Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival

The Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival has been held in Castleisland, Co. Kerry every October bank holiday weekend since it was founded in 1993. Great music, singing, dancing, poetry, book and CD launches are the staple fare on offer annually at this lively gathering of free spirits from all corners of the globe and beyond.

Castleisland Races

Castleisland Races is the oldest recorded pony and horse meeting in Ireland est. 1859 and takes place annually in June.

Kerry Drama Festival

Every March the town of Castleisland becomes a mecca to a host of Drama Groups from all the Munster region. Held at the Ivy Leaf Arts Centre, the festival incorporates over a week-long programme of plays. The plays originally written by well know writers are celebrated during the Kerry Drama Festival. On the final night prizes and accolades are awarded to participating drama groups.

Castleisland Horse Fair

Castleislands annual horse fair occurs on the 1st of November each year. The fair takes place on the main street where horses, ponies, donkeys, other animals and equipment are for sale.

Mike Kenny Arts Festival

This festival is held in August annually celebrating the life of local artist and sculpture Mike Kenny. His artistic air is represented locally through sign writing on many Shop fronts. He is best known for his bronze sculptings of Patrick O’Keeffe, Scartaglin 1984 Johnny O’Leary, Killarney 2007 Seán O’Ríada, Cúl Aodha Cork 2008.

Con Houlihan Festival

This festival takes place annually in September in honour of Castleisland born journalist Con Houlihan. Often considered one of Ireland’s nest writers, he left behind a legacy of immense sports journalism that spanned over 60 years.