The 5th Athens Irish Festival, a vibrant celebration of Irish music, dance, art, and culture, is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 14, 2026, at the Open-air Theatre of Foinka in Peristeri. This milestone 5th edition, lovingly created by the Inis Cultural Association, invites attendees to immerse themselves in the magic of Irish heritage.
Festival Highlights: A Three-Day Cultural Journey
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 12, with captivating ‘Tales from the Irish Sea’ presented in English by Colin Urwin, who will transport the audience to the coasts of Northern Ireland with stories and songs of sailors, shapeshifting creatures, and ocean fairies. Following this, the Pinkeens, siblings Vasilis Morosidis (violin) and Savvina Morosidou (guitar, vocals), will introduce their unique musical interpretation of Ireland. Paul Goodman (lyre) and Manolia Kokologianni (lyre), joined by Alexis Nonis (percussion), will explore the intertwining of Irish music with Greek and Balkan melodies. As evening approaches, the explosive and beloved band Noriana will take the stage, setting the mood for dancing. A taste of Irish step dancing will be provided by Tia William’s ‘Irish Dancing in Greece’ school. The night continues with ‘Music from the Banks of the Feale’ featuring the lyrical and lively flutes of Mike Rice and Eilis Murphy, followed by the legendary Begley family – Clíodhna (violin), Méabh (accordion, vocals), and Níall (accordion) – sharing melodies and songs from their upbringing in the Irish-speaking region of Corca Dhuibhne. Each night will conclude with ‘Melodies from the Heart of the Session,’ an authentic and improvisational musical experience.
Saturday, June 13, begins with literary events for all ages. Matina Psoma, a philologist and writer, will lead an experiential creative writing workshop for children inspired by Irish legends. Yannis Doukas and Christos Sakellaridis will then offer a ‘Poetic Journey to Galway,’ exploring Ireland’s most literary city through the words of famous Irish poets. Harpist and storyteller Eimear Burke will give voice to Irish mythological heroines in ‘Women of Ireland: Her Own Voice’ (in English). The Curfá Celtic/Scandinavian Choir will perform songs of love, exile, green fields, and wild seas. An authentic Irish Ceilidh, a traditional dance and music celebration for all ages, will follow, with dance instructor Colin Urwin guiding participants. The master violinist Aidan Connolly and Bryan O’Leary (accordion) will then present ‘The Groves of Gneeveguilla’ tour, sharing rhythms and memories from the Sliabh Luachra region. The evening will also include a grand raffle with prizes and surprises, concluding once again with ‘Melodies from the Heart of the Session,’ promising a unique energy.
The final day, Sunday, June 14, will feature an introductory lesson in the Irish language with Aibhe Mahony from the Greek-Irish Society. Eimear Burke, a druidess, will engage in an interactive discussion about druidism, mythology, and the love for nature in an era of climate and social change, with audience participation. An open introductory lesson in the basic steps of Sean-nós, the oldest traditional Irish dance, will be offered by Aneta Dortová with instrumental accompaniment. Music will then commence with ‘The Lads of the Athenian Trad Sessions’ – Yann Ecorchard (violin), Angus Whiston (banjo), and Paul Stapleton (guitar) – performing jigs and reels. This will be followed by the four-member band Solastas Aurum, presenting medieval Irish and Scottish music, as well as songs from the Mediterranean and Northern Seas, featuring the ethereal voice of Lambrini Gioti and instruments like the nyckelharpa, medieval lyre, and mandola. The festival will continue with ‘Music from the Rebel City’ (Cork), presented by fifth-generation violinist Seamus Sands and ethnomusicologist Pádraig Mac Aodhgáin. The day and the festival will culminate with all Irish musicians on stage for the final ‘Melodies from the Heart of the Session’ under the stars.
Throughout the Festival: Activities and Amenities
Throughout the festival, attendees can explore the ‘Nook of Stories and Mini Fairy Path,’ a corner filled with Irish tales and myths. Visitors can choose a story, relax under the trees, and journey to the Emerald Isle, or hunt for hidden stories using barcodes to listen to narrations. The mythical Tír na nÓg, the land of youth and good neighbors (elves), will also be present. The Artisans’ Market will serve as a cross-cultural meeting point for local artists and crafters with an Irish flair, offering unique prints, artifacts, jewelry, and enchanting objects. Traditional Irish sessions can also be enjoyed year-round at O’ Canto Gastro Pub in Alimos and Silly Wizards in Agia Paraskevi.
Location and Accessibility
The Open-air Theatre of Foinka is located in Kipoupoli, Peristeri, at the end of Athinas and Proskopon streets. A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors from the Peristeri Exhibition Center (a 5-minute walk from Anthoupoli Metro Station) to the festival and back throughout the event. The venue is also accessible by urban buses, with the nearest stops being Antheon (bus 743 Chrysoupoli-Anthoupoli-Peristeri Station) and 5th Kipoupolis (A13 Kipoupoli-Omonia).
Tickets and Organization
Tickets are priced at 5€ for a daily pass and 10€ for a three-day pass. Admission for children under 12 is free. Tickets can be purchased at athensirishfestival.gr. The festival is organized by volunteers from the Inis Cultural Association with the support of Culture Ireland, the Embassy of Ireland in Athens, the Greek-Irish Society, and Guinness. Athens Voice is the communication sponsor.
Source: https://www.athensvoice.gr/advertorial/market/968539/to-athens-irish-festival-epistrefei-gia-treis-imeres-sto-anoihto-theatro-foinika-peristeriou/
