Night and Day Festival 2026 in Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, Set to Enhance Ireland’s Music Tourism with a Diverse Lineup and Scenic Atmosphere

Published on November 20, 2025

The Night and Day Festival 2026, set to take place from May 29th to May 31st in the beautiful surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon, promises to be a significant event on Ireland’s festival circuit. This year marks an exciting shift, as the festival moves a few weeks later in the year compared to its 2025 edition. With an impressive lineup of artists spanning multiple genres, the festival is poised to become a must-attend event for both locals and tourists alike, offering not only world-class music but also an opportunity to experience one of Ireland’s most stunning natural settings.

The Night and Day Festival: A Celebration of Music and Nature

Set within the lush, tranquil landscape of Lough Key Forest Park, the Night and Day Festival blends Ireland’s vibrant music scene with the natural beauty of the region. This combination makes the event unique, offering festival-goers the chance to enjoy top-notch performances in an outdoor environment surrounded by scenic woodlands and serene lakes. The forest park serves as a stunning backdrop, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the festival’s attendees.

The festival itself features an eclectic mix of musical performances, with genres ranging from rock and indie to electronic, folk, and traditional Irish music. With headliners such as The Saw Doctors, Hothouse Flowers, Jenny Greene, and Paddy Casey, the festival’s diverse lineup ensures that there is something for everyone. Local favorites like Thumper, M(h)aol, and Sexy Tadgh will also grace the stage, offering a platform for emerging talent alongside well-established acts.

This eclectic range of performances is a big draw for music lovers, as it highlights Ireland’s ability to host world-class festivals that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes. By combining beloved Irish acts with rising stars from various genres, the Night and Day Festival offers a balanced and dynamic experience for festival-goers.

The Impact on Roscommon’s Tourism

The Night and Day Festival is not just a celebration of music, but it also has a significant impact on tourism in Roscommon. With its captivating lineup and stunning location, the event attracts visitors from across Ireland and beyond, boosting both local and national tourism. The presence of major acts and the scenic environment of Lough Key Forest Park make this festival an essential destination for those seeking both musical entertainment and natural beauty.

For Roscommon, the festival is an opportunity to showcase its rich cultural and natural offerings. The county, known for its lakes, forests, and historic sites, has long been a hidden gem for travelers seeking a more tranquil and authentic experience of Ireland. The Night and Day Festival helps to raise Roscommon’s profile on the national and international tourism map, drawing a diverse crowd of music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural travelers.

The festival’s location within Lough Key Forest Park provides visitors the chance to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, such as hiking, cycling, or simply exploring the stunning landscape, before immersing themselves in live music performances by night. This holistic experience, which combines the best of Ireland’s natural beauty with vibrant musical culture, makes the Night and Day Festival an ideal destination for tourists looking for more than just a traditional music event. It encourages longer stays, with visitors exploring the local area and supporting small businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Boosting Local Economy and Small Businesses

The influx of attendees to the Night and Day Festival brings a considerable economic boost to Roscommon and surrounding areas. As with most major festivals, the event generates increased demand for local accommodations, restaurants, and transportation services. Hotels and guesthouses in Roscommon and nearby towns will experience a surge in bookings, especially as attendees from outside the county look for convenient places to stay.

Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector, also benefit greatly from the festival. Restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area see increased foot traffic, as festival-goers explore the local culinary scene. For small businesses selling crafts, souvenirs, or festival-related merchandise, the event offers an excellent opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience. This positive economic impact is a key reason why festivals like the Night and Day Festival are so important to local communities, particularly in rural areas where tourism can often be a lifeline for small businesses.

Additionally, the festival helps to foster a sense of community pride. Local performers and artists are given the opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience, while attendees get to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Roscommon. For the local community, the festival is not just a chance to enjoy great music—it’s a celebration of the region’s culture, spirit, and welcoming atmosphere.

A Unique Venue for the Festival

One of the defining features of the Night and Day Festival is its iconic location in Lough Key Forest Park, which sets it apart from other Irish festivals. The forest park provides a natural amphitheater for the event, with the towering trees, winding paths, and glistening waters creating a spectacular backdrop for the performances. The Moylurg Tower, a central feature of the park, serves as the venue for the Sol Stage, where notable artists such as Jenny Greene will perform, offering a truly magical experience.

At 150 feet high, Moylurg Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, which visitors can enjoy before or after the festival performances. The stage’s unique setting within the tower elevates the musical experience, making the performances even more memorable. The tower, along with the expansive forest grounds, allows the festival to create multiple areas for entertainment, relaxation, and exploration, giving attendees plenty of space to move around and enjoy the festival in a natural environment.

For tourists unfamiliar with the area, the festival provides a perfect introduction to the region’s scenic beauty. Those attending the event are encouraged to explore the forest park’s walking trails, enjoy boat trips on the lake, or simply relax in nature. The ability to enjoy world-class music in such a picturesque setting makes the Night and Day Festival a standout event on the Irish festival calendar.

Embracing Cultural Diversity Through Music

The Night and Day Festival is not just about enjoying music—it’s also an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity through performances from artists representing a wide range of genres. From traditional Irish folk music to indie rock, electronic, and experimental acts, the festival brings together performers from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive atmosphere that resonates with attendees.

This commitment to diversity enhances the cultural appeal of the festival, making it an attractive event for international visitors who are eager to experience Irish music in all its forms. It also promotes cultural exchange, as international attendees mingle with locals, share experiences, and enjoy music from artists around the world.

For those visiting Ireland, the festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the country’s musical heritage while also discovering new and exciting acts. This blend of tradition and innovation is one of the festival’s greatest strengths, ensuring it appeals to a wide variety of tastes and interests.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Festival Destination

As the Night and Day Festival continues to grow in popularity, it is poised to become a cornerstone of Ireland’s music tourism scene. With its unique blend of music, culture, and nature, the festival offers an unforgettable experience that attracts visitors year after year. The event provides an opportunity to showcase Ireland’s ability to host world-class festivals that appeal to a global audience.

As Ireland’s tourism industry continues to evolve, festivals like Night and Day will play an increasingly important role in attracting travelers who seek immersive cultural experiences. By combining vibrant music with the natural beauty of Lough Key Forest Park, the festival offers a multifaceted experience that is bound to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

The Night and Day Festival 2026 is not just a celebration of music—it’s a celebration of Ireland’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler from afar, this event is a perfect way to experience the magic of Ireland in the summer. As the festival grows, so too will its impact on the local economy, the tourism industry, and the cultural landscape of Roscommon and Ireland as a whole.

For music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural travelers alike, the Night and Day Festival in Roscommon is a unique event that promises to make lasting memories and solidify its place as one of Ireland’s premier music festivals.