RTÉ Supporting the Arts this March

RTÉ is proud to support a rich and diverse programme of arts and cultural events taking place across Ireland throughout March 2026.

This month brings a remarkable array of festivals, performances, music, literature, film, and family‑friendly experiences, showcasing the depth of creativity flourishing around the country.

March has begun with Ireland's national celebrations, including the vibrant St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, which brings the capital to life with parades, large‑scale spectacle, live performance, and family‑friendly activities. Complementing the citywide festivities, the National Concert Hall hosts St. Patrick’s Concerts, a series of performances honouring Ireland’s musical traditions alongside contemporary and classical works.

Literary audiences are also well served this month with a trio of distinctive festivals. In Clare, the Ennis Book Club Festival unites readers and writers for conversations, workshops, and events celebrating the shared love of books. The Limerick Literary Festival continues its long‑standing tradition of honouring great writing through readings and discussions. Meanwhile in Dublin, the Franco‑Irish Literary Festival fosters cultural exchange and collaboration between French and Irish authors, bringing new voices and shared perspectives to the fore.

Film takes centre stage throughout March with festivals dedicated to emerging talent and international storytelling. The Fresh International Film Festival returns to multiple cities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, showcasing young filmmakers and offering screenings, workshops, and competitions that celebrate youth creativity. Cork hosts the First Cut Youth Film Festival, a platform for early‑career filmmakers to present their work and connect with industry professionals. Marking its tenth edition, the East Asia Film Festival Ireland presents contemporary cinema from across East Asia in Dublin, Galway, and Cork, offering audiences fresh insights from leading international filmmakers.

A strong season of theatre and opera unfolds in Dublin this month. The Complex stages a gripping production of Fool For Love by Sam Shepard, bringing the intensity of the text to life in an atmospheric setting. At the Gate Theatre, Eureka Day presents a sharp and witty examination of community and conflict in the digital age, while Poor, adapted from Katriona O’Sullivan’s acclaimed memoir, offers a moving portrayal of resilience and personal transformation. Irish National Opera brings a major new production of Dvořák’s Rusalka to the stage, blending haunting lyricism with compelling storytelling.

Music lovers can look forward to a range of festivals and concert series celebrating diverse genres. In Dublin, the Wigmore Series Dublin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music continues to present outstanding recitals by leading Irish and international classical performers. The Kildare Jazz Festival highlights the vibrancy of Ireland’s jazz scene with performances from established artists and rising talent. Limerick hosts the Limerick Early Music Festival 2026: Masks and Masques, which explores early music through historically informed performance and imaginative programming. EMPOWER 2026 at RIAM – Let the Music Lead! shines a spotlight on women in music through performances, discussions, and educational initiatives. In Tipperary, Finding a Voice Festival 2026 returns with its distinctive focus on music composed by women, presented in intimate and atmospheric venues.

N/A — The late Breandán Breathnach will be celebrated at the National Concert Hall

March also includes a number of significant family‑focused and inclusive arts events. The Belfast Children’s Festival offers a joyful selection of theatre, dance, workshops, and creative experiences for younger audiences. In Dublin, the Disrupt Disability Arts Festival champions disabled artists and inclusive creative practice across multiple artforms, expanding visibility and access within the cultural sector. The National Concert Hall hosts Drawing from the Well: The Breandán Breathnach Collection, an evocative celebration of the renowned collector whose work has shaped the landscape of Irish traditional music, reinterpreted by leading contemporary musicians.

RTÉ Supporting the Arts is committed to supporting artists, audiences and cultural organisations across the country, helping to bring the arts to wider communities. March’s extensive programme reflects the strength, imagination and diversity of Ireland’s creative sector, and RTÉ Supporting the Arts is proud to help amplify these cultural experiences nationwide.

Events supported by the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme this March:

Dublin: Wigmore Series Dublin

Clare: Ennis Book Club Festival

Limerick: Limerick Literary festival

Dublin: Fool For Love by Sam Shepard at The Complex

Belfast: Belfast Children's Festival