Long evenings, live music, heritage trails, artisan food, outdoor adventures and unforgettable cultural experiences await at the inaugural Navan Midsummer Festival this June- a Celtic Celebration!
Taking place from June 18th to 21st, the festival will transform Navan into a vibrant hub of music, creativity, storytelling and celebration, with events happening throughout the town and across the wider Boyne Valley landscape.
Developed by Meath County Council in collaboration with local businesses, community groups and tourism partners, the festival celebrates Navan’s rich heritage, thriving creative scene and unique connection to the ancient spirit of the Summer Solstice.
Whether you are planning a family day out, a cultural escape or a weekend enjoying the best of Boyne Valley food and entertainment, there is something for everyone to discover.
Comedy, Storytelling and Cultural Experiences
Navan’s stories, history and creative spirit take centre stage throughout the festival programme.
One of the headline cultural events is The Story of Us: Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census Exhibition, presented by the National Archives in association with Meath County Archive. Running from June 13th to 28th at St Mary's Community Centre, the exhibition explores the first census of the Irish Free State and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and stories captured within its pages.
Storytelling fans can enjoy Seanchoíche at The Central on June 18th, while comedy lovers can catch Chris Kent as part of Navan Laughs on June 19th.
The festival also welcomes The Lovely Show live podcast with Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern at The Jackal, bringing their unique humour and commentary on Irish culture to the festival audience.
Visitors interested in art and contemporary culture should not miss The Future is Open at Solstice Arts Centre. Celebrating the venue’s 20th anniversary, the exhibition explores themes of space, time, technology and future possibilities through film, sculpture, photography and installation.
Food and Drink Experiences
Food lovers will find plenty to savour throughout the festival weekend, with Navan’s cafés, bars, restaurants and producers showcasing the very best of Boyne Valley flavours.
The Navan Midsummer Market takes place on both June 20th and 21st in the car park of St. Mary's Church, bringing together food trucks, artisan producers, local crafts, music and family entertainment in the heart of the town.
One of the standout events is The Navan Tapas Trail in association with Boyne Valley Bites on June 21st. This relaxed culinary trail invites visitors to stroll through Navan while sampling specially created tapas dishes and drinks inspired by local Boyne Valley produce.
Participating venues include:
- P. Clarke's
- Bermingham's Bar
- The Jackal
- Ryan's Bar
- Chekov's Café
Festival-goers can also enjoy:
- Solstice Candles & Cocktails at The Royal Meath
- The Palace Visits The Royals, a special whiskey tasting experience hosted by Bermingham’s Bar and the Navan Whiskey Society
- Outdoor dining, cocktails and live entertainment across Navan’s pubs and beer gardens
Craft and Creativity
Creativity is woven throughout the festival, with workshops, family activities and artistic experiences for all ages.
Children can enjoy the Drop-In Children’s Craft Session at Navan Library, creating Ogham-inspired bookmarks, stained glass-style art and solstice-themed crafts inspired by the ancient traditions of the Boyne Valley.
Visitors can also take part in Solstice Candles & Cocktails, where the Kandle Queen guides guests through candle jar painting and decorative candle making while enjoying cocktails in a relaxed midsummer setting.
Check out the Possitivity Pebbles workshop at the Hill of Tara on the 20th of June at 11am and Sunday the 21st at 2pm.
The festival markets across the weekend will also showcase local makers, artists and craftspeople from across Meath and the Boyne Valley region.
Outdoors and Active Experiences
The festival programme offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors and discover the natural beauty and heritage of the Boyne Valley.
Families can join the Solstice Scavenger Hunt around Navan town, following themed clues through local streets and landmarks before returning to the festival marketplace for a prize draw.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- A guided Tour of Bective Stud Estate
- The Wonder Wander Walk heritage trail through Navan
- Outdoor Games at Navan Library
- Family dart competitions at The Watergate
- The Annual Midsummer Walk for the Homeless from the Hill of Tara to the Hill of Slane
- Positivity Pebbles family inspiration stroll at the Hill of Tara
- Solstice Flow: Yoga at the Heart of the Boyne Valley
- Neurofest at Navan Adventure Centre, an inclusive sensory-friendly event designed for neurodivergent families
Families and history lovers can also take part in The Big Dig with The School of Irish Archaeology, where children can excavate a Viking house and learn about Viking history in the Boyne Valley.
Meanwhile, the free Navan Walking Tours on June 20th and 21st offer a fascinating journey through the town’s rich history, led by costumed guide Fiona Dalton.
Music and Entertainment
Music will fill the streets, venues and outdoor spaces of Navan throughout the festival weekend.
One of the most atmospheric performances is Illuminating Sounds at St. Mary's Church, where Schola Hyberniae will present a musical experience inspired by ancient Irish manuscripts, medieval chant and the heritage of the Boyne Valley.
Live performances across the festival include:
- James Egan at The Central Roof Terrace
- Broken Strings at The Jackal Beer Garden
- Oasis Cover Band at The Lantern
- Navan Rollers at The Central Vintage Lounge
- Darragh Daly at The Central Roof Terrace
- Carl Gillic at The Central Roof Terrace
- The Jones at The Central Vintage Lounge
- Trigger & The Hitmen at The Central Vintage Lounge
Festival audiences can also enjoy Just Sing, celebrating 10 years of Navan Community Singers at Solstice Arts Centre, and the Credo Vocal Ensemble Summer Concert at Dalgan Park.
Where to Stay
Navan is an ideal base for exploring the Boyne Valley during the festival, with accommodation options to suit every style of stay.
Visitors can choose from:
- Ardboyne Hotel
- Balreask Bar, Restaurant & Guest Accommodation
- Bective Stud Self-Catering Apartments
- Bellinter House Hotel and Spa
- Decoy Country Cottages
- Newgrange Hotel
- Teltown House and Tailtiu Coffee
With events taking place across multiple days, staying overnight is the perfect way to experience the full festival atmosphere while also exploring nearby Boyne Valley attractions including Newgrange, Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara.
Getting There
Navan is easily accessible from Dublin and across the east of Ireland.
By car, Navan is approximately 45 minutes from Dublin via the M3 motorway.
Regular bus services connect Navan with Dublin, Drogheda, Kells and surrounding towns, making it easy for day visitors and weekend travellers alike.
Once in Navan, many festival venues are within walking distance of the town centre, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the festival.
From heritage and storytelling to artisan food, live music, family fun and outdoor adventure, the Navan Midsummer Festival promises a vibrant celebration in the heart of the Boyne Valley.
This June, discover Navan at its most creative, welcoming and energetic as the town celebrates the longest days of the year with one of the most exciting new festivals in Ireland’s Ancient East.
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