Saturday, May 30th & Sunday May 31st 2026
Sunday June 2nd & Monday June 3rd 2024
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 Highlight – The Festival Parade
The highlight of this year’s festival is the Parade on Sunday, May 31st. The Parade will start at St. Edan’s Cathedral at 12 noon and will finish at Ferns Castle where a re-enactment ‘Long Live the King! (but which king?)’
Following the inauguration, festival goers will be treated to a re-enactment where Diarmait MacMurrough addresses his people and introduces his Norman allies including Strongbow.
Having regained his Kingdom, MacMurrough as ever, has plans for more…………..
Long Live the King!! (but which King?)
Re-enactment and Parade
This year’s Festival of Ferns re-enactment centres on the period immediately following his 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 of this year’s re-enactment. Expect the unexpected!
Our parade will be a spectacle of colour and fun and 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 12 noon from St Edan’s Cathedral and will include a Samba band, medieval costumes, giant props and more.
The Parade finishes at Ferns Castle where the re-enactment will be followed by performances on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle, an authentic 13th century castle by the Normans.
Keep an eye on this page for updates on a range of activities and fringe events as we get closer to the date.
Programme of Events at the Festival of Ferns
Live Concert
The live concert will take place on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle on the evening of May 30th.
Band to be announced soon!
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. These activities take place on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 6pm
Activities include:
A variety of family fun activities – watch this space for updates
Setanta Challenge – Test your skills with the Setanta Challenge.
Medieval Stocks – Have fun trying out this form of medieval punishment.
Fringe Events
Watch this space for updates on fringe events to include talks and exhibitions.
Fringe Events
A range of fringe events/activities to be announced soon – to include talks and exhibitions