This August, Bandon proudly welcomes the return of the 14th Annual Bandon Walled Town Festival, running from August 16th to 24th. A much-anticipated highlight of the local calendar, the festival brings the historic heart of Bandon to life with a week-long celebration of heritage, music, stories, and community.

At the heart of the festival is Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 24th — a free, all-ages extravaganza of history-themed entertainment, hands-on workshops, crafts, live music, and vibrant spectacle. But the joy extends throughout the week, offering a dynamic schedule that blends tradition and creativity in inclusive, meaningful ways.

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Discovering Bandon: Talks, Tours & Stories

Explore Bandon’s layered past through guided tours, talks, and storytelling events that highlight lesser-known chapters of the town’s heritage.

Join historian John Desmond for a tour of Kilbrogan Graveyard, uncovering the symbolism and stories within one of Bandon’s oldest burial sites. Travel further back in time with Vincent Duggan’s engaging talk, Timoleague Abbey: A Talk Through Time, exploring the ruins and sacred legacy of a landmark beyond the town.

Other illuminating sessions include Faith and Foundation: The Story of Methodism in Bandon, Recording Oral Histories, and St. Brogan’s Wells and the Origins of Bandon. Each one offers a fresh perspective on how Bandon has evolved over centuries.

A standout is Walls, Streets and Stories: Mapping 17th Century Bandon with Dr. David Pasley of Bandon Tidy Towns — an exploration using historical maps and models to reimagine the town within its original walls.

Thanks to Bandon Library for once again hosting many of these engaging events — making heritage accessible, inclusive, and alive for all.

Harp, Heritage & Harmony

A musical high point of the week is the Harp Symposium, celebrating Ireland’s national instrument. This day-long event features a historical overview, a free lunchtime recital by renowned harpist Brenda Malloy at Bandon Methodist Church, and an interactive workshop — open to all instruments and levels. Whether you’re a musician or a curious listener, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the harp as both art and living tradition.

The music continues with the Music of Many Cultures workshop for children, a magical concert with John Spillane, and Tea & Tunes by the Riverside featuring the Bandon Concert Band.

Family Fun Day Finale

Sunday, August 24th marks the festival’s grand finale — Family Fun Day — when Bandon bursts to life with colour, laughter, and hands-on heritage.

The day begins with the Bandon Through the Ages Heritage Parade, inviting the community to don costume and step through time. Throughout the town, heritage skills come to life: blacksmithing, coppersmithing, printing, spinning, weaving, coin striking, Irish crochet lace, and candle-making with Ballyroe Candles.

Children can join the Reenactment Drill, try on armour with the Bran Dubh Historical Combat Society, dig into the past at The Big Dig, or enjoy crafts and stories at hands-on heritage stations.

Entertainment includes puppeteers, balloon artists, circus acts, and storytellers. Traditional music from Newcestown Comhaltas fills the air, alongside family games, food stalls, and community celebration.

Honouring the River Bandon

This year’s programme also celebrates the River Bandon, the town’s namesake and lifeblood.

Highlights include The Resonant River, a collaborative soundscape by Creative Bandon, and two River Guardians workshops — Forage & Feast with Kevin O’Connell, and Riverside Colours with Ashleigh Ellis. The unveiling of the Bandon River Mural will offer a vibrant tribute to the river’s role in the town’s past and future.

Made Possible by Many Hands

The Bandon Walled Town Festival is proudly supported by the Heritage Council, Cork County Council, Pure Cork, and Fáilte Ireland through the Irish Walled Towns Network. Their funding makes it possible to offer a free, inclusive, and community-rooted festival each year.

Sincere thanks to our local sponsors, dedicated volunteers, participating organisations, and to Bandon Library for their continued partnership and generosity.