The So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival has officially announced its dates for 2026, running from February 9th to 14th, and organisers are already encouraging people to snap up what they say is the “Perfect Christmas Gift – The Gift of Laughter”.
Now firmly established as one of the most popular comedy festivals in the West of Ireland, So Funny Sligo 2026 will bring seven days of comedy to venues right across Sligo town and county, from theatres and bars in the town centre to smaller rural communities that don’t often get the chance to host live comedy.
The 2026 programme will feature some of the finest comedians in Ireland and beyond, with a mix of household names, rising stars and much-loved local favourites. Performers announced so far include Aoife Dunne, Fred Cooke, Kevin McGahern, Joe Rooney, Karl Spain and Sharon Mannion, along with many more still to be revealed. Audiences can also look forward to appearances from local podcast heroes, Mark & Ray from The Kendy and Raybo Podcast, alongside acts recognisable from Irish television, film and the wider comedy circuit.
As always, the festival prides itself on being accessible and inclusive, with free events, all-ages shows, school workshops, and a family magic show all forming part of the packed schedule.
One of the standout features of So Funny Sligo continues to be its commitment to rural gigs. Speaking about the 2026 festival, organiser Brendan Tierney said:
“Year on year we’ve been building the rural gigs. I always love getting out into the countryside of Sligo and bringing comedy to small rural areas that don’t normally get live shows. We’ve increased that again this year with three new villages, with first time gigs for the festival in Maugherow, Ballymote and Ballisodare, and we’re keen to keep building on that into the future.”
Another major highlight of the festival is the return of the hugely popular Ha Ha Hawk’s Well Comedy Award, a national talent search for the next wave of Irish comedy. The winner will receive a €1,000 cash prize, making it the biggest cash prize in Irish comedy.
“The Ha Ha Hawk’s Well Comedy Award is always one of the highlights of the week. 8 finalists, 3 Judges and an audience vote give you all of the X Factor feel, with none of the fake tears!!” Tierney added. “It’s about spotting new talent and giving them a real platform. Year on year the festival keeps growing, and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet.”
With many shows taking place in small-capacity venues, organisers are urging people to book early.
“Some of these gigs will sell out quickly,” Tierney said. “Comedy tickets make an ideal Christmas present, and honestly, a gift of laughter is probably the best gift you can give someone.”
Full programme details and tickets are available at
👉 www.sofunnysligo.com
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