Meath County Council has welcomed the launch of Ablefest 2026, which took place at a special event at Fairyhouse Racecourse on Friday, 17 April 2026. The Council is delighted to partner with Ablefest for a second consecutive year, following the outstanding success of last year’s festival. The launch event was attended by An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Councillor Wayne Harding, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee, TD, and featured live musical performances by Jake Carter and Mundy, giving guests a taste of what promises to be another unforgettable festival.
Now in its seventh year, Ablefest is Ireland’s largest music and arts festival for people with additional needs, and has become a flagship event celebrating inclusion, accessibility and community. The festival will return to Fairyhouse Racecourse on Saturday, 25 July 2026, with an exciting lineup already confirmed, including Jake Carter, Mundy, DJ Mark McCabe and Irish Elvis, with more acts to be announced in the coming months.
Mundy, Jake Carter and Sinead Jordan. Photo’s: Mark Stedman
In addition to a strong musical programme, Ablefest also offers a myriad of creative fun, with a wide range of Art and Activity Stations, ensuring a welcoming, engaging and fully accessible experience for people of all abilities, their families and carers. Speaking at the launch, An Cathaoirleach Councillor Wayne Harding said: “I am absolutely delighted the Council is partnering with Ablefest once again, and that such a fantastic, vibrant and truly inclusive event takes place right here in County Meath Aside from being a wonderful music and arts festival, Ablefest is also a powerful reminder that the arts are for everyone, regardless of ability.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Fiona Lawless, added: “We are thrilled to see Ablefest continue to grow and flourish in Meath, and we are proud to support an event that reflects our shared commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and community wellbeing.”
Acting Director of Services for Economic Development, Majella Farrell, said: “Founders Kevin Farrell and Shay Casserly deserve enormous credit for their vision and tireless work, not only through Ablefest but through the wider programme of Able Events, which continues to make a meaningful impact nationwide.”
Ablefest co-founder Kevin Farrell welcomed the continued partnership, saying: “We are delighted to have Meath County Council on board again and look forward to another fantastic year of Ablefest, building on the incredible support and momentum we’ve seen in Meath.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.Ableevents.ie.
Lead photo (L-R);Mundy, Director of Services for Economic Development Majella Farrell, CEO of Able Events Kevin Farrell, visually impaired fiddle player Sinead Jordan, Minister Helen McEntee, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Wayne Harding, Deputy Chief Executive Meath County Council Fiona Lawless and Jake Carter.
