Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival Returns to Celebrate Maritime Heritage and Community Spirit
- Mary Kate Byrne
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Wednesday 4 June 2026
ROSSES POINT, Co Sligo – The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival, hosted by Sligo Bay RNLI, will return from 19–21 June, bringing three days of music, entertainment and community celebration to the heart of Rosses Point as the popular event marks its 16th year.
Organised by RNLI lifeboat volunteers, the festival has become a highlight of the maritime calendar, celebrating the region’s rich seafaring heritage through traditional sea shanties, live performances, family activities and cultural events.
Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy performances across a range of venues including Harry’s Bar, Austie’s Bar, Fish and Bean, The Driftwood, MJ Ward’s and the Church of Ireland, alongside pop-up performances in the village streets. The programme is designed to create a vibrant atmosphere for both visitors and local residents, with music and entertainment taking place throughout the community.
In addition to the extensive musical programme, this year’s festival will feature arts and crafts activities for children on Saturday, while a series of educational talks, guided walks and discussions will explore the area's local history and maritime traditions.
A number of long-standing festival favourites will return on Sunday, including the Blessing of the Boats and a commemoration ceremony remembering those lost at sea from the village. The much-loved Pirate Parade, one of the festival’s most popular family attractions, will once again see children and adults don pirate costumes and take part in a colourful procession through the village.
Weather permitting, spectators will also be able to enjoy a series of water-based races taking place in the channel over the course of the weekend, adding to the maritime spectacle.
Mark Ballantine, festival organiser, said the event continues to grow as a unique celebration of music, heritage and family fun along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic coast.
"The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival is all about bringing people together through music, tradition and community spirit. We are hugely grateful to our performers, venues, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who help make the festival possible each year," he said.
The festival is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and overseas, providing a welcoming weekend of entertainment for all ages while showcasing the strong maritime and musical traditions that continue to define the local community.
Festival updates and programme information are available through the Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival’s social media channels.
