The Claregalway Festival of Drama returns to the Claregalway Centre from tomorrow March 13 until March 21, 2026, bringing nine consecutive nights of high-quality theatre to local audiences.
A highly respected stop on the All-Ireland drama circuit, the festival continues to attract the top drama groups from across the country, with each performance adjudicated as part of the national competition.
This year’s programme opens with The Outgoing Tide on Friday, March 13th. Audiences can then look forward to Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa and John B. Keane’s Sive, followed by Frank McGuinness’s Greta Garbo Came to Donegal and Keane’s The Salvage Shop. The midweek line-up includes The Year of the Hiker and Margaret Edson’s Wit, before the closing weekend features Hugh Leonard’s Da and Christian O’Reilly’s Chapatti.
The selection offers a blend of established Irish classics and contemporary work, balancing humour, poignancy and character-driven storytelling across the week.
Festival Director Dermot Hession said the 2026 programme reflects the continued strength of amateur drama nationwide.
“What stands out for me this year is the range of voices and styles coming to Claregalway. We have some of the most respected Irish plays ever written alongside more contemporary pieces that really challenge and engage an audience.
“The standard on the circuit remains exceptionally high, and we’re proud that Claregalway continues to be part of that journey for so many groups. Above all, the festival is about live theatre bringing people together each night.”
Performances begin nightly at 8pm in the Claregalway Centre.
Tickets cost €15 per night, with a season ticket for all eight nights available for €100. Booking fees apply. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tickettailor.com/events/claregalwayfestivalofdrama or by phone on 087 381 0579.
