Saturday, May 30th & Sunday May 31st 2026
Saturday, May 30th & Sunday May 31st 2026
There’s nothing like a festival to get people together, having fun and celebrating. If you missed last year’s fantastic festival, make sure you don’t miss this year’s.
The Festival of Ferns is all about having fun, celebrating what makes us unique – our people and our heritage.
We have something to suit all ages – family fun activities, a live concert on the grounds of Ferns Castle, music in local pubs, exhibitions, historical talks, a spectacle festival parade followed by a medieval themed re-enactment and live music on an outdoor stage at Ferns Castle.
All events are free and open to all. We want you to share in our celebration, so make sure and save the dates
May 30th and 31st, 2026
Festival of Ferns 2026 Saturday, May 30th
Live Concert
One of the highlights of this year’s festival concert is the Corner Boy concert. They’re a well known and popular Wexford based Irish folk/roots band renowned for their lively performances blending traditional Irish music with Americana. The concert will take place on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle.
Before Corner Boy take to the stage, festival goers can enjoy a special performance from Eoin Harris, a talented young folk artist from Gorey who will bring his unique style to the stage.
The concert will kick off at 6pm.
Corner Boy playing at Festival of Ferns 2026
Festival of Ferns 2026 Saturday, May 30th
Princess & Knights Picnic
Step back in time with this picnic with a difference. Join us on Saturday May 30th between 1pm and 2pm for our Knights & Princess picnic on the beautiful grounds of Ferns Castle where little adventurers can dress up as knights and princesses.
Inspired by the legendary Princess Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster – this enchanting picnic brings history to life with a touch of fun and fantasy. Pack your picnic and blanket, gather the family, and enjoy this festival picnic in the company of friends and family.
- Costumes encouraged but not essential
- Bring your own picnic
- Perfect for kids (and grown-ups who still believe in a bit of magic!)
To get into the groove we have handmade head dresses for the princesses for sale @€7 and helmets for the Norman Knights @€10 (limited supply). If you would like to purchase in advance, please email festivalofferns@gmail.com or drop in to the Medieval Ferns Experience (Y21 VW29).
Follow Festival of Ferns on Facebook and Instagram for more information on this year’s festival – Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st
Family Fun at Ferns Community Park
We have a range of activities for the young and not so young – ideal for a family day out. The Park is located at the back of Ferns Community Centre – activities take place on Saturday, May 30th between 2pm and 6pm.
Face painting: Adding a touch of colour and fun Archery: Soft play archery – always a popular, fun activity!
Setanta Challenge: Test your skills with the Setanta Challenge.
Medieval Stocks – Have fun trying out this form of medieval punishment. Duck Racing: We’re bringing back duck racing – a popular one from the annual Field Day repertoire!
Ring Toss – a traditional game similar to horsehoes.
4 in a row – a game of strategy similar to Connect 4
Hot Shot – try your skill at kicking a ball through the hole!
And to add a modern twist, we’ll have local group South East Tabletop demonstrating War Hammer games and a first for Ferns – saber training. Can’t wait to see this one!
Teas/Coffees and tray bakes: Take time out to enjoy some local refreshments.
Festival of Ferns 2026 Sunday, May 31st
Spectacle Parade
One of the highlights of our festival is the Parade on Sunday, May 31st. A spectacle of colour and fun, featuring characters from our medieval history – a mix of Gaelic and Norman and will take place on Sunday, May 31st.
The Parade will start at 3pm from St Edan’s Cathedral and will include a Samba band, medieval costumes, giant props and more.
The Parade finishes at Ferns Castle and will be followed by a variety of entertainment, from drama, to face painting, music and dance. All on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle, an authentic 13th century castle by the Normans.
Festival of Ferns Parade
Festival of Ferns 2026 Sunday, May 31st
Long Live the King!! (but which King?)
Celebrating our fascinating medieval story is very much part of our annual festival.
This year’s Festival of Ferns drama piece centres on the period immediately following Diarmait MacMurrough’s death in 1171. We’ve heard various reports as to who became the ‘King of Leinster’ following his death. We look forward to the Ferns Heritage Project’s presentation this year. Expect the unexpected!
#AncientCapitalofLeinster #KingofLeinster #GaelicKingship #Normanknights
And to add an extra special medieval atmosphere to the occasion, we’re delighted to have Eternum, a music duo who blend medieval, renaissance, celtic and folk music and song.
Eternum
Fringe Events
Fringe Events on Saturday, May 30th
'The rightful King?' - a talk by Dr. Stephen Mandal
Stephen Mandal, co-founder of the Irish Heritage School, will give a talk entitled ‘The rightful King? – an update on the results of the excavations of Diarmait MacMurchada’s Abbey at Ferns.
The contributions of specialists in wide ranging fields such as geology and medieval pottery, coupled with radiocarbon dating, has shed new light on this fascinating site.He will discuss the updated findings on the excavations at Ferns led by Dr. Denis Shine.
The talk will be held at Ferns Castle Visitor Centre from 5pm – 6pm on Saturday, May 30th.
Accessible Creative Dance Workshops
For young people with complex needs. Experience the joy of movement in all its forms during this series of workshops designed especially for young people with limited mobility and complex additional needs.
Registration is required. Please email festivalofferns@gmail.com .
Workshops are located at the Ferns Parish Centre Hall Y21 X5W9. Workshop dates: Saturday, 30th May, Sunday 7th June, Saturday 13th June and Saturday 20th June from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
Day Trip to Coolaught Gardens
And for a relaxing day trip, it will be hard to find better than a visit to Coolaught Gardens in Clonroche. The visit to this beautiful award winning garden will take place on Saturday, May 30th – leaving Ferns church car park at 10am and returning at 1pm for lunch in The Courtyard (optional). Transport can be arranged (bus or carpool). To book please contact Denis on 087 2465720. Admission to gardens: €5.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors
Festival of Ferns would like to thank all those who have supported and helped us to bring this year’s festival to reality.
In particular we would like to thank the following local businesses for their sponsorship
Bolgers Homevalu, Ferns
Centra Ferns
Denby Engineering
Irish Country Meats
SONC Concrete Cutting
We wish to thank Wexford County Council Enniscorthy Municipal District for their continued support and sponsorship
We also wish to acknowledge the co-operation and assistance of:
The staff at Ferns Castle
Office of Public Works, Ireland
Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, Ireland.