The Rurals and The Blarneys will headline this year’s Blue Jean Country Queen Festival in Athboy, Co Meath.

Sponsored by Le Chéile Credit Union, the festival is organised by Meath Macra na Feirme in collaboration with the community of Athboy and will take place over the June Bank Holiday from 29th May to 1st June. The weekend will feature live music, family-friendly entertainment and the coronation of the 2026 Blue Jean Country Queen.

How Many Queens Are There This Year?

This year we have 22 Queens, selected from counties all over Ireland (including 4 from regions of County Cork). We also have a Queen from Northern Ireland and a Queen from France.

All Queens are chosen by their respective Macra na Feirme regions or equivalent organisations to take part in the Blue Jean Country Queen.

Who is Performing?

The Rurals

The Rurals, a midland-based duo, will perform on the Saturday night of the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival.

The Blarneys

The Blarneys are a high-energy Keltic folk-rock band with a crowd-pleasing repertoire, from festivals to weddings and everything in between.

Festival Emcee

RTE One presenter Maura Fay will be hosting The McNamara Feeds Queens’ Interviews on Saturday, 30th May in St. James’ Hall. Maura is best known for her time on The 2 Johnny’s Podcast and is currently working on Today with David McCullough.

What Else is On Over The Weekend?

The Pub Crawl

Sponsored by Nana Moon’s

A fixture of the festival for many years, the Pub Crawl will make its return on Friday, 31st May, starting at 8.30pm, following the official opening ceremony in the Darnley Lodge Hotel, which takes place at 8pm.

The Pub Crawl will start at Fagan’s Bar. Stops along the way will include Flood’s Bar, Nana Moon’s and The Waxie’s Dargle.

Music Session

From 9pm, The Darnley Lodge Hotel, all are welcome to attend a free music session featuring local musicians.

The Queens’ Interviews

Sponsored by McNamara Feeds

The public will have the chance to see all the Queens in action on Saturday, 31st May in St. James’ Hall as they are interviewed by Maura Fay at The McNamara Feeds’ Queens Interviews.

Saturday Street Entertainment

Sponsored by Larry Kelly Plumbing and Heating

From 12pm – 2pm, there will be music, entertainment and a street market on Athboy main street.

Le Chéile Credit Union and Family Fun Day

Main Sponsor Le Chéile Credit Union will host their annual Family Fun Day and BBQ on Saturday, 31st May, from 2pm. Tickets can be reserved from either their Oldcastle or Athboy branches. You can also book tickets on eventbrite.

Karaoke In Floods

Flood’s Bar on Main Street in Athboy will host their annual afternoon of karaoke from 3pm. Queens, judges, committee, and anyone who wants to blast out a tune are welcome to take part!

The Lark In The Park

Sponsored by Fone Geek

Sunday from 12.30 on the Fair Green in Athboy will be a hive of activity. The Lark in the Park will feature live music from The Sandmen and Tunesday as well as vendors, food stalls, children’s entertainment and the Queens playing a game of “Old McDonald Had a Farm” themed Fancy Dress Football.

Plus, the return of the Toy Tractor run, where each child entered gets a chance to win a ride on a John Deere Gator sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery.

If you would like more information on the Toy Tractor run, email bluejeantractorrun@gmail.com

The Gala Banquet

Sponsored by JMCK Building Solutions

On Sunday evening in the Darnley Lodge Hotel, you are invited to join the Queen, committee, sponsors and other dignitaries for the Gala Banquet at 7pm.

  

Who Picks the Winner and How Do You Decide Who Wins?

The results will be announced on Sunday, following the Banquet, traditionally close to midnight. A panel of judges will be following the Queens all weekend, and they will be charged with the task of picking a winner. This year, the judges will be Thomas Duffy (Macra na Feirme National President 2019-21), Eva Bannon (2025 Meath Rose of Tralee) and Aine Mullen (former Meath Blue Jean Country Queen).

Can I Get Tickets Online?

Tickets for the 2026 Blue Jean Country Queen can be purchased here. Including full weekend packs, nightly tickets, and banquet tickets.

Can I Buy Tickets In Person?

Yes. In the lead up to the festival, there are tickets available from reception at The Darnley Lodge Hotel. Tickets will also be available for purchase over the weekend.

Do You Have Any Delegate Packs Left?

Unfortunately, no. We have no Delegate Packs available.

Do You Have Any Buses Running Over the Weekend?

Yes! We have teamed up with AA Mini-Bus Hire to provide a bus from Trim to Athboy for this year’s festival. For more, see our ticket page.

For other transport links, see here.

What About Accomodation?

We have a list of accommodation in the area here.