Western Drama Festival, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo

The Western Drama Festival, Tubbercurry was founded in 1944 and ever since hosts annual full length and one-act drama festivals for amateur drama groups from the 32 counties who present their plays in competition and whose aspiration is to qualify for the All-Ireland Drama Finals and win and All-Ireland award.

The Western Drama Festival was the very first festival of its kind in Ireland. Four enterprising local gentlemen, Matt J Devine, Dr John A Flannery, Sean O'Dowd and Alfie Rochford were the founding members. Having viewed the fine stage facilities, dressing rooms and extensive auditorium of the recently constructed St Brigid's Hall they regarded it as the perfect venue for a week-long festival of drama. From these humble beginnings was born the festival circuit and today there are 37 Drama Festivals throughout the 32 counties. The initiative of these same people established the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) and the first All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone in 1953.

This innovation and creativity in Tubbercurry continues today and the Western Drama Festival have been honoured to host the All-Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals on 3 occasions, in 1985, 2002 and 2017. The Western Drama Festival celebrated its 75th year (Diamond Jubilee) in 2018 and its 80th year (Oak Anniversary) in 2023.

Check out our upcoming events and The Western Drama Festival look forward to welcoming you to St Brigid's Hall Theatre, Tubbercurry.

Click below for the programme for our Full-Length Festival in March 2024
http://www.westerndramafestival.com/line-up-full-length-march-2024

Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Home of the Western Drama Festival