Carlow County Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Festival and Events Grant Scheme. Designed to support the creation, development, and promotion of festivals and events across County Carlow, aiming to enhance local tourism and offer engaging experiences for both residents and visitors. 

The scheme encompasses events organised directly by Carlow County Council, those developed in collaboration with organisations that share similar objectives and independent events that receive funding through a competitive application process. 

Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme, stating “Festivals and events play a vital role in nurturing community spirit, celebrating our cultural heritage, and boosting tourism in County Carlow. The Festival and Events Grant Scheme is a key initiative that empowers organisers to create enriching, high-quality experiences that contribute to the local economy while showcasing all that Carlow has to offer. I urge all eligible groups to apply and turn their creative visions into reality.”

The portal will close for applications on 27th February, 2026 and is applicable to events scheduled between June and October 2026. This scheme is open to non-commercial groups or organisations hosting events within County Carlow only. Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer at Carlow County Council, underscored the importance of this scheme, saying, “Our aim is to provide valuable support to festival and event organisers dedicated to enhancing Carlow’s tourism offerings. This scheme is crafted to help develop events that yield economic, social, and cultural advantages for the county. We are particularly interested in innovative initiatives that enliven public spaces and attract visitors from outside the region. With funding opportunities ranging from €750 for smaller, family-oriented events to as much as €5,000 for larger tourism festivals, we are eager to see a diverse range of applications.” 

Funding Categories

• Small Scale Festival & Events – Family Focus Fund: Up to €750 per event (maximum 75% funding) for single-day events that deliver engaging visitor experiences.
• Large Scale Tourism Festival Funding: Up to €5,000 per event (maximum 75% funding) for festivals demonstrating significant tourism and economic impact, including attracting a minimum of 400 ticketed visitors and implementing regional and national marketing strategies.

Applications will be assessed based on their capacity to generate economic and social benefits, their alignment with Carlow’s event calendar, and their financial sustainability. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications online prior to the deadline. 

For more information and application form Economic Development - Carlow County Council Festival & Event Fund 2026 | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation Portal

Please contact Economic Team 059-9129783 or enterprise@carlowcoco.ie for any queries.