SHEARFEST 2026 welcomes the Provincial Sheep Shearing Championships to Mountbellew, Co. Galway, for an unforgettable weekend of skill, excitement, and family fun! The events will take place on Saturday 30th May to Sunday 31st May, over the June bank holiday weekend.

This year, we’re turning up the energy with two electrifying Martbeat concerts, featuring live music that will have everyone dancing! But that’s not all - there’s so much more fun to be had for all the family, with activities, entertainment, and attractions that will make SHEARFEST 2026 a weekend to remember.

Don’t miss out on the thrilling competitions, fantastic music, and endless enjoyment for all ages - mark your calendars now!

Free onsite parking. Limited Campervan spaces available on request at (087)2545904 or (085)8389777.

5K CHARITY FUN RUN/WALK

The weekend kicks off on the 30th of May with a 5K charity Fun Run/Walk at 11am with all proceeds going to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). Registration is at 10am with an entry fee of €10 per person, €20 per family.

Contact (085)8389777 for more information

Provincial Sheep Shearing Championships

The highlight of the weekend will be the Provincial Open title with Competitors travelling from across the Country where teams of four shearers, representing each province of Ireland, compete for top honours. This premier event promises an exciting showcase of skill, speed and tradition, celebrating the very best of Ireland's Shearers. Competitors will go head-to-head in a range of disciplines including machine shearing and traditional blade shearing.

MartBeat - Dance The Night Away!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as MARTBEAT presents two open-air concerts showcasing some of Ireland's top musical talents at the Mart Grounds in Mountbellew, Co. Galway! Mark your calendars for Friday May 30th, Saturday May 31st during the June bank holiday weekend. Prepare to be blown away by performances from the likes of Derek Ryan, All Folk'd Up, Michael English and Olivia Douglas. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy live music in a stunning outdoor setting!

Entertainment For All The Family!

Join us for three exciting days of family fun! Our event features a variety of attractions including sheepdog demonstrations, Irish dancing, a craft village, trade stands, the Queen of the Wool competition, pony rides, food trucks, alpaca walks, bouncy castles, children's amusements, the Irish Wool Experience, fashion, an animal petting zoo, face painting, an interactive magic show, cookery demonstrations, and pedigree & rare sheep exhibits. There's something for everyone to enjoy, so come on out and make some memories with us!