Ten days of music, arts, and culture on offer at Boyle Arts Festival

Boyle is preparing to once again come alive with creativity, energy, and celebration as Boyle Arts Festival 2025 returns from July 17th to 26th. The countdown is now officially on for what promises to be one of the most exciting festivals in the West this summer.

Broadcaster Bryan Dobson will open Boyle Arts Festival on Thursday, July 17th.

Now in its 36th year, Boyle Arts Festival has built a proud tradition of supporting Irish talent—especially emerging artists—while also showcasing world-class performances across music, literature, visual arts, theatre, comedy and more. The festival and exhibition will be officially opened on Thursday, July 17th by journalist, presenter and former RTÉ newscaster Bryan Dobson.

Boyle Arts Festival is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of local businesses, sponsors, and the community.

The festival has been named a county finalist in the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

“This recognition is a true testament to the quality of our work and the incredible community that supports and inspires everything we do,” said festival chairperson Patricia Golden. “Thank you to everyone - artists, volunteers, audiences, and partners - who help us bring creativity, culture, and connection to life in Boyle year after year.

“Each year, the festival grows in depth, diversity, and quality. We’re especially proud of the platform it gives to young and emerging Irish talent across all disciplines,” said Patricia.

Visitors are encouraged to check the website at www.boylearts.com for updates, tickets, and full programme details.

“Join us for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and culture in the heart of the West,” said the chairperson.

This year’s headline musical acts include one of the last chances to catch legendary Irish folk band The Fureys as they approach their final chapter in May 2026. Playing Friday, July 25th, their music has been the soundtrack to generations of fans worldwide and for nearly five decades, Eddie and George Furey have shaped Irish folk music, sharing stages with legends like The Clancy Brothers.

The world-renowned Irish Tenors play the Church of Ireland on Thursday, July 24th as part of their 25th anniversary tour. With 10 best-selling albums and a reputation as Ireland’s premier musical ambassadors, their performance promises a stirring and unforgettable live experience.

Iconic ska group Bad Manners, who will close the festival with a high-energy show at St. Joseph’s Hall on Saturday, July 26th and recently reformed acoustic quartet, Jargon play an afternoon show on Sunday, 20th featuring Charlie McGettigan alongside acclaimed guitarist Gerry Grennan, soulful performer Liam Gilmartin, and versatile musician Brian Mulligan.

In comedy and theatre, renowned comedian Jarlath Regan brings his latest stand-up show ‘In Bits’ to Boyle on Thursday, 24th, following an internationally acclaimed, sold-out tour and Bradán Players present “Little Gem” on Wednesday, July 23rd, a poignant and hilarious play about love, sex, birth, death and salsa classes. “Betrothed” by Julie Sharkey on Sunday, 20th is an immersive theatre experience that brings the audience into the heart of the action, moving through the historic rooms of King House alongside the characters.

This year’s programme also includes a not-to-be-missed evening of music with the The Seeger Sessions Revival on Friday, 18th, a thrilling tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions and American folk music, and on Monday, 21st July, Gradam Shean- Nós Cois Life 2025 awardee, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh brings together a star studded line-up for Boyle including leading producer musician, Dónal O’Connor on fiddle & keyboards, Ireland’s premier traditional harper & composer, Michael Rooney, renowned Belfast Cellist Neil Martin, legendary Dublin uilleann piper Mick O’Brien and young Conamara Sean Nós Dancer and concertina player Becky Ní Éallaithe.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Kieran Quinn’s theme nights arrive in Boyle for the very first time on Sunday 20th with a community of musicians that will take you on a soul-stirring journey through one of life’s great mysteries: The Power of Love. The traditional ensemble, Garadice plays Friday 18th featuring Eleanor Shanley, Padraig McGovern, John McCartin, and Dave Sheridan presenting their moving new album Sanctuary, blending Irish musical heritage with contemporary elegance.

You will be able to dive into the iconic soundscape of Radiohead with Karma Police on Saturday, 19th, a talented six-piece tribute band, and we are so excited to have Music Generation Roscommon perform a special pre-festival event again this year on Wednesday, 16th July, specially created for Boyle Arts Festival 2025! This year's show is called 'End of a Century' and explores music from the 90's, renowned for its creativity, authenticity, and diversity. Local favourites and lifelong friends Lynda, Lizi, and Ceara return for their fourth Boyle Arts Festival appearance on Saturday, July 26th.