Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Tumbling Paddies lead Cowboys and Heroes 2026 line-up

The Cowboys and Heroes Festival is set to return to Drumcoura City, Co Leitrim, from May 29 to June 1, with a packed line-up of country music stars confirmed. Headliners include Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Derek Ryan and The Tumbling Paddies,
alongside Michael English, Johnny Brady, Cliona Hagan, Lisa McHugh, Gavin Gribben, Clodagh Lawlor and John Mullen.
The festival has become a firm fixture on the country music calendar, drawing crowds to the Leitrim venue for a weekend of live music, dancing and western-style entertainment. For many performers, the event holds a special place.

Paddy Tracy, a Fermanagh musician who has previously attended the festival as a fan, said playing Drumcoura is a full-circle moment. “I used to come here for the weekend, just paying in and partying away — it’s the best weekend of the year,” he said.
“To be asked to perform here now in front of everyone, it’s class.” He described the setting as something unique on the Irish scene. “The whole scenery around it — it’s like an American set-up. It’s unreal, to be honest with you. The way they run it, everything’s on time, it’s very professional. There’s no hassle.”

Meanwhile, rising country artist Clodagh Togher, who returns for her third year at the festival, said the atmosphere keeps her coming back. “It’s such a good atmosphere. I feel at home here because everyone’s into the same thing — the music, the dancing,” she said. Lawlor, originally from Mayo, said the event stands out for attracting a younger crowd.“It’s like Electric Picnic for country music fans,” she said. “You’re seeing people my age out dancing — you wouldn’t see that at home. There’s a real youth coming into it now.” She added that social media may be playing a role in the revival. “The whole driving and dancing scene has gone mad on TikTok. It’s become a social thing again.”

This year’s event will also support North West Hospice, with organisers confirming the charity as its official partner for 2026. In the lead-up to the event, organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help with the running of the festival. Organisers are expecting another strong turnout this year, with weekend tickets already on sale via cowboysandheroes.ie.