Bandon Walled Town Festival

Founded in 2008 to promote the conservation of Bandon's historic walls, the festival has grown into a significant local tradition supported by the Heritage Council and the Irish Walled Towns Network. The program offers a diverse range of activities designed to bring local history to life, including bell-ringing workshops and tours of local landmarks such as Allman’s Distillery. Each year, the organizers select a theme, such as ‘Heritage at Risk,’ to focus public attention on different aspects of historical preservation and the story of the walled town.

The festival typically spans several days in mid-August and culminates in a large-scale Family Fun Day on the final Sunday. During this finale, Bandon is transformed into a living history village with heritage-themed parades, battle re-enactments, and performances by circus acts. The event is managed by a local volunteer committee and relies on support from the community and regional sponsors to maintain its role as an integral part of the Bandon calendar.