From May to September, All Abilities Ireland helped bring sensory-friendly experiences and inclusive activities to festivals across Ireland.

What a colourful festival season it has been!

Throughout 2026, our team joined a wonderful range of festivals and community celebrations, helping to create spaces where children, young people and families could explore, relax, get creative and feel included.

Our Festival Journey

Towers & Tales – Lismore

Our festival season began at Towers & Tales Children's Book Festival, where we created The Quiet Chapter, a welcoming Sensory Sanctuary offering gentle music, soft lighting and sensory toys. It was a peaceful space where visitors could take a moment away from the busy festival atmosphere.

We Own The Castle – Swords

In June, we were part of We Own The Castle, a live teen music festival held during Cruinniú na nÓg. Our dedicated sensory tent provided a calm and creative space for neurodivergent children and teenagers attending the event.

Kaleidoscope Family Festival – Wicklow

July took us to Kaleidoscope Family Festival, where All Abilities joined the inclusive festival programme, helping make creativity, sensory exploration and play part of the wider family experience.

Electric Picnic – Stradbally

At the end of August, our team brought sensory play and Messy Play to Little Picnic, the colourful family area at Electric Picnic.

It was another opportunity for younger festival-goers to enjoy hands-on activities and discover a variety of textures and materials.

Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival – Portlaoise

Our festival journey continued into September with Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival at Midlands Park Hotel.

The programme included a Sensory Session with Messy Play and creative activities, followed by a Silent Disco where participants could put on their headphones, choose their music and dance to their own beat.

Helping Festivals Become More Inclusive

Every festival is different, but our aim remains the same: to help create welcoming environments where people of different abilities and sensory needs can participate comfortably.

From calm sensory spaces and Messy Play to creative workshops and Silent Disco, All Abilities Ireland works with festival and event organisers to explore inclusive experiences suited to their audience and venue.

A huge thank you to the organisers, partners, volunteers and families who made this festival season so special.

Planning a Festival or Community Event?

Would you like to make your next event more inclusive?

We'd love to explore how All Abilities Ireland can support your festival, family day or community celebration.

Let's create something wonderful together!