Athlone Drama Festival CLG

Athlone Drama Festival Company Limited by Guarantee is the charitable organiser behind the RTÉ All‑Ireland Drama Festival, a national celebration of amateur theatre that has delighted audiences for more than 70 years. Operating under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and based at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, the company stages a week‑long programme of performances each spring, culminating in a gala awards night that is now streamed live to a nationwide audience via RTÉ’s online culture platform.

The Festival showcases the very best of community‑driven drama, presenting regional festivals, a league‑table of qualifying groups and a showcase of finalists from the previous year. In addition to the main event, the organisation offers sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, a volunteer programme open to people of all ages and skill levels, and a “Friends of the Festival” network that helps sustain the event’s growth. By partnering with RTÉ for marketing, media coverage and branding, the Festival reaches audiences across radio, television and digital channels, ensuring that amateur theatre continues to thrive throughout Ireland.