The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival, hosted by Sligo Bay RNLI, returns from 19–21 June — sailing into its 16th year and bringing three days of music, entertainment and community celebration to the heart of the local area.
Organised by lifeboat volunteers, the festival celebrates maritime heritage and community spirit through traditional sea shanties and brings live performances, family activities and cultural events across a range of venues.
Throughout the weekend, performances will take place in Harry’s Bar, Austie’s Bar, Fish and Bean, The Driftwood, MJ Ward’s, the Church of Ireland and at pop-up performances throughout the village streets, creating a lively festival atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
Alongside the music, this year’s festival will feature arts and crafts activities for children on the Saturday, as well as educational talks, walks and discussions taking place around the village, celebrating local history and maritime tradition.
Shanty singing and more are in store for the 2026 Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival from 19–21 June | Credit: RNLI/Aisling Gillen
Sunday’s events will include the Blessing of the Boats and a commemoration ceremony remembering those lost at sea from the village followed by the much-loved Pirate Parade — one of the festival’s biggest family attractions, where children and adults alike dress in pirate costume and join the colourful parade through the village.
Weather permitting, a number of water-based races will also take place in the channel across the weekend.
Mark Ballantine, festival organiser said the event continues to grow as a unique celebration of music, heritage and family fun along the Wild Atlantic coast.
“The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival is all about bringing people together through music, tradition and community spirit,” Ballntine said. “We are hugely grateful to our performers, venues, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who help make the festival possible each year.”
The festival is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond, offering a welcoming weekend of entertainment for all ages while showcasing the area’s strong maritime and musical traditions.
For festival updates and programme information, follow the Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival on social media.
