Mise Éire Festival: Culture, Controversy and Online Influence
Ireland is packed with festivals these days. Whether you're into rock, pop, folk, metal, or something completely different, there's probably a festival for you. They're happening all over the country too – from Momentum Festival in Dublin and Forest Fest in Laois to All Together Now in Waterford. And then there's Mise Éire Festival, one of the newer additions to Ireland's festival scene.
There's a good chance you've never heard of Mise Éire. Unlike the bigger festivals, it isn't heavily promoted on radio or in the mainstream media. In fact, unless you're active on social media platforms like X or Telegram, you might not even know it exists.
The festival was created by a group of social media content creators and first launched in 2025. It was originally due to take place in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, but after a strong public backlash and calls for a boycott, organisers were forced to find a new venue. The aim of the festival was simple enough: celebrate Irish culture, language and traditions. Despite those intentions, the event has attracted a lot of negative attention.
On the surface, Mise Éire has plenty to offer. There's live music, art workshops, beginner Irish language classes and talks exploring Irish history and Gaelic heritage. With that kind of programme, you might expect it to become a popular fixture on the festival calendar. However, organisers have struggled to shake off the controversy surrounding the event.
So what's causing all the fuss? A festival celebrating Irish culture sounds harmless enough. The issue, critics argue, lies in some of the talks and guest speakers featured at the event.
Many of the speakers discuss topics that are popular in certain online communities, particularly on X and Telegram. Over the years, talks have touched on subjects such as claims that mainstream media suppresses right-wing viewpoints, the antisemitic Kalergi Plan
conspiracy theory, allegations of a secret government
controlling world events, and concerns about the so-called Great Replacement
. For many observers, these topics have little to do with Irish culture or heritage.
As a result, the festival has developed a reputation that organisers have found difficult to escape. While the event is family-friendly and does promote aspects of Irish culture, it has increasingly become a gathering place for some of Ireland's more controversial online personalities. Discussions about chemtrails, flat-earth theories, lizard people, the Great Replacement and other conspiracy theories are not uncommon among attendees.
Although organisers reject claims that the festival is far-right, some of the figures associated with the event have built large online followings by criticising the government, immigration policies and LGBT rights. Many of these personalities have struggled to find acceptance in mainstream Irish society, and the festival has provided a space where they can meet supporters face-to-face.
That said, there are some positives. The festival does promote elements of Irish culture and provides opportunities for speakers and content creators to sell books, merchandise and other products. Festival-goers can pick up branded clothing, books written by speakers, and various other items from stalls around the venue.
The event also generates plenty of online content. Before, during and after the festival, social media personalities use it as an opportunity to grow their audiences on X and other platforms. Controversy often drives attention, and the festival has occasionally trended online as supporters and critics argue about its purpose and reputation. Content creators are quick to post clips, share reactions and discuss the latest developments, often encouraging viewers to support their work through donations or subscriptions.
Despite all the controversy, the festival does have one clear advantage: it gives people the chance to meet in person rather than just interact online. Because it's relatively small and often held in a hotel venue, attendees can socialise, exchange ideas and make connections. And for those who aren't interested in politics or online debates, there's always some music and entertainment to enjoy into the evening.
