibitions. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. I love arts festivals and this looks amazing! Our state of South Australia is known as the Festival State as there’s always something happening year round in the city of Adelaide. Many regional areas take on smaller events too. They are so good for family fun. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Glenys. I love a good summer festival where you can gather with your family and friends to mingle with talented performers and artists from around the world while you dance the night away. I had no idea that there’s a state in Australia known as the Festival State – I think it’s pretty cool to have many festivals where you can broaden your mind and have fun. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Great cities are those who celebrate the arts and get people involved. Looks like that is what Sligo is doing. I have never been to Cairde Sligo Arts Festival and have just barely bounced off Sligo many many years ago. Now, you make me want to come during festival time. Thanks for sharing Aiva. Have a great time. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We are fortunate to have plenty of fun and family-friendly cultural events for all ages coming our way over the coming months. Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is perfect for a good family outing, especially as the school is out this Friday, and parents are looking for ways to break up the long days at home. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. The costumes and the lightning are quite spectacular, especially for the LUXE show. It was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time especially as it took place on the beach in pitch black night. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. The outfits and activities sound amazing for this festival. Have a blast. Our big festival in our hometown is the Calgary Stampede in early July. It’s an energetic event that takes the city by storm. Well over 1 million visitors each year.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. It is one of the festivals we look forward to attending the most. I was in Calgary ten years ago just a few days before the official kickoff of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and was fortunate to tour the city and feel the excitement in the air of the upcoming event. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. It was quite magical and surreal as there was a perfect combination of liquid movements, burning fire and music. Given that the performance was represented by LUXE who have made trailblazing, landscape spectacles internationally for 14 years, I didn’t expect anything less. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. It must be an enchanting and magical event
    Your description of some moments from last year’s shows is fabulous
    The performances mixing fire sculptures, music and mechanical puppets must have been truly mind-blowing❣️❣️❣️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, dear Luisa 🙂 There was something quite mesmerising about the LUXE’s The Seas Above performance, who are festival favourites, and their collections of sumptuous costumes, processional and fire sculptures. They certainly know how to make beautiful bespoke shows. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival looks interesting and sounds very lively. It’s nice how they even have family-friendly events as well. Have fun at the festival! You’ll have to report back and let us know how it was.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Linda 🙂 We loved everything the festival offered to the spectators last year, especially LUXEs’s performance – The Seas Above – which was a spectacular illuminated, twilight procession. taking place by the sea. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I know what you mean! There are lots of rewards to planning a festival but keeping everything on track can be a challenge, especially with so many moving parts. Cairde Sligo Arts Festival are always on the lookout for volunteers to help with a show, I might even sign up for it one year. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. I must say I have always been intrigued by festivals like this, for they make a city feel livelier and more friendly to humans. However, I rarely drag my feet out of the comfort of my home to see them — I can blame many things but I guess I’m just lazy. This post is a reminder for me to go out and see events like this, which looks great by the way!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Festival season brings fun and magic, providing experiences that people will be hard pushed to find elsewhere But I know what you mean, Bama – while the festivals come with tonnes of entertainment, games and shows, there’s also large crowds, lots of noise and limited parking options. But as I had a chance to live and work through three Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, I feel I can handle almost anything. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 I love small festivals that showcase local talent, and we are fortunate to have a good few of them taking place in Sligo. Thanks for stopping by. i I hope your summer is going well 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Ruth. We have always had a soft spot for Sligo and its rugged coast and always talked about the possibility of relocating. Once we started a family, we were more than happy to leave Dublin behind and settle on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made! Thanks for stopping by. I hope your summer is going well 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Isn’t it wonderful what a country at peace can do?

    I’m sure Ukraine will have festivals one day. The sooner the better.

    Take care Aiva.

    (Is Kaja Kallas from your country or the “one next door?”)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, I hope that one day, when Ukraine wins its freedom through a horrific and bloody sacrifice, defending others on the Continent in the process, will thus claim its place in Europe by the sheer magnitude of its sacrifice and be able to have festivals.

      Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas is our northerly neighbour!

      Have a good day 🙂 xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. As they say in the UK (I don’t know in Ireland):
        Hear! Hear!
        Estonian. I thought as much. As you probably know, we foreigners have a hard time telling one baltic republic from the other. I will try my best to exercise…
        You too. Happy Sunday

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    1. Sligo might be a small town yet we have an abundance of fantastic festivals to attend all year round, especially during the summer months. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. I love events like this! They are always full of community fun. Luxe looked fabulous but I bet you’re looking forward to VolkiDána this year. Our town also has their big day out this year. It’s a lot of fun and always hosts a vintage car and engine festival.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, same here – I love small intimate events where you can actually see the performers and artists without being squashed by the crowd. We are fortunate to have a calendar full of events that span from concerts with world-class performers to sporting events to guided walks and lively shows. There’s a Sligo Taste of Food Festival taking place in the upcoming weekend where we gonna be able to taste mouth-watering dishes from local producers and celebrate Sligo’s rich culinary heritage. Thanks for stopping by, have a good day, and sorry for the late reply 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. Loads are happening in Sligo especially since the Queen Maeve Square officially opened up this year in May by the river. It serves as an outdoor venue for concerts and other events, with a standing capacity of approximately 4,500. Thanks for stopping by, have a good day, and sorry for the late reply 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.