Hinterland Festival Returns to Kells | 26–29 June 2025
A Celebration of Illuminating Words, Ideas & Timeless Culture
This June, one of Ireland’s most inspiring cultural festivals returns to the heart of County Meath - the ever-vibrant heritage town of Kells - with Hinterland 2025 taking place from 26–29 June.
More than just a festival, Hinterland is an invitation to explore literature, history, music, politics, art, and thought-provoking conversation, all in the spiritual home of the Book of Kells.
A Festival Born from Literary Roots
Originally launched in 2013 as Hay/Kells, in partnership with the famed Hay Literary Festival in Wales, the festival rebranded in 2017 as Hinterland - a nod to the town’s role as a cultural sanctuary and space of quiet reflection.
Since then, Kells has played host to some of Ireland and the UK’s most iconic writers and thinkers, including:
✍️ Colm Tóibín, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, Joseph O’Connor, Marian Keyes, John Boyne
🎙️ Germaine Greer, Jung Chang, Brian Eno, Jeremy Paxman, Hanif Kureishi, Ryan Tubridy, Joe Duffy
🎭 Frank McGuinness, Mary O’Rourke, Diarmaid Ferriter, Luke O’Neill, Liam Ó Maonlaí
And the list goes on...
This year's programme promises yet more vibrant discussions, world-class talent, and events for all ages and interests—right in the walkable, picturesque town of Kells.
📅 Friday 27 June | 7:30 PM
📍 The Vanilla Pod
💶 Tickets: €50 (includes drinks reception)
Grab your leather jackets, eyeliner, and Lycra! We’re celebrating Hinterland Festival with a fabulously fun 80s-themed dinner party. Kick off with a Bucks Fizz and retro nibbles before enjoying a nostalgic twist on 80s classics - think Prawn Cocktail, Chicken Kiev, or maybe even Peach Melba and Baked Alaska.
🎵 All served to an in-house DJ spinning 80s hits, with a fun trivia quiz and plenty more surprises. BOOK NOW
Don’t Miss These Festival Highlights
🎨 TypeTrail Launch: Listen
📅 Thursday 26 June | 7:00 PM
📍 Church of Ireland – The Jane Barrett Stage
Now in its 16th year, the Kells TypeTrail is a unique celebration of typography and lettering as modern art. This year’s theme - Listen - invites visitors to engage with words in a whole new way. The trail will be visible until 24th August and maps are available online or in local shops and cafés. Free tickets are available here
🕺 SPELLBOUND – Alternative 80s Disco with Simon Price
📅 Friday 27 June | 9:30 PM
📍 Liv Nightclub at The Headfort Arms
💶 Tickets: €10
Straight from Brighton’s alternative scene, SPELLBOUND hits Kells for one unforgettable night. Expect an electric mix of Goth, Post-Punk, New Romantic and New Wave from DJ Simon Price. Dance the night away to tracks by Siouxsie & The Banshees, Talking Heads, Orange Juice, and more. BOOK NOW
Make a Weekend of It – Stay at Headfort
While you're in Kells for Hinterland, why not enjoy everything Headfort has to offer?
🍴 Pre- and post-show dining in The Vanilla Pod (book your table online)
🎶 Live music all weekend in the Lounge
🎤 Karaoke nights in the Kelltic Bar
🍹 2-for-1 cocktail specials every Friday
🛏️ Comfortable boutique rooms in the heart of town
Stay, dine, and dance - all just a short walk from festival venues!
Discover Kells This June
Hinterland is more than a festival - it’s a journey of ideas, stories, and imagination, all unfolding in one of Ireland’s most historic and welcoming towns.
Join us from 26–29 June 2025 for Hinterland Kells, and be part of something extraordinary.
📍 Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.hinterland.ie/
🎟️ Book Vanilla Pod event tickets: https://www.headfortarms.ie/events-.html
Book your overnight stay with Headfort here.
For group bookings:
Phone: +353 (0)46 924 0063
Email: info@headfortarms.ie
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