In Kinsale, a weekend dedicated to the Beatles can start in a bookshop and end in a pub, with the whole room singing along to a chorus everyone knows. In between, you might hear a biographer explain how a song took shape or listen to someone who knew the band before their memories found their way into books. The Kinsale Beatles Festival brings these two pleasures together: singing the songs and discovering what you did not yet know about them.
The festival takes place at several venues in Kinsale, County Cork. The 2026 edition took over pubs, hotels and Prim’s Bookshop. In a harbour town where the programme unfolds across several addresses, choosing a session is as much about the encounter as the venue: an interview in a small room offers a different listening experience from an evening of music in a bar.
In 2026, historian Mark Lewisohn was among the guests, alongside journalist Ray Connolly. Freda Kelly, the Beatles’ former secretary and a prominent figure in their official fan club, came for a screening followed by an interview. The Nothing is Real quiz offered another way to share this collective memory, drawing on the audience’s recollections and knowledge. These examples give an idea of the festival; their return has not been announced for 2027.
The organiser has announced the festival for Friday 29 January to Monday 1 February 2027. The guests, venues and detailed timings have yet to be confirmed in the announcements consulted. On the official website, the announcement of the 2027 dates still appears alongside the 2026 programme. Check the year shown for each session before buying a ticket.
If you are staying for just one day, start by choosing a talk or concert that interests you, then see what is happening nearby. Discussions with authors and guests may require greater ease in English than an evening of music: this is a useful factor to bear in mind when putting together your programme. The smaller venues have limited capacity, so check the booking arrangements for each event.
Between sessions, leave some time to walk along the quays. If you have half a day to spare, Charles Fort offers another view of the harbour entrance. For an evening without a car, choose accommodation within walking distance of the venues you have selected.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
