Bandon History
where history and community unite
Welcome to Bandon Walled Town Festival 2026.
This year's festival takes place from 15th–23rd August and celebrates the theme "Heritage at Risk." Our programme is being updated regularly as new events are confirmed, so check back often to discover talks, walks, exhibitions, family activities and more.
The festival is a celebration of our shared heritage, culture and community. If you'd like to get involved or have an idea for an event, we'd love to hear from you.
Bandon is a market town rich in history and heritage. This historical West Cork town has roots back as far as 1588 and its name comes from the River upon whose banks it has built up over time. Bandon is an ideal base for exploring Cork and the wealth of outdoor pursuits and incredible vistas will not disappoint.
Bandon owed its development and historic walls to Sir Richard Boyle, First Earl of Cork. He referred to it as 'his most beloved town'. He is buried in St. Mary's Collegiate Church in Youghal. Bandon's prime position close to the Wild Atlantic Way and links to Ireland's Ancient East makes it an ideal spot to link up these two prime Tourist trails.
It is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome you to the 15th Bandon Walled Town Festival — a celebration of our town's rich heritage, vibrant biodiversity and enduring community spirit.
Founded in the early 1600s at the southern frontier of the Munster Plantations, Bandon grew quickly into a fortified colonial settlement, its thick stone walls shaping both its physical landscape and its identity. Today, the surviving fragments of those walls stand alongside rivers, green spaces and streets alive with nature and community life. Together, our built and natural heritage tell the story of a town shaped by change, resilience and renewal.
As we mark Heritage Week and its important theme, Heritage at Risk, we are reminded of the responsibility we all share to protect the places, structures and biodiversity that connect us to our past and sustain our future.
This year's programme offers something for everyone: historical talks, guided walks, workshops, performances and family fun, all designed to bring our shared heritage to life.
We are grateful for the support of The Heritage Council, Irish Walled Towns Network, Cork County Council and our generous local sponsors who make it possible to provide a full day of free events and activities.
A heartfelt thank you to our performers, entertainers and traders, whose creativity fills our streets with colour and energy.
Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor, we hope this festival inspires you to connect with Bandon's past — and celebrate its vibrant present.
Warmest Regards
Maria Walsh
Chairperson, Bandon Walled Town Festival Committee
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As Mayor of the County of Cork, it is a great honour to welcome you to the 14th annual Bandon Walled Town Festival.
Bandon is one of Ireland’s most historic walled towns, and this festival provides a unique opportunity to explore its legacy through a rich and engaging programme.
The festival embodies the spirit of local celebration and community engagement. It is a testament to the pride we hold in our shared past and the creativity of our present. From medieval re-enactments and guided tours to family-friendly events and open-air concerts, this festival offers something for everyone.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the organisers, sponsors, and all who contribute to making this event such a success year after year. Your efforts ensure that Bandon continues to thrive as a cultural and historical beacon in West Cork.
I encourage everyone to take full advantage of all that this festival has to offer.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Cllr Mary Linehan Foley,
Mayor of the County of Cork
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As Minister for Heritage, I am honoured to support this event which continues to celebrate Bandon's remarkable history, heritage and strong community spirit. I extend a warm invitation to everyone attending this year's Bandon Walled Town Festival.
Few towns in Ireland can boast a heritage as rich and distinctive as Bandon's. What always stands out to me is how the town's remarkable history is woven into everyday life – from its impressive walls and historic streetscape to the generations of people who continue to cherish and celebrate its unique character.
This year's festival is especially significant as it embraces National Heritage Week's theme, 'Heritage at Risk', reminding us of the importance of protecting the places, traditions and natural environments that connect us to our past. The programme reflects this beautifully, with guided walks tracing Bandon's historic walls, fascinating talks exploring the Great Famine, the 1926 Census and the Rotten Boroughs of Cork, alongside an inspiring presentation on protecting Bandon's temperate rainforest. From traditional crafts and living history demonstrations to music, workshops and family events, there is something to inspire visitors of every generation.
I commend the Bandon Walled Town Festival organising committee, The Heritage Council, the Irish Walled Towns Network, Cork County Council, local sponsors, performers, entertainers, traders and volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm make this wonderful celebration possible year after year.
May this year's festival deepen our appreciation of the heritage entrusted to us, inspire us to safeguard it for future generations, and continue to strengthen the pride and community spirit that make Bandon such a special place
Bandon Walled Town Festival recognises the importance of environmental sustainability. To that end we aim to minimise our carbon footprint by encouraging all participants, attendees, demonstrators, supporters, volunteers and venues to consider their impact on the environment by reducing/recycling waste, avoiding single use plastics, using reusable water bottles/ keep cups, saving energy and carpooling to events if and when possible.
The promotion of traditional skills is at the core of our events.
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