The Irish Pan Celtic committee is seeking traditional performing artists to represent Ireland during The International Pan Celtic Festival which will be held in Carlow Town from 7-11 April 2026.
A wide range of competitions will be held during the festival including fiddle, harp, duet, choral and dance.
The winners of Corn Uí Riada, Sean-Nós na mBan & Sean-Nós na bhFear from the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 festival will participate on behalf of Ireland in the traditional singing competition.
The Irish song for the International Pan Celtic Song Contest will be chosen at an event in the GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual, Carlow, on Saturday, 24 January 2026 at 20:00.
The first Pan Celtic International Festival was held in May 1971 in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Cities and towns across Ireland have hosted the event since then, which takes place at Easter every year.
The six Celtic nations which come under the auspices of Pan Celtic are: Alba, Breizh, Cymru, Éire, Kernow & Mannin.
“The Pan Celtic competitions give a great insight into the culture of the other Celtic Nations, as well as providing a new creative platform for Irish traditional performing artists”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of the International Pan Celtic Council.
“Irish artists have performed well in the competitions over the years, particularly in the singing competitions. This year we would like to see similar success in the dancing, instrumental and choral competitions and promote the wonderful rich heritage and culture of Ireland amongst our Celtic friends.”
The festival programme will provide an array of events for musicians, singers, composers, dancers, choirs, poets and storytellers, as well as the various inter-celtic competitions.
Closing date for entries is the 25th March 2026.
Entry forms are available at http://www.panceltic.ie/competitions and can be sent via email to [email protected].
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