CROÍLÁR Festival, Athlone presents a vibrant three-day showcase of emerging musicians, artists, and storytellers; organised by a passionate team of locals aiming to breathe new life into the heart of Ireland.
Taking place from April 4-6, 2025, in the picturesque town of Athlone, the inaugural CROÍLÁR Festival will partner with multiple venues and businesses to showcase the best in Irish arts and culture. The name ‘CROÍLÁR,’ meaning ‘heartlands,’ reflects the festival’s deep roots in the midlands and its commitment to connecting with both the local community and a wider audience. The main focus of the festival is to highlight emerging Irish talent by offering a platform for new and exciting voices in music, visual arts, comedy, storytelling, and more.
Dates: April 4-6th 2025 Prices : – €54.95 (Weekend ticket – purchase here)
2 day passes (sat/sun) – 33 euro.
Tickets on sale now
A Diverse and Eclectic Programme
Set against the scenic backdrop of the River Shannon, attendees can look forward to:
- Live music performances across 7 venues + 1 outdoor area on the Saturday (canopy area in Athlone)
- Stand-up comedy from fresh, witty voices.
- Workshops and interactive experiences with a focus on yoga, breathwork & Irish Chéilí dancing.
- Afterparties + DJs
- Storytelling event, in partnership with the lauded Seanchoíche
- Local food, arts and crafts
- Art installations
Venues will range from churches and pubs to contemporary galleries, ensuring that every performance space adds to the festival’s atmosphere. The festival team is excited to announce a line-up of acts including David Kitt, Junior Brother, Mohammad Syfkhan & Theo Fitzgibbon, with more to be revealed. The renowned storytelling event Seanchoíche features on the Saturday of the festival, along with a comedy event headlined by fast rising star Aoife Dunne and hosted by Amy Walsh who recently supported Des Bishop & Shane Todd.
Storytelling Tradition Meets Modern Voices
Seanchoíche (Shanna-Key-Ha) will make its debut in Athlone as part of the festival. Founded by Ciaran Gaffney (Gaff), this project aims to revive the ancient Irish tradition of storytelling by inviting people from all walks of life to share their personal stories—often touching on universal themes which prompt joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
The Vision Behind CROÍLÁR
CROÍLÁR is the creation of a group of like-minded individuals from the Midlands, united by their dedication to celebrating their shared passion for the arts.
Although the career paths for committee members have taken them across the globe, they’ve found that their hearts will always belong to Ireland – and they want to revitalise the arts in the midlands.
One of the festival organisers, Jack O’Meara, is deeply committed to fostering creativity and community by offering new talent a stage to shine, while giving back to Athlone and creating a lasting legacy for the town.
“Having a sister who’s a musician, it felt like there was a real lack of opportunity for original artists to perform outside of the coasts. For me, Athlone has always been a place of creativity, connection, and community. CROÍLÁR is our way of giving artists in the midlands a stage, bringing the town to life, and trying to create something to be proud of in the years to come.“
Eddie Connolly, another festival organiser, draws on his passion for festivals as a way to connect people and create unforgettable memories:
“I’ve always been fascinated by how festivals unite people, create memories, and spark creativity. After getting into organizing festivals abroad, it’s exciting to bring that energy back to the midlands. CROÍLÁR is about celebrating the talent in our communities and the joy of coming together’