Carlow ETB announced as partner of major National Song Contest
The KCETB has been announced as an official partner of the National Song Contest at the Pan Celtic Festival
The Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board has announced a partnership with a major National Song Contest.
The Pan Celtic Association has announced details of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2027, including the appointment of the KCETB as an official partner of Pan Celtic Festival 2027 and lead sponsor of the renowned Pan Celtic National Song Contest.
The competition offers musicians, singers and songwriters from across Ireland the opportunity to create a new song in Irish and compete for a cash prize of €1,000, the national trophy, and the chance to represent Ireland at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest, which will take place in Carlow during the festival next Easter.
Widely regarded as the "Celtic Nations Eurovision", the international competition brings together winning entries from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man, all performing newly composed songs in their native Celtic languages.
"Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is proud to support the Pan Celtic Festival and particularly the National Song Contest, which celebrates creativity, talent and the Irish language. Music has a unique ability to connect people, tell stories and strengthen cultural identity. Through our education and training programmes, we recognise the importance of nurturing artistic expression and preserving our cultural heritage, and we are delighted to play a role in supporting an event that showcases both on a national and international stage,” Dr Lindsay Malone, Chief Executive of Kilkenny and Carlow ETB, said.
Organisers have stressed that a professional studio recording is not required at the entry stage.
Following a shortlisting process, selected finalists will perform before a live audience at the Pan Celtic National Song Contest Final, which will take place in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at VISUAL, Carlow, on Saturday, 23 January 2027.
A panel of expert judges will select the winning song, which will then represent Ireland and compete against national winners from Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man at the Pan Celtic International Festival 2027, taking place in Carlow from March 30th to April 4th 2027.
"The National Song Contest is a unique showcase for musical talent and creativity through the Irish language, and it is wonderful to see Kilkenny and Carlow ETB come on board as lead sponsor. Their support will help ensure the continued growth and success of this important competition and the wider festival. I would encourage songwriters and performers from across the country to take advantage of this opportunity to represent Ireland on an international stage and to be part of what promises to be another outstanding Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow in 2027,” Cllr. Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said.
The closing date for entries is 5.00pm on Monday, 14 December 2026.
For further information, contact 087 2857048 or 085 1340047, or email [email protected].