West Cork Feel Good Festival Returns for 13th Year to Combat Rural Isolation

HSE South West and 49 North Street are launching the 13th annual West Cork Feel Good Festival this October, bringing mental health support and community connection to towns across Cork and Kerry through a month-long programme of events designed to tackle loneliness and stigma.

The festival begins on Wednesday 1 October and runs throughout the month, spanning communities from Bantry to Sherkin Island, Eyeries to Clonakilty, and Castletownbere to Leap, with events extending into Kerry at Lauragh and Tuosist on the Beara Peninsula.

This year's programme responds directly to local feedback and aims to support mental health and wellbeing across the region. Events will take place in town halls, community centres, churches, schools, libraries, resource centres, and GAA pitches.

Festival highlights include a "Behind the Curtain" drama weekend in Skibbereen, community gathering in Dunmanway, and concerts featuring Nóirín Ní Riain and John Spillane. The programme also offers laughing yoga and comedy with Shane Clifford, film screenings, art exhibitions, and neuroinclusive events.

The Irish language programme "Fite Fuaite" returns alongside "Together in Song", celebrating community choirs across the region. A special storytelling evening will feature Tommy Tiernan and Martin Shaw, whilst walks, talks, and peer-led programmes will take place at venues including 49 North Street in Skibbereen and Bantry Community Café.

Declan Cronin, Head of Mental Health Services, HSE South West:

"This festival is a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities come together. By blending joy, creativity and open conversation, we're breaking down stigma and building stronger local supports for mental health."

Kevin O'Shanahan, Festival Founder and Mental Health Specialist:

"Mental health is everyone's business. The West Cork Feel Good Festival is only possible thanks to the support of volunteers, funders and community partners. Together, we're creating welcoming spaces that promote connection and celebrate community spirit."

The festival has grown significantly since its inception, reflecting the strength of rural communities in West Cork and Kerry. Organisers emphasise that the programme creates more than entertainment, building lasting networks of support and connection.

Martin Ryan, HSE South West Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention:

"This is more than a festival - it's a living network of hope, recovery and support. People leave events feeling connected, informed and less alone. That's how we reduce stigma and prevent suicide."

Niall O'Callaghan, Healthy Ireland Coordinator, Cork County Council:

"The continued growth of this festival reflects the strength of local collaboration. We're proud to support its mission to tackle rural isolation and promote mental wellbeing through inclusive and uplifting events."

The festival is coordinated by 49 North Street and HSE South West alongside numerous community partners across the region. Full programme details are available at www.musicalive.ie/west-cork-feel-good-festival.