Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures returns to Galway city from 24 to 27 September and Ballinasloe on 4 October, bringing Traveller and nomadic artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, performers and communities together for its eighth annual festival. This year’s theme, ‘Weaving the Threads Between Us’, reflects on the festival’s journey so far while looking towards the connections and collaborations still to come.
Now entering its eighth year, Misleór, the Cant word for wanderer, has grown into a distinctive part of Ireland’s cultural landscape, bringing together Traveller and nomadic artists from Ireland and around the world while creating opportunities for artistic exchange between communities. While proudly rooted in Traveller and nomadic identities, the festival welcomes all audiences into spaces where they can experience nomadic cultures directlywith the people who live it.
Nora Corcoran, Cultural Director at Misleór, said that the 8th annual Misleór Festival explores the theme of ‘Weaving the Threads Between Us’, celebrating connections across cultures, communities, borders and generations. This year’s festival is both a celebration of living cultures and a call to protect them, strengthen solidarity and stand together against division.’
The 2026 Festival includes events for audiences of all ages and span spectacle, literature, circus, poetry, storytelling, film, crafts, conversations, workshops, youth and family events. Highlights include a performance of ‘H.O.M.E.’ Ireland’s first aerial Hip H’Opera with Fidget Feet and Tobi Omoteso at The Black Box Theatre for one night only on Thursday 24 September. Narrated by critically-acclaimed rapper Wilzee, H.O.M.E combines soaring aerial choreography with raw spoken word, original music and live performance to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Moonfish bring their acclaimed show ‘Why The Moon Travels’ to the Festival. Previously a sold out show at Galway International Arts Festival, it brings Oein DeBhairduin’s collection of Traveller folktales to life. There will also be an ‘In Conversation’ event with writer Rosaleen McDonagh on her debut novel ‘Contentious Spaces’ with Maureen Kennelly at The Mick Lally Theatre and ‘If the Wattle Could Talk: Traveller Stories from Beneath the Canvas’ at 126 Gallery led by traveller cultural custodians. Find the full programme of events and tickets at Misleór.ie https://www.misleor.ie/
