Bandon History
where history and community unite
2026 Festival
Thank you for being part of the story
To everyone who joined us, gave their time and helped bring Bandon's heritage to life - thank you.
The festival may be over for another year, but there are plenty more stories to share.
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Hear about next year's festival, new programme announcement and ways to get involved.
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Welcome to Bandon Walled Town Festival 2026
A message from our Chairperson
Dear Friends, Neighbours and Visitors,
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
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 historic walled towns, and this festival provides a unique opportunity to explore its legacy through a rich and engaging programme that offers something for everyone in the family.
The festival is a testament to what is possible when people come together under a shared goal, each one united by an innate desire to do right by their communities.
This has led to a unique event that brings people together in a historically rich setting, that offers a packed programme of events that includes medieval re-enactments and guided tours, in addition to family-friendly events and open-air concerts.
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 at the gateway to West Cork. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of all that this festival has to offer.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Cllr Bernard Moynihan
Mayor of the County of Cork
A message from Christopher O’Sullivan T.D,
Minister for Heritage
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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