Ocean County Irish Festival

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalManahawkin
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsWhat sets the Ocean County Irish Festival
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Ocean County Irish Festival in Manahawkin

The Ocean County Irish Festival is a one-day celebration of Irish heritage held each September in Ocean County, New Jersey, organized by the Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh. Since its 2017 debut at Manahawkin Lake Park in Stafford Township, the free, family-friendly gathering has grown steadily, drawing crowds for live Irish bands, step dancing, pipe and drum performances, and food and craft vendors, with proceeds supporting local charities.

Its heritage programming gives the shore a strong cultural row.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What sets the Ocean County Irish Festival apart is its grassroots, volunteer-driven spirit: it is run entirely by the nonprofit Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Ocean County Chapter, whose members organize the event to fund community outreach and local charities rather than turn a profit

02

The mystery stays covered

The festival mixes traditional elements, Irish step dancers, bagpipe and drum corps, a beer and wine garden, with local touches like charity raffles and free shuttle service for attendees

03

The city starts moving

For its tenth anniversary in 2026 the festival relocated from its longtime home at Manahawkin Lake Park to the larger Ocean County Fairgrounds at Miller Airpark in Berkeley Township, reflecting a decade of growth from a modest local gathering into one of Ocean County's most anticipated fall traditions

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival centers on the Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a fraternal Irish heritage and charity organization whose Ocean County chapter founded and continues to run the event as a fundraiser for local causes rather than a commercial venture

The sacred route

Living ritual

Signature touches include pipe and drum band processions

The local code

Living ritual

performances by Irish step dance schools

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and community raffles like the Cooler of Cheer and Super 50/50

Tradition 6

Living ritual

which channel festival proceeds back into Ocean County charities and

Tradition 7

Living ritual

in some years

Tradition 8

Living ritual

tributes to local first responders

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Driving is typical.

What to wear

Casual outdoor festival wear suited to early-fall New Jersey weather: shorts or light pants and a t-shirt for warm September afternoons, with a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evening...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Manahawkin

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.70 N, 74.26 WOpen in Google Maps

Manahawkin, NJ

TransportDriving is typical.
Stay areaManahawkin

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Manahawkin via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Manahawkin, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor festival wear suited to early-fall New Jersey weather: shorts or light pants and a t-shirt for warm September afternoons, with a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evening hours. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended for standing and walking on fairground or park grass, and wearing green is a popular but optional nod to the occasion.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Ocean County Irish Festival?

Ocean County Irish Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Ocean County Irish Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Manahawkin, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Manahawkin, NJ

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLoceancountyirishfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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