Headfest 2026 took place across Headford and the wider Lough Corrib region over the June Bank Holiday weekend, with organisers describing it as the biggest and most successful festival in the event's history. Find out more here...
This year's Headfest festival saw a significant expansion of the programme, with a particular focus on celebrating Lough Corrib through the themes of Land, Water and Air. The new direction was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from both locals and visitors, with strong attendance at talks, guided walks, biodiversity events, boat trips, heritage activities and exhibitions centred around the lake and its surrounding communities.
More than 8,000 people attended events across the six-day festival, which featured a packed programme of music, sport, family entertainment, culture, food and community activities.
The standout event of the weekend's music programme was the sold-out Jenny Greene concert in Monaghan's Mega Marquee on Saturday night, with Qween also performing to a capacity crowd. Across the weekend, thousands enjoyed live music performances each night, with pop up performances during the day and also the Elevate Local Talent Showcase.
Sunday proved to be one of the busiest days of the festival, with sporting competitions and tournaments taking place throughout the area. More than 1,500 people attended Headfest's Fittest Parish, organised by Marcella Heneghan, with Claran claiming the title following a highly competitive contest between nine teams, that generated tremendous community spirit and support.
The sporting programme was one of the strongest in the festival's history. The Headfest 8K Road Race attracted a large field of runners and walkers and was widely regarded as a major success. The Anglers Rest Schools Competition saw Kilcoona NS win the Cup, Shrule NS claim the Shield, The Neale NS take the Plate and Headford NS win the Bowl.
Girls' football was also strongly represented, with approximately 50 players taking part in the U10 Blitz involving Caherlistrane and Headford. In the U14 competition, Shrule Glencorrib LGFA won the Cup while St Furseys LGFA secured the Shield title. In the Mattie Reddington Cup competitions, Shrule emerged victorious in the Cup final, Headford claimed the Shield and Annaghdown won the Plate.
The annual Food and Craft Fair, guided kayak tours, children's entertainment, McGuagh’s gardening competition, tractor and vintage run, and numerous community events all attracted strong crowds throughout the weekend, helping create a vibrant atmosphere across the town.
Businesses throughout Headford also reported a busy weekend, with visitors travelling from across Galway and beyond to attend events. Organisers said they had received extremely positive feedback from local businesses, residents, participants and visitors following the festival.
There was €5318.05 raised for Tuam Cancer Care over the weekend between the Vintage Run and donations given at the Craft Fair.
Local Cllr Andrew Reddington said of this year's festival; "To see over 8,000 people engage with Headfest over the six days is a fantastic achievement for our community. We were delighted with the response to this year's Lough Corrib theme and the support shown for every aspect of the programme. The festival simply would not happen without our volunteers, sponsors, community groups, participants and everyone who attended and supported the events."
Headfest is organised entirely by a voluntary committee, with all funds generated through the festival reinvested into community projects and initiatives throughout the year. Organisers have already begun reflecting on what has been a landmark year for the festival and are looking forward to building on its success in 2027.
This project is funded by LEADER through Galway Rural Development.
