Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival 2026
August Bank Holiday Weekend • Family-Friendly • Community Festival
What to expect
About The Festival
Join us in beautiful Newport, Co. Mayo, at the heart of the Great Western Greenway, as Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Thursday 30th July to Monday 3rd August, this much-loved festival brings locals, visitors and returning friends together for a packed programme of music, family fun, heritage, entertainment, children’s activities, community spirit and long-standing festival favourites.
Rooted in the sprit of Newport and inspired by the legacy of Gráinne Uaile, this year’s festival will honour six decades of memories while bringing fresh energy to one of Ireland’s best-loved summer celebrations. With tonnes of free family-friendly events throughout the programme, there will be something for all ages to enjoy.
We look forward to welcoming you to Newport for a very special weekend of celebration, fun and community.
Live Music Festival
Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest
As part of this year’s packed Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival programme, we’re delighted to introduce Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest – a dedicated live music event bringing big names, crowd favourites and unforgettable performances to the heart of Newport.
Taking place in a festival marquee from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, Harbour Fest adds an exciting new dimension to a weekend already full of family events, children’s activites, entertainment and festival traditions. Tickets are limited, so book yours today.
Friday, 31st July
Derek
Ryan
Derek Ryan brings chart-topping Irish country to Newport with the hits, heart and energy that have made him one of Ireland’s most loved live performers. Expect a fantastic atmosphere and a set full of crowd-pleasing entertainment. More info
Saturday, 1st August
Hermitage Green
Hermitage Green are renowned for their electrifying live performances, rich harmonies and genre-blending sound. With a unique mix of folk, rock and trad, they have built a reputation as one of Ireland’s standout live bands. More info
Sunday, 2nd August
The Highstool Prophets
The Highstool Prophets have built a huge following with their modern take on Irish folk. After sold-out shows and major support slots, they arrive in Newport as one of the most talked-about acts on the folk scene. More info
3-Day Ticket
Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest Weekend Pass
Why not make a weekend of it? Our 3-day weekend pass gives you access to all three nights of live music. Derek Ryan, Hermitage Green, and The Highstool Prophets, and more, all under one roof across the bank holiday weekend. Tickets are limited, so pick yours up today!
Event Announcements
Plans are underway for the 60th Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival in 2026. This is a huge anniversary year, and to celebrate, we’re introducing some ticketed music events with some hugely exciting acts appearing in Newport for the first time! We’re hoping for an exciting and fun time for the whole family. Our 2026 festival programme will appear below when ready; a look at what to expect throughout the weekend.
View the Festival Programme
More About the Bands
Derek Ryan
Derek Ryan is one of Ireland’s best-loved country music stars, known for chart-topping albums, sell-out tours and feel-good live shows. A gifted songwriter behind favourites including God’s Plan, Hold On To Your Hat and Down On Your Uppers, Derek blends traditional Irish country with a fresh modern edge.
Fresh from recording in Nashville and with new music including It’s All Country, Derek brings singalong hits, warmth and high-energy entertainment to Newport for a Friday night full of country music and dancing.
Hermitage Green
Hermitage Green are one of Ireland’s most exciting live bands, celebrated for rich harmonies, driving rhythms and a distinctive acoustic sound. With acclaimed releases including Connection, international tours and sold-out shows at major venues, they have earned a reputation for unforgettable performances.
On Saturday night, Hermitage Green bring their powerful, harmony-driven sound to The Quay for what promises to be a standout night of live music at Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival.
Fundraising
To make the festival a success, the commitee plans several fundraisers throughout the year. These events help make the festival a success. See more on our fundraising efforts here.