Music | Literature | Opera | Irish-Language Arts Events

Music | Literature | Opera | Irish-Language Arts Events

Headline Events

Féile Ealaíon agus Eagna


Déantar scoth na n-ealaíon Éireannach agus idirnáisiúnta a cheiliúradh ag Féile Ealaíon agus Eagna Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.


Ó bunaíodh in 2022 í, tá féile bhliantúil Ealaíon agus Eagna ag croílár fhéilire imeachtaí na hOllscoile. Is le ríméad a dhéanaimid an fhéile seo a thionól gach Bealtaine, féile a shásóidh fiosracht agus goile lucht cultúir as an uile chearn le léirithe de chuid Cheoldráma Náisiúnta na hÉireann, scannáin le stiúrthóirí iomráiteacha, ceol beo, imeachtaí ealaíon Gaeilge, plé agus léamh na litríochta le húdair a bhfuil clú domhanda orthu.


Arts and Minds Festival

Arts and Minds is Maynooth University’s annual celebration of the best in Irish and international arts and culture events. 


Since the inaugural festival in 2022, Arts and Minds has become a staple event in the University’s annual calendar of events. From performances by the Irish National Opera, to movie screenings with acclaimed directors, live music performances, Irish-language arts events, and literary discussion and readings with world-famous authors, we're delighted to host each May a festival that curious culture vultures everywhere will enjoy.

Check out our 2025 Festival Recap to see some of the highlights of the weekend

Arts and Minds Festival

Arts and Minds is Maynooth University’s annual celebration of the best in Irish and international arts and culture events. 


Since the inaugural festival in 2022, Arts and Minds has become a staple event in the University’s annual calendar of events. From performances by the Irish National Opera, to movie screenings with acclaimed directors, live music performances, Irish-language arts events, and literary discussion and readings with world-famous authors, we're delighted to host each May a festival that curious culture vultures everywhere will enjoy.


Join us for an exciting lineup of events from Thursday, 8th to Saturday, 10th May in a variety of locations in Maynooth. Get your tickets here for our biggest festival to date!

Féile Ealaíon agus Eagna

Déantar scoth na n-ealaíon Éireannach agus idirnáisiúnta a cheiliúradh ag Féile Ealaíon agus Eagna Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.


Ó bunaíodh in 2022 í, tá féile bhliantúil Ealaíon agus Eagna ag croílár fhéilire imeachtaí na hOllscoile. Is le ríméad a dhéanaimid an fhéile seo a thionól gach Bealtaine, féile a shásóidh fiosracht agus goile lucht cultúir as an uile chearn le léirithe de chuid Cheoldráma Náisiúnta na hÉireann, scannáin le stiúrthóirí iomráiteacha, ceol beo, imeachtaí ealaíon Gaeilge, plé agus léamh na litríochta le húdair a bhfuil clú domhanda orthu. Bí linn le haghaidh clár spleodrach imeachtaí idir Déardaoin 8 agus Satharn 10 Bealtaine in ionaid éagsúla i Maigh Nuad. Faigh do thicéid anseo dár bhféile is mó go nuige seo!

Whats on in 2026

There is something for everyone at this years' festival. Find out what's happening over the three days:

La Voce d'Italia—Irish National Opera in Concert

A special celebration of some of the most powerful and beloved music in the Italian operatic tradition


In partnership with Irish National Opera

Where: Aula Maxima

   8:00 pm - 9:15 pm

 

MU Chamber Choir Anniversary Concert

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence


The Choir will be joined by former alumni choir members for this not-to-be-missed musical milestone in the spectacular setting of St Patrick's College Chapel

Where: St Patrick's College Chapel

   8:00 pm - 9:15 pm

 

Óiche Scéalaíochta, Amhránaíochta agus Ghrinn

Bí linn ar mhaithe le craic agus cuideachta i suíomh deas teolaí.

Saorchead isteach, ach is cóir clárú roimré ar Eventbrite

Where: Brady's, The Clockhouse, Maynooth

   9:30 pm - 11:00 pm

 

Fancy yoga as Gaeilge or a masterclass in poetry? These and many more are among the diverse and entertaining events on our Saturday programme. Some of today's highlights feature The Blindboy Live Podcast Show with Blindboyboatclub and a special guest, The Literary Lounge Keynote with acclaimed Irish author, Kevin Barry, and ‘Sing Your Art Out’ at The Big Sing, a group choral concert that you won’t want to miss. Our final event of Arts & Minds 2026, brings the Irish singer-songwriter Mundy and his band to the Aula Maxima for a Maynooth musical extravaganza.

 

There’s something for everyone—lovers of history, lovers of literature, lovers of Irish culture— and there are some great family-friendly events, so plan your day and make sure you get the best Arts & Minds experience possible! 

Masterclass in Poetry

Explore words, language and feeling through this unique Arts & Minds poetry experience that includes lunch and a ticket to the Literary Lounge poetry event

Where: School of Education, North Campus

   10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

An Táin Bo Yoga

Tugann Táin Bó Yoga scéal Chú Chulainn chun beatha trí mheascán de mhiotas, ióga, agus ceol traidisiúnta beo

Where: School of Education, North Campus

   11:00 am - 12:00 pm (SOLD OUT)
Second session added by popular demand:
   12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

 

Turas ar Chaisleán Mhaigh Nuad

Discover more about Maynooth Castle in this one-hour tour (in Irish) of an iconic Maynooth landmark


Saorchead isteach, ach is cóir clárú roimré ar Eventbrite

Where: Maynooth Castle

   12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

 

The Literary Lounge — Windblown As Spindrift: An Afternoon with Vona Groarke, Ireland Professor of Poetry

The 2026 Literary Lounge opens with Professor Vona Groarke, who will read from her work and chat with novelist, short story writer and MU lecturer Belinda McKeon in a conversation that will focus on her poetry.

Where: St Mary's Church of Ireland

   12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

 

Lunchtime Concert with Leixlip Community Youth Band

Take a seat, get a bite to eat, and enjoy!


 Free family-friendly event

Where: Beside the TSI Building, North Campus

   12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

 

Picnic agus Pop-Up Gaeltacht

Deis iontach blaiseadh a fháil ar ealaíona Gaeilge faoin aer le togha na ndamhsóirí, ceoltóirí agus an t-aos liteartha féin.


Imeacht saor in aisce do theaghlaigh

Where: In front of John Hume Building, North Campus

   1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

 

The Blindboy Live Podcast Show

A not-to-be-missed afternoon of insights, conversation, and curiosity from one of Ireland's leading mental health advocates


Suitable for ages 18+

Where: MU TSI Building

   1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

 

Sensory Tour of Maynooth Castle

A sensory tour of Maynooth Castle in collaboration with Maynooth 850 Local History Group, OPW and with guidance from Maynooth Autism Friendly Town

Where: Maynooth Castle

   2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

 

The Literary Lounge—New Voices: Edie May Hand and Tanya Sweeney 

Join two of Ireland's debut authors, and Maynooth alumni, for readings, conversation and insights

Where: St Mary's Church of Ireland

   2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

 

'Sing Your Art Out'  at The Big Sing

Our invited choirs perform individually at The Big Sing and together as one single ensemble


A not-to-be-missed event for lovers of choral music everywhere! 

Where: Aula Maxima, South Campus

   2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

 

An Lúb Liteartha

Bí linn ag Lúb Liteartha na bliana seo mar a mbeidh Dr Dubhán Ó Longáin (Scríbhneoir cónaithe Ollscoil Mhá Nuad) agus Anna Heusaff i mbun comhrá bríomhar le Caitlín Nic Íomhair


Saorchead isteach, ach is cóir clárú roimré ar Eventbrite

Where: School of Education, North Campus

   3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

 

Maynooth: From Fitzgerald Castle to Commuter Town

Another chance to catch the hugely popular Maynooth Through The Ages 2026 talk about the development of Maynooth from 13th-century castle to 21st-century commuter town


In collaboration with Maynooth 850 Local History Group

Where: St Mary's Church of Ireland

   4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

 

The Literary Lounge Keynote—A Conversation with Kevin Barry

Acclaimed Irish writer Kevin Barry takes centre stage for the 2026 'In Conversation' Literary Lounge Keynote

Where: St Mary's Church of Ireland

   6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

 

A Night At The Aula

Our final festival event is always a musical highlight. Join Irish singer-songwriter Mundy and his band for an unforgettable night of music in Maynooth.

Where: Aula Maxima

   8:00 pm

 

Here’s what we think you should know

Public transport

It’s easy to get here! Maynooth is well-served by public transport and has great transport links with the rest of the country.

Campus Maps

The majority of events take place on our campus, and some are only a stone’s throw away in Maynooth town.

Free Open Day Busses

There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and coffee shops in Maynooth town. The street food specialists, Irish Village Markets will be serving great food on our north campus on Saturday 9th May from 12pm – 5pm.

Free Open Day Busses

Free and accessible parking is available at Maynooth University (after 5pm on 7th and 8th, and all-day on 9th) in the Pay and Display car parks and in any designated (Student/Staff) parking spaces throughout the Campus.

Campus Map

Food and Drink

Irish Village Markets will be providing a diverse range of street food and delightful treats on campus

 between 12 - 5pm on Saturday the 10th of May


The town of Maynooth also offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes for those of you arriving early or planning on staying into the evening,

Access Cinema
Maynooth Film for All
Irish National Opera