The Pan Cheilteach National Song Contest promises a spectacular celebration of music, culture and community. This prestigious event gathers exceptional talent from across Ireland, showcasing the richness of our musical heritage and the vibrant diversity of modern songwriters and performers.
From ballads to lively, foot-tapping tunes, the evening is a great experience for audiences of all ages. As part of the broader Pan Cheilteach Festival, the contest aligns with its mission to promote Irish arts, culture and language. The winner will represent Ireland in the international Pan Cheilteach Song Contest in April this year.
Admission: €15 including booking fee. Book tickets
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15 great songs and the judges are announced for the Pan Celtic song contest 2026.
The finalists have been announced! The judges have been announced!
Ireland may have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 but Carlow is gearing up for the Pan Celtic National Song Contest ’26. The gala event will take place in the magnificent GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual on Saturday, 24 January at 8pm.
From a total of 46 entries submitted this year, 15 newly composed songs in the Irish language have been shortlisted for the live final and the finalists will go head-to -head on stage for the top prize of €1,000 as well as the chance to represent Ireland next April at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest ‘26.
The judges will be:
- Charlie McGettigan (Eurovision ’94 winner, singer and songwriter);
- Órla Fallon (singer, songwriter, harpist and former member of Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna);
- Martin Bridgeman (musician and presenter on Kclr96fm)
The 15 songs which have made it to the final cross a number of styles and genres ranging from rock, pop and folk to traditional and classical making for what promises to be a most enjoyable concert cum contest. Amongst the songs to make it to the final are 5 Carlow entries with compositions by enCÓRe, Emmet Jones & Dara Eaton, Dave Barron, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach and Seán Breathnach on the shortlist.
Musical director for the event will as usual be Carlow’s own Ollie Hennessy backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic House Band. The song contest is organized by Pan Celtic Carlow in association with Carlow County Council and supported by IMRO, Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, An tOireachtas and Glór Cheatharlach.
Three prizes will be awarded on the night with €100 for third place, €200 for second place and the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic National Song Contest trophy going to the overall winning song. The winning song will go on to represent Ireland at the International Song Contest which will take place during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow next April.
Doors will open at 7.30pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sellout and a fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Further information from 087 2857048, 085 1340047or email pancelticcarlow@gmail.com