Between this upstate town known as the “Emerald Isle of the Catskills” and NYC’s favorite Irish joints, New Yorkers don’t need to hop on a flight across the Atlantic to get a taste of Ireland. Call it the luck of the Irish!
But this August, a Midtown spot is taking things to a whole new level.
Tara Mór, the beloved Irish pub located just one block from Madison Square Garden, is hosting Mór Fest 2026—a massive five-day celebration billed as New York City’s first fully Irish festival.
Forget plastic green hats and watered-down pints. Mór Fest is bringing authentic, modern Irish culture directly to Manhattan from Wednesday, August 19 through Sunday, August 23. Every single act on the lineup, vendor in the market, pour at the bar, and plate coming out of the kitchen is imported directly from Ireland.
🇮🇪 What to expect at Mór Fest 2026
NYC is home to more than 2.1 million residents of Irish descent—one of the largest Irish communities outside of Ireland itself. Mór Fest was created to give the city a multi-day cultural celebration under one roof.
Throughout the 5-day takeover, attendees can expect:
Live Music & Trad Sessions: Catch sets from touring acts like The Young Wolfetones, Steph Hurley, Marty Healy, and all-day traditional sessions
Irish Food & Drink Market: Taste authentic treats flown in specifically for the festival, including Prataí (famed Irish fries), McDaids soft drinks, and spirits from The Muff Liquor Company
The Ultimate Pub Menu: Tara Mór’s kitchen will be pumping out authentic full Irish breakfasts and their legendary Spice Bag—the beloved Irish takeaway staple
Comedy & Storytelling: Laugh along with Irish comedy icon Owen Colgan alongside local NYC Irish comics
Sports & Culture Panels: Catch live chats with GAA and sports legends like Michael Murphy, Johnny Glynn, Jayson Quigley, and Niall Quinn, plus a Modern Ireland panel hosted by James Kavanagh and Cassie Stokes
Guinness Perfect Pour Competition: Watch local bartenders battle it out on closing day to see who can pour, settle, and top the ultimate pint of the black stuff
Wellness & Socials: Start your Saturday morning with yoga, fitness, and breakfast hosted by Trinity Gym and Sláinte Retreats, or try your luck at an Irish dating show powered by the Shift App
Growing up in Ireland, this is the week and festival that I wished New York had. Now we get to share it with the city. — Kevin Doherty, Co-Owner, Tara Mór
🗓️ Mór Fest day-by-day highlights
Wednesday, August 19 (Opening Night): Doors open at noon. The evening features an official Céad Míle Fáilte opening ceremony with Irish dancers, cocktail hour, canapés, and sponsor tastings
Thursday, August 20: Irish networking breakfast (7 am), Modern Ireland Panel (7 pm), Comedy Showcase (8 pm), and live music from Jinty McGrath (10 pm)
Friday, August 21: Sports Panel with Michael Murphy & Johnny Glynn (8:30 pm), headline performance by The Young Wolfetones (10 pm), and late-night DJ set until 1 am
Saturday, August 22 (Biggest Day!): Morning wellness session (8:30 am), live Irish dating show (9 pm), and late-night sets from Steph Hurley
Sunday, August 23 (Closing Day): The official Guinness Perfect Pour Competition (12 pm), all-day trad music sessions (4 pm), and a live sit-down interview with football legend Niall Quinn (8 pm)
☘️ Know before you go
Where: Tara Mór, 150 West 30th St (Between 6th & 7th Ave — 2 mins from Penn Station / 1 block from MSG)
When: Wednesday, August 19 – Sunday, August 23, 2026 (noon to midnight daily)
Age Requirement: 21+ only (Valid government photo ID required at the door)
Tickets: Tickets are sold for the full 5-day pass (there are no single-day passes)
General Admission: $50
VIP Pass: $250 includes early event entry, and an open bar all week long
How to get tickets: Grab them online via the Mór Fest NYC Website