Welcome to Bandon

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.

A message from Lord Mayor of the County of Cork

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

A message from Christopher O’Sullivan T.D,
Minister for Heritage

As Minister for Heritage, I am honoured to support this event in my local constituency, which so vibrantly showcases Bandon’s rich history and community spirit, I extend a warm invitation to all attending this year’s celebration.

Few towns in the country can claim a heritage and history as rich as Bandon. Two things always strike me. Firstly, the stunning river from where it gets its name and secondly, the vast array of unique heritage buildings and towering old walls.

The variety of this year’s programme is exceptional: from timeless talks and trails on Kilbrogan Church, Timoleague Abbey and Allman’s Distillery, to creative workshops, hands-on heritage demonstrations on skills like spinning and nettle-weaving, live music and family fun. These events not only celebrate Bandon’s unique legacy but also invite people of all ages to connect with the town’s living heritage.

I commend the Bandon Walled Town Festival organising committee, The Heritage Council, Irish Walled Towns Network, Cork County Council, local sponsors, performers, entertainers, traders and volunteers for their dedication to making this event a success.

May the festival inspire a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage and foster a strong sense of community engagement.

Welcome to Bandon Walled Town Festival 2025

A message from our Chairperson

Dear Friends, Neighbours and Visitors.

It is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome you to the 14th Bandon Walled Town Festival - a celebration of our town’s rich and layered history.

Founded in the early 1600's at the southern frontier of the Munster Plantations, Bandon grew quickly into a fortified colonial town with stone walls 6 feet thick. It stood as both a symbol of ambition and a site of tension. Fragments of those walls remain today, but the spaces where they once stood are now open and welcoming, reflecting a modern Bandon shaped by many cultures who now call this place home.

Bandon’s story mirrors that of Ireland itself, settlement, resistance, resilience and renewal. This festival is our way of honouring that journey.

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 out 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.

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Sustainability Statement

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.