Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival

Founded by Athlone native Michelle Jinks, known by her stage name Miss Memphis Shell, the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival aims to celebrate burlesque as an art form while building confidence and community. The festival kicks off on Friday with the Sionnan Spirit Award, a competition for rising stars in the burlesque scene. The festivities continue on Saturday with the main Gala Night, where established international and local performers compete for the prestigious Heart of Ireland title. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the Viking Boat Cabaret Drag Show Tour.

Beyond the main stage events, the festival features the Memphis Market at the Dean Crowe Theatre, offering a variety of goods including vintage clothing, handmade crafts, art, and wellness products. Additional activities across the weekend include workshops, after-parties with local DJs and drag artists, and a "Dr. Sketchy" life drawing session held at Dead Centre Brewing. The festival also collaborates with the Athlone Family Resource Centre, featuring Celtic-inspired puppets on display during performances.

A central tenet of the festival is its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment. Organizers maintain a strict policy against discrimination, including racism, homophobia, sexism, body shaming, and ageism, encouraging all attendees and performers to express themselves freely. Tickets are available for individual nights at €26 each or as a full weekend pass for €45.