Athens turns a shade greener this weekend as the 4th Athens Irish Festival returns from June 13 to 15, transforming the Open-Air Theatre of Haidari into a portal to the Emerald Isle. Organized by the cultural group Inis, this free-admission celebration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Ireland—through music, dance, folklore, and storytelling.
Set beneath the trees and accompanied by birdsong, the festival offers a joyful escape into the whimsical world of Irish tradition, blending ancient legends with contemporary artistry in a celebration for all ages.
What to Expect
- 16 international artists and 3 Greek-based Irish music ensembles
- Live Irish music sessions, featuring fiddles, bodhráns, accordions, and traditional dance
- Pints of Guinness, Irish whiskey, and themed cocktails on tap
- Interactive storytelling and a “Fairy Path” to explore Irish myths
- Workshops in language, dance (Sean-nós), music, and creative writing
- A craft market with over 30 artisans inspired by Celtic motifs
- TTRPG adventures set in 19th-century mythic Ireland
- Food stalls, photo booths, digital scavenger hunts, and more
Music Highlights
Each night features live performances by renowned Irish musicians and Greek-based Celtic bands. Expect toe-tapping reels, improvisational dance, and intimate traditional sessions—culminating in nightly performances by Irish Ensembles that bring the soul of Ireland to life through acoustic storytelling.
Notable acts include:
- Luke Plumb & Khalida De Ridder (mandolin & violin)
- Seamus Sands, Tony Sweeney, Mike Rice, and more (Irish traditional ensemble)
- Noriana, a beloved Greek Celtic quintet blending vocals, fiddle, and banjo
- Jacinta & John McEvoy, Irish fiddle and concertina
- Sean-nós dance workshops and live showcases by Siobhan Butler and Aneta Dortová
Family Fun & Cultural Experiences
Daytime programming includes Irish language crash courses, storytelling sessions under the trees, mythological theater games, music & movement for children, and a reading nook where fairy tales come to life—some hidden, waiting to be found using QR codes.
Explore the “Session Nook,” an open jam space inviting anyone with an Irish music background to join in. Bring your instruments and be part of an age-old tradition of acoustic collaboration.
For book lovers, the Book Fairies of Greece—a global movement that began in 2017 and shares books by hiding them in unexpected places—will be scattering Irish-themed treasures throughout the festival grounds.
Each day of the festival, five different books related to Ireland or Irish authors will be hidden across the park. Follow along on social media for clues and stories, and get ready to join the literary treasure hunt!
Where & When
Open-Air Theatre of Haidari, Ploutarchou 34–38
Accessible via multiple bus routes (A15, 845, 731, 803, 750, 892, 866)
Free entrance all three days
The event is organized by the volunteers of Inis Cultural Association, with the support of Culture Ireland, the Embassy of Ireland in Athens, the Greek-Irish Society, and Guinness.
