Sperrins Festival To Celebrate Landscape And Heritage This Month

A new celebration of landscape, heritage and community is set to arrive in the heart of the Sperrins later this month.

The Sperrins Festival, taking place from 20–22 March 2026, will bring a three-day programme of walks, talks, music and family activities to locations across the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The festival aims to strengthen the connection between people and place, while supporting sustainable tourism and offering new ways to explore and celebrate the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

For its first year, the festival hub will be based at Gortin Activity Centre, supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. From here, visitors will be able to travel to a range of guided walks and experiences taking place across the wider Sperrins landscape.

To make the festival more accessible and reduce traffic in rural areas, free transport will be provided to all guided walks and events, allowing participants to easily reach some of the region’s most scenic and remote locations.

Organisers have also confirmed that the festival hub will rotate around the Sperrins region in future years, ensuring the benefits of the event are shared across communities throughout the area.

Across the weekend, visitors can take part in guided walks for a range of abilities, led by outdoor activity specialists Far and Wild, offering opportunities to explore the landscape while learning about the stories, wildlife and history that shape the Sperrins.

Alongside the outdoor experiences, the festival hub will host a lively programme of talks, storytelling, traditional music, craft demonstrations and a family fun day, creating a welcoming space for people of all ages and interests to get involved.

Participants will have the opportunity to discover everything from local folklore and heritage to wildlife and community traditions, through a mix of outdoor adventures and indoor cultural experiences.

For safety and comfort, transport will operate between the festival hub and selected event locations. Most events will proceed in typical spring weather conditions, although severe weather may lead to adjustments or cancellations, with pre-booked participants notified in advance. Dogs are not permitted on festival walks.

The festival is led by the Sperrins Partnership and delivered in collaboration with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster District Council, alongside local guides, historians, activity providers and community groups.

It is also supported through funding from the DAERA Environment Fund and the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division Research and Revivals Stream.

Cllr Sean Clarke, Chair of Sperrins Partnership, said:
"The Sperrins Festival is about connecting people with this remarkable landscape and the communities that shape it. Through guided walks, storytelling, and shared experiences, we want to celebrate the heritage of the Sperrins while encouraging sustainable tourism and deeper appreciation of the area."

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff added:
"We are proud to support the Sperrins Festival, that showcases the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Sperrins. Events like this bring people together, support local communities, and highlight the importance of protecting and promoting our unique environment."

Joe Mahon, the Sperrins Festival supporter and well known broadcaster commented:
"One of the reasons I'm so keen to support the Sperrins Festival, and to sing its praises far and wide, is that the people behind it who know and love this area are so passionate about sharing its beauty and its wonder with the rest of us."

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said:
"I am delighted that the Sperrins Festival is coming to our region this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty, heritage, and communities that make the Sperrins so special.

"I would like to thank the Sperrins Partnership and all the local councils and groups involved for bringing this festival to life. Events like this encourage people to explore our landscapes, learn about our history, and connect with our communities in meaningful ways."