Queen of the Castle to be crowned in Cahir this weekend

The Queen of the Castle Festival is taking place in Cahir from this Friday July 31 - Sunday August 2, 2026 and is organised by Rathkeevin Macra with events taking place in Cahir over the weekend. The competing Queens are Macra na Feirme members from across Ireland and beyond.

The Queens arrive on this Friday morning where a full day of activity awaits them followed by a tipsy tavern trail and ending with a traditional music session. With music in venues around town there is something for everyone this weekend.

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On Saturday there are more activities in town with a free Line Dancing Workshop as part of the Festival, note change of venue, the workshop will now take place at Cahir Community Hall on Saturday, August 1, from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. So whether you're a complete beginner or already know the steps, everyone is welcome. Come along, learn some new moves, meet new people, and enjoy a great afternoon of dancing with the Tipperary Line Dancers! There is also a Karaoke and finally the Queens live interviews take place in Cahir House Hotel on Saturday, August 1 at 7pm with Today FM radio presenter and Tipperary native Cathal Minogue back once again as MC followed by music by Ellie Peters, Cliona Hagan and DJ Mad Mike till late. Tickets are €25.

The main day of the Festival is on Sunday, August 2 and it includes a free family fun day in the Inch Field with plenty of entertainment and music with local singers and Loose Cannons. Side shows and kids races are being organised by Cahir Youths Tidy Towns Group and Comhairle and will include the very popular Comhairle na nog Color Run. The Cahir Community Hall Committee will be holding a Fundraising Raffle as part of activities in the Inch Field on Sunday and look forward to your support on the day. A new addition this year is free live music on the Square afterwards with ‘The Wahey’s’ at 5pm on Sunday.

The Coronation Banquet is the last event of the weekend and takes place in Cahir House Hotel on Sunday evening of August 2, with doors opening at 6.30pm. A Four Course Meal is served at 7pm sharp. Tickets for the Banquet are €65 and must be booked with the committee. Just message them to reserve a seat. The 2026 Queen of the Castle will be announced at midnight, so don’t miss out. Music on the night is by Tradstone and Rebel Hearts Band. Tickets for the Afters music are only €25. These can be purchased on our website www.queenofthecastlefestival.com or on the door on the night.

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The Festival committee wish to say thank you to Tipperary County Council for the grant aid once again this year and to the two main sponsors Daltons Haulage and Statkraft for supporting the festival for a second year.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the festival is organised by Cahir Macra. It is in fact organised by Rathkeevin Macra.