Abruzzo Irish Festival

A piece of Ireland in the heart of Abruzzo

The Abruzzo Irish Festival has long been the go-to destination for fans of Celtic music and culture in Central Italy. Organized by the Innocent Smith ETS association, led by president Daniele Di Girolamo, the festival was founded in 2014 and has established itself as one of the most popular Celtic-themed events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Abruzzo, neighboring regions, and increasingly from national and international audiences.

For eleven editions, the festival called Notaresco home—a hillside town in the province of Teramo overlooking the Vomano valley—which, at the end of August, would transform into a vibrant themed village complete with stages, taverns, market stalls, and Celtic encampments.

Music, dance, and Celtic atmosphere

The heart of the festival is live music: various stages host Irish and Celtic folk bands, traditional sessions, Celtic rock groups, and DJ sets. Alongside the concerts, the program offers a rich calendar of activities suitable for the whole family:

• Irish sessions and Celtic dancing with schools and dance masters
• Fire shows and juggling
• Historical re-enactments and Celtic clan encampments
• A long themed market featuring fantasy and Celtic artisans and stalls
• Historical combat, axe throwing, and archery
• A mystery corner with tarot cards, palm reading, and numerology
• A dedicated children's area with activities for the little ones

A growing festival

Over the years, the Abruzzo Irish Festival has expanded its offerings, adding themed areas such as a tattoo zone, a medieval-fantasy themed Comix & Games space, and visitor services like camper areas, camping, and free shuttles. It is an experience designed to keep the public entertained from late afternoon until late at night, filled with great music, beer, street food, and an authentic Irish atmosphere.

The future of the event

Following the eleventh edition in 2025, the relationship between the organizing association and the municipal administration of Notaresco came to an end. The organization, which has held the "Abruzzo Irish Festival" brand since 2014, has announced that the event will no longer be held in Notaresco and has initiated a dialogue with the city of Teramo to find a new location. As of today, the venue and dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced; enthusiasts are invited to follow the event's official channels for updates.