Kildare County Council Announces Kildare Inclusivity Festival 2026
Everyone welcome: Kildare’s free Inclusivity Festival returns to The Curragh on Sunday 10 May (11am–6pm)
15 April 2026: Kildare County Council, in collaboration with the County Kildare Access Network (CKAN) and community partners, is delighted to announce the return of the Kildare Inclusivity Festival, a free, feel-good day out for all ages and abilities, taking place on Sunday, 10 May 2026 from 11am–6pm at The Curragh Racecourse.
Following the hugely successful inaugural event in 2025, which welcomed up to 7,000 attendees, the festival is back with even more to see, do and enjoy. This year’s programme includes new attractions and experiences, enhanced accessibility supports and a dedicated live music stage, kindly sponsored by Life Credit Union, showcasing emerging Irish music acts and creating a vibrant new space to soak up the atmosphere.
Visitors can look forward to a full day of inclusive fun and community connection, including:
- Family Fun Zone
- Exhibition Stands & Service Provider Zone
- Inclusive Sports Zone supported by KARE
- Barretstown Magic Moments therapeutic activities
- Artisan Food & Craft Market
- Live Entertainment, including music, magic, puppetry, and more
- Live Music Stage featuring new artists
- Vehicle Demonstration Zone (new for 2026)
To help ensure a welcoming experience for everyone, and in response to feedback from 2025, the 2026 festival will include a dedicated quiet hour between 11am and 12pm, along with a quiet entrance and quiet zone.
This year we’re also proud to celebrate the upcoming Special Olympics Road to Ireland Summer Games 2026 (June 18–21) and wish all Eastern and Leinster athletes the very best. Athletes, coaches, families and clubs are warmly invited to join us at the festival for a special recognition ceremony at 3pm.
The Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, said:
“The Kildare Inclusivity Festival is a wonderful example of what we can achieve when communities and organisations work together to make Kildare more welcoming for everyone. I’m proud to support this event and to see it return bigger for 2026, with new features, enhanced accessibility supports and a fantastic programme for the whole community to enjoy.”
Michael Hurley, Access Officer, Kildare County Council & Chair of CKAN, said:
“We are incredibly proud to bring the Kildare Inclusivity Festival back for 2026—and even more excited to see it grow. This year is all about celebrating our differences, creating connections, and ensuring everyone feels they belong. I would like to give a special thank you to our main sponsor, Intel, whose support has been instrumental in making this year’s expanded festival possible. I would also like to sincerely thank the elected councillors across Kildare, whose support through LPT funding has played a crucial role in enabling us to deliver a festival that truly reflects the spirit of inclusion in our county.”
