Applications are now closed. You can still view the funding guidelines, eligibility criteria and application requirements.
When the scheme is open, eligible festivals can apply for investment grant funding from €20,000 up to a maximum of €200,000 per annum.
This is a competitive, multi-annual funding scheme. Funding amounts are reviewed and evaluated each year, and the amount awarded to a festival may vary across the three-year period.
Funding is subject to the permitted percentage funding under Article 53 of the General Block Exemption Regulation for State aid. Applicants are responsible for all eligible costs above the funding amount offered by Fáilte Ireland, and for all ineligible project costs.
Funding can be awarded across three eligible areas.
All applicants must include this funding area in their application. It covers sales and marketing activity designed to attract domestic and international attendees.
Funding for this area supports activity that extends the festival programme, helping the festival offer more reasons for visitors to stay in the destination.
This area supports the development of the festival programme, helping the festival strengthen its tourism focus and potential impact.
The expression of interest stage allows applicants to show that they meet the eligibility criteria and that their proposed festival aligns with the aims, objectives, and priorities of the scheme.
Submitting an expression of interest does not confirm eligibility or guarantee funding. If the expression of interest does not meet the criteria, the applicant will not progress to Stage 2.
Applicants who pass Stage 1 are invited to submit a full application through the Fáilte Ireland Trade Portal.
At Stage 2, applicants must provide detailed information and supporting documents. These may include financial records, proof of festival operation, attendance figures, governance information and plans covering marketing, sustainability, accessibility and community engagement.
If you are considering applying when the scheme reopens, use the scheme guidelines to understand the documents and evidence required. Here are some items you may need to prepare:
Income and expenditure accounts, profit and loss accounts, or management accounts for the previous three years, plus a breakdown of income streams, turnover and public funding received.
Proof that the festival has operated for at least three years, runs for at least two consecutive days and has a Tax Reference Number or Companies Registration Office number, as appropriate.
Attendance figures for the previous three years, including ticketed and non-ticketed attendees and estimated percentages of local, domestic, and international visitors.
A management team overview, governance details, statutory compliance information and, for participative events, a health and safety plan.
Marketing and sales, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement plans, plus a draft festival programme.
Funded festivals must show how they will contribute to Fáilte Ireland’s tourism objectives by:
State aid rules apply to this scheme. The scheme operates under the General Block Exemption Regulation, with Article 53 for culture and heritage conservation identified as the primary exemption.
Applicants may need to provide information about other public funding received or sought for the same project. This supports compliance with State aid and double-funding rules.
Applicants should read the full scheme guidelines and seek independent professional advice where needed, particularly on State aid and procurement matters.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, contact us with your questions.
