Guinness Irish Festival

For 30 years, the Guinness Irish Festival has been bringing a piece of Ireland to Valais. From 6 to 8 August 2026, it celebrates its 30th edition in Sion and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Celtic music.

For three days, Valais seems to move a little closer to Ireland. Fiddles, tin whistles and bagpipes fill the Domaine des Îles festival grounds in Sion, Guinness is poured, and people dance and laugh in front of the stages. What once began as a passion for Celtic music has grown into one of the most important festivals of its kind on the European mainland. ​“There is no counting when one loves,” says a French proverb. Perhaps this is precisely the secret of the Guinness Irish Festival: those who do something with passion do not count the years. Because passion also means going the extra mile — whether to bring long-standing companions back to the festival or to present promising new talents. This balance between tradition and discovery has shaped this now legendary event since its beginnings.

“Go wild Folks” is written on this year’s orange-and-green festival posters. The motto suits the anniversary edition, whose programme once again reflects a deep enthusiasm for Celtic music. Over three evenings, a total of twelve bands from six nations will take to the stage. The festival remains true to its successful formula: it brings together international greats of the scene with young formations that open up fresh perspectives on Celtic music. The opening on Thursday will be led by the Scottish formations Trip and Cala, before the renowned Michael McGoldrick Big Band thrills the audience with virtuoso Irish folk music. To close the first festival evening, Ross Miller and his band will show just how surprisingly modern bagpipe music can sound — very much in the tradition of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

On Friday, the mix becomes even more explosive. The musical journey leads right across Europe’s Celtic world. First, the Irish band CUAS brings the typical spirit of the Emerald Isle to Valais. Then the journey continues to Italy with the progressive Celtic rock of Fragment. Also eagerly awaited is the return of Skerryvore, who will make the stage tremble with their unique fusion of folk, rock, trad and pop. Sir Reg will provide the crowning finale of the evening with an energetic mix of punk, rock and Irish folk influences. Saturday, too, remains true to the festival’s tradition by giving Swiss artists a firm place in the programme. Kerry The Dog from Schaffhausen opens the line-up before the musical journey continues to North America. The LeBlanc family from New Brunswick and the formation Le Vent du Nord from Québec impressively demonstrate how vibrant Celtic music remains far beyond Europe. The six Italians of The Beggars will bring the festival to a musical close with their high-energy mix of punk and rock.

It is precisely this interplay of different influences that has made the Guinness Irish Festival so special for 30 years. Here, established names and exciting discoveries, musicians and audiences all come together. The festival preserves its roots while remaining open to the new. Much has changed over the past three decades. What has remained is the idea of bringing people together through music. Those who leave the festival grounds after three days may never really have left Valais — and yet it feels as though they have breathed Irish air for a few hours.

6 to 8 August 2026
Guinness Irish Festival 2026

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