Stendhal Festival – Limavady, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
Stendhal Festival, Northern Ireland’s premier independent celebration of music, arts, and family fun, returns for its 16th chapter in 2026 at the idyllic Ballymully Cottage Farm. This three-day extravaganza, organized by Stendhal Festival Ltd since 2011, blends grassroots talent with world-class performances across eight stages nestled in woodlands, main arenas, and Karma Valley. Set against the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, it draws thousands for a mix of live music, interactive art, workshops, and activities that promise perspective and clarity amid breathtaking scenery.
Known for its laid-back vibe and commitment to local artists, the 2026 edition responds to attendee feedback by reverting to a Thursday-to-Saturday format, enhancing accessibility while maintaining its family-oriented ethos. Expect a program packed with emerging indie acts, comedy, circus shows, and craft markets, all fostering community and creativity in Limavady’s lush landscapes.
Event Highlights
- Grassroots music showcases featuring raw, emerging talent across multiple stages, with passionate live performances of indie rock, folk, and electronic sets that capture the festival’s unfiltered spirit.
- Art in a Field installations turning the farm into an interactive canvas, including visual arts, sculptures, digital exhibits, and spontaneous creative expressions amid the woodlands.
- Family entertainment with enchanting circus shows, hands-on workshops, fun fair rides, and kid-friendly activities designed to spark joy for all ages, earning accolades as Ireland’s best family festival.
- Comedy and spoken word sessions, highlighting northern humor and storytelling in intimate venues, alongside craft markets and surprise pop-ups.
- Unique woodland and valley experiences like late-night DJ sets in Karma Valley and eco-inspired art trails, blending nature with innovative performances for immersive visitor attractions.
Why Attend
Stendhal Festival in Limavady is more than a music event—it’s a rejuvenating escape where the fusion of indie sounds, vibrant art, and family adventures reignites your sense of wonder. Picture wandering sun-dappled woodlands to catch an up-and-coming band’s heartfelt set, then joining kids at a circus workshop under the Causeway skies; it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration that turns strangers into festival family, all while supporting Northern Ireland’s thriving creative scene.
This 2026 chapter builds on years of magic by prioritizing attendee preferences, like the classic three-day rhythm for better recovery time, ensuring you leave with crystal-clear memories and a renewed appreciation for live arts. Whether you’re a music die-hard, art enthusiast, or parent seeking wholesome fun, Stendhal delivers an authentic, inclusive vibe that feels like home amid extraordinary landscapes.
Date & Duration
Dates: July 2 – July 4, 2026
Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
The festival unfolds across Ballymully Cottage Farm’s expansive grounds, including the main arena for headline acts, woodlands for intimate gigs, and Karma Valley for ambient sessions, all within the Causeway Coast and Glens borough for easy exploration. Notable areas feature the Henry McCullough Stage for rock sets and art trails weaving through scenic fields.
Main event Google location address: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady BT49 0NQ, Northern Ireland.
Ticket Information
- Tickets are sold online via the official Stendhal Festival website and through ticketing partner Kaboodle (email: Stendhal@kaboodle.com for inquiries); early bird camping and day passes available now, with on-site sales limited during the event—no lottery, but bundles may include family packages.
- Admission is paid for all access, with separate options for camping (includes site entry) or day tickets (entry only).
- Pricing in USD: Early bird weekend camping tickets around $200–$220; day tickets $70–$90; family bundles estimated at $150–$250 for two adults and two kids (based on 2025 GBP rates converted at 1.30 USD/GBP; full 2026 pricing to be confirmed).
- Special seating or VIP options include premium viewing areas near main stages with lounge access and priority entry for select headline shows.
- Minimum ticket pricing: $70 USD for single-day entry.
- Maximum ticket pricing: $250 USD for premium family weekend camping packages.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@stendhalfestival.com (general inquiries); Stendhal@kaboodle.com (ticketing-specific).
- Phone: +44 7936 783420 (festival team, English support).
- Website: https://stendhalfestival.com (official site for tickets and info).
- Social Media: @StendhalFest (X/Twitter), @StendhalFestival (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
- Key Staff: Ross Parkhill (Festival Director); John Cartwright and Colm O’Donnell (Founders).
- Press/Volunteers: Email info@stendhalfestival.com (press); volunteer applications via website under “Volunteer With Us” (roles in setup, stewarding, and arts support; training provided).
- Note: Response time ~48 hours. English support available; small team handles all queries.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: City of Derry Airport (LDY), 15 miles away with direct flights from London and Manchester, followed by a 20-minute taxi or Bus Eireann 234 to Limavady; Belfast International (BFS), 40 miles east, connected by Translink Goldline 218 bus (1 hour).
- Public transport: Regular Ulsterbus services from Derry (20 minutes) or Belfast (1.5 hours) to Limavady town center, then short taxi to farm; festival shuttles from local hubs during event weekend.
- Parking: On-site parking available for £10–£15 per vehicle (pre-book recommended); carpool encouraged to reduce congestion, with EV charging spots at nearby services.
- Other access: Trains to Derry via NI Railways, then bus/taxi; the Causeway Coastal Route offers scenic drives from Dublin (3 hours); fully accessible paths and bike racks on-site for eco-friendly arrival.
Accommodation Options
- Camping: Official on-site pitches included with weekend tickets, featuring family zones, hot showers, and food vendors—bring your own tent or upgrade to glamping pods for $50–$100 extra.
- Hotels and B&Bs: Local options in Limavady like the Roe Park Resort or Drumagh Lodge (5–10 minutes drive), with rates $100–$200/night; book via Discover Northern Ireland for festival deals.
- Hostels and self-catering: Budget stays at Limavady’s Roe Valley Hotel or apartments in nearby Portstewart, ideal for groups at $60–$120/night.
- Family glamping: Enhanced tents with beds and electrics for comfort, available through site partners.
- All options in the Causeway Coast area; high demand means booking 6–9 months ahead, with non-camping guests welcome via day passes.
Reviews
- What a blast—laid-back openness everywhere, super family-friendly with killer northern guitar rock that had everyone hooked from the first note.
- Breathtaking location and endless things to do; stages sounded flawless, staff were absolute gems, total relaxation for young and old alike—pure magic.
- NI’s hidden gem for sure; unforgettable acts, welcoming chaos, and that post-festival glow—can’t wait to dive back in next year.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What sets Stendhal Festival 2026 apart from previous years?
Marking Chapter 16, this edition shifts back to Thursday–Saturday (July 2–4) based on 2025 feedback, boosting accessibility with a recovery Sunday while keeping the three-day intensity fans love. Expect refined family zones and more eco-friendly tweaks amid Ballymully's woods. Over eight stages will amplify grassroots music and art, building on 2025's resilient spirit despite weather woes. Early bird tickets ensure value, and applications for performers/visuals are open now. It's a nod to Stendhal's roots as NI's indie powerhouse, blending local pride with global appeal for 10,000+ attendees. Deeper ties to Causeway Coast heritage add scenic immersion.
How family-friendly is Stendhal for kids and parents?
Incredibly so—award-winning as Ireland's top family fest, with dedicated zones for circus acts, craft workshops, and fun fair rides that keep little ones enchanted without overwhelming crowds. Quiet hours and sensory-friendly spaces accommodate all needs, while parents catch sets from nearby stages. 2025 saw enhanced kid lineups like storytelling sessions and puppet shows, all free with entry. Safety stewards patrol, and nursing/changing facilities are plentiful. It's crafted for multi-gen joy, turning farm fields into a wonderland where families bond over music and mud—perfect for creating lifelong memories in safe, scenic surrounds.
Can I volunteer at Stendhal 2026, and what roles are available?
Yes, sign up via the website's "Volunteer With Us" page—open to all ages with perks like free entry, meals, and merch for shifts in stewarding, stage setup, or art assistance. No prior experience needed; training covers safety and festival flow, starting spring 2026. Past vols rave about the camaraderie, especially during load-in. Musicians apply separately for performance slots. It supports the indie ethos, contributing to NI's arts scene while gaining insider access. High demand, so apply early; it's a rewarding way to immerse in the vibe and network with creators.
What are the sustainability efforts for the 2026 festival?
Stendhal prioritizes green practices: reusable cups and recycling hubs across site to cut waste, with compost toilets and solar-powered stages minimizing footprint. Carpool incentives and shuttles from Derry/Belfast reduce emissions, tying into Causeway's eco-tourism. 2025 introduced biodegradable wristbands and local sourcing for food/art vendors. Volunteer-led cleanups ensure leave-no-trace, while woodland paths promote mindful navigation. Future plans include carbon tracking via partners. These steps honor the farm's natural beauty, making your revelry guilt-free and aligned with NI's conservation goals for a thriving coastal heritage.
When do tickets go on general sale, and what if details change?
Early bird tickets are live now online at stendhalfestival.com, with general sale following in early 2026 once lineup drops (expected Q1). Prices hold steady from 2025 (£150–£170 GBP/$195–$220 USD for camping), but monitor for updates. Refunds apply for cancellations per terms; contact Kaboodle for issues. Lineup teases via socials @StendhalFest, with full program by March. Weather-proof planning from 2025 ensures resilience. For now, snag early birds to lock in rates—flexible options like transfers available, keeping the focus on your crystal-clear festival escape.
