The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festiva

The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival returns to the Donabate-Portrane Peninsula from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th May with a packed programme of creative workshops, community performances and family fun. Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to grow, celebrating local talent, heritage and the vibrant culture of the Fingal coast.

The week begins with the ever-popular Bleeding Pig Film Festival, showcasing a curated selection of independent short films, documentaries and features. From Monday to Wednesday, audiences can enjoy free evening screenings highlighting emerging and established talent, with a special focus on women in film and a feature presentation on the final night.

Creative workshops are a big part of the festival’s appeal, and this year includes everything from skincare, lampshade and candle-making to macramé, zine creation and art sessions with acclaimed local artist Robert Shaw. Children can take part in a range of fun, hands-on activities too, including self-portrait drawing, bag decorating and silk clay owl making.

The weekend brings even more colour and community spirit, with music, poetry, dance and food across venues in Donabate and Portrane. Sounds From The Square showcases young musical talent in a stunning setting, while the Show Off Sessions invite performers of all stripes to take the mic. There’s also a lively outdoor trad céilí with pizza, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht, and a traditional music night with Eamonn Galldubh and friends.

Sunday rounds off the festival with a series of exhibitions, heritage tours and performances. Highlights include the Fusion of Inclusion showcase celebrating diversity through music, art and dance, along with historical tours of the Martello Tower and the Church of Ireland. The final evening closes with a welcoming singalong at the Shoreline Hotel, where everyone’s invited to raise their voices or simply enjoy the music.

With something for every age and interest, the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival is a celebration of creativity, community and connection — all set against the stunning backdrop of Fingal’s coast.