Kerry Arts and Human Rights Festival

New festival promotes unique creative spaces in Kerry for arts, storytelling and human rights.

The Kerry Arts and Human Rights Festival takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026 in Cahersiveen and Valentia Island on the Iveragh Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way. The festival promotes unique creative spaces in Kerry for arts, storytelling and human rights. Presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and The Barracks Heritage Centre, the festival celebrates stories of changemakers from Kerry and the wider Munster region, past and present, who champion peaceful human rights. Join in discussions on sustainable, inclusive societies, and social justice values today and share stories of your favorite changemaker.

To see the full festival line-up and information please click here

Enjoy unique art events, exhibitions, guided storytelling walks, artist talks, poetry readings and discussions at The Barracks Heritage Centre, Cahersiveen alongside the launch of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal featuring readings and artist talks from County Kerry artists, celebrating local creative voices. The ‘Standing Stone’ event on Valentia Island involves poetry and discussion on ancestral voices and their influence on human rights. While on Valentia Island, enjoy a trip to the Transatlantic Cable Station and Valentia Island Lighthouse and remember to say you are with the Kerry Arts + Human Rights festival for a discount!. Tickets for the Kerry Arts + Human Rights festival range from €5 to €10, with some activities free.

Activities are based on storytelling sessions highlighting inspiring changemakers from the past including Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847) and Mary O’Connell (1778-1836) Cahersiveen and Derrynane, Kerry; Helen Blackburn, Valentia Island (1842-1903); Mary Elmes, Cork City, Cork (1908-2002) ; Janie McCarthy (1885-1964) from, Killarney, Kerry; and Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty (1898 – 1963), Killarney and Cahersiveen, Kerry. These are people whose lives and actions contributed to social justice, peace, and human dignity. These stories and more are shared alongside the opportunity for participants to contribute their own stories of people in Kerry, both past and present, who advocate for equality and human rights. Join us for discussion on the values we wish to promote in building strong and sustainable societies, and rights for all.

View the programme for Eternal Rebels

View the programme for Landscapes of the Soul