Community spirit highlighted at Athlone River Festival launch

The glistening River Shannon provided an apt and scenic backdrop for the launch of the 2026 Athlone River Festival adjacent to the Castle grounds on Saturday evening.

The 2026 festival takes place from Friday, July 31 until Monday, August 3, with a schedule of events centred on the river and its immediate environs.

This is the third hosting of the Athlone River Festival, and chairperson, Padraig Hegarty, commended the local community who have "continuously supported the event" since its relaunch in 2024.

In his launch address, the chairperson said the "buy in" from the community has enabled the event to take place for the third consecutive year, as the committee looked forward to providing a schedule "worthy of the event".

He thanked the 15 different community groups" who are involved with Athlone River Festival and commended the work of charitable organisations, Esker House and St Hilda's whom, he added, will receive a "portion of the funds raised" prior to and during the festival.

Highlighting the festival programme schedule, the chairperson said the four-day event would start with a street theatre parade on Friday, July 31.

"The parade will make its way from Golden Island Shopping Centre to Dooley's Florists in the West End and with the theme of "fire and water" it's an opening not to be missed.

"Once again, the Athlone Family Resource Centre is the driving force behind the parade and they have been working for the last six months on puppets and costumes for the spectacle. The opening night will also feature a free live concert featuring Athlone band Luain with support from local artist Jack Tiernan," the chairperson said.

The Athlone Woollen Mills Market will provide a focal point for the weekend festival as over 55 traders from across the Midlands line the riverside with locally made goods, artisan food and unique crafts.

"The market will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm and has become a welcome and atmospheric addition to our programme schedule," Padraig added.

The Boyne Valley Vikings also return to Athlone to partake in the festival. The chairperson said they expect over 100 Vikings in the town and they will have their village open, "stretching as far as Ranelagh Way", to the public from 11am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Referencing the unique atmosphere of the festival, the chairperson said the return of the national triathlon championships to Athlone tied in with the festival programme.

"A special word of thanks has to go to the Athlone Tri-Club for hosting the national championships for the second consecutive year. The appeal of a festival weekend happening on the same weekend of the national championships ensured Athlone was in a position to host this competition once again in 2026," Padraig added.

Baysports will host long boat and kayak racing during Saturday, while the Athlone Family Resource Centre has scheduled a full programme of children’s free activities and family-friendly events over the course of the weekend.

Such a packed programme schedule would not happen without the support of "long-term sponsor", Viking Tours Ireland, the chairperson said.

"Viking Mike has backed us from day one and we are thrilled that he has given us his support once again this year. I also want to thank Paul King of Spectrum Signs who is also one of our main sponsors in 2026," Padraig said.

Local OPW Minister, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, called on the local community to "embrace" the festival and thanked all the sponsors, community groups and volunteers.

Mayor of Athlone-Moate Municipal District Cllr Liam McDaniel, said the Shannon has played a "big part" in the history of Athlone and now, the festival has "become part of the town's modern story".

"The festival showcases all that Athlone has to offer and the generosity of spirit within the town's community," he said.

The Mayor compliment all involved with the festival and looked forward to savouring what it has to offer over the August bank holiday weekend.