Amateur Drama Council of Ireland
The Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (A.D.C.I) is the federation of amateur drama festivals for the whole of Ireland – North and South. A.D.C.I was founded in 1952 and has coordinated the running of preliminary drama festivals and All Ireland festivals ever since.
Amateur Drama Council of Ireland
Welcome
Welcome to the website of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland. The ADCI recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary having been founded in 1952.
The first meeting of the ADCI took place on 26th October 1952 when members of drama festivals from across Ireland met in Athlone to discuss plans for an All-Ireland Drama Festival as part of the 1953 An Tóstal celebrations.
Despite the many challenges it has faced over the years, the ADCI continues to be a thriving organisation in Ireland today, working to host drama festivals in communities across the country, featuring drama groups who travel from near and far to entertain audiences.
We look forward to many more years of success for the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.
Festivals
Drama Festivals
The Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) is a voluntary organisation. The ADCI currently has 37 Full-Length member festivals and 9 One-Act member festivals across the island of Ireland.
67th Kilmuckridge Drama Festival Live Stream Saturday 28th February 2026 ... See MoreSee Less
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‘There’s nothing in life to compare to it’: The addictive appeal of amateur drama ... See MoreSee Less
‘There’s nothing in life to compare to it’: The addictive appeal of amateur drama
www.irishtimes.com
Amateur dramatic groups have had a strong presence in Irish life for decades0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Another stop on the ADCI Full-Length Festival Circuit gets underway tonight. Best wishes to all involved in Lislea Drama Festival.
Tonight also sees the first results of the season with results due in from Kilmuckridge Drama Festival.
#amdramireland #amateurdramacouncilofireland ... See MoreSee Less
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🎭✨ A TRIBUTE TO OUR GROUPS! ✨️🎭
The Western Drama Festival kicks off tomorrow night at St Brigid's Hall Theatre in Tubbercurry, bringing nine fantastic plays to our stage over nine unforgettable nights.
As we prepare to raise the curtain, we want to pay tribute to all of the incredible Amateur Drama groups who travel the length and breadth of Ireland, keeping the beautiful art of live theatre flourishing and thriving. This is work done completely voluntarily - powered not by payment but by passion for the arts, commitment, and community spirit.
From setting off early in the morning and travelling for hours to the four corners of the Island, to unloading vans and erecting sets, to months and months of rehearsals in halls and community centres, learning lines at kitchen tables, perfecting cues, sourcing props and costumes — every single detail is driven by dedication.
To the actors who bring stories to life, the directors who shape each production, the set builders who transform bare stages into new worlds, the lighting and sound operators who create atmosphere and magic, the costume designers, backstage managers and crews and all of the unseen hands who ensure everything runs seamlessly - you are the backbone of Irish amateur theatre. Without the tireless dedication, passion, creativity, and generosity of these groups, there would be no drama festivals. Quite simply, it would not happen. As is evident from our Festival line-up, the drama groups sustain the legacy of classic theatre while fostering new and emerging stage work and writing.
We are honoured to welcome you to the spiritual home of the Amateur Drama movement in Ireland, Tubbercurry, and to celebrate your extraordinary work over the next nine nights. So as you wait behind that curtain with bated breath for the stage lights to come up, be proud and relish it, confident in the knowledge that you are keeping an ancient and wonderful craft alive with every line you deliver and every character you inhabit. Here’s to safe travels, full houses, and the magic that only live theatre can bring. Break a leg to you all! 🎭👏 ... See MoreSee Less
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It will be a busy night on the 2026 Full-Length Festival Circuit with four festivals opening tonight.
Break a leg to everyone involved in
🎭 Castleblayney Drama Festival,
🎭 NTS Drama Festival,
🎭 Rush Drama Festival and
🎭 Tubbercurry, Western Drama Festival.
Find out more about the 2026 Circuit here: adci.ie/full-length-circuit/festivals/festivals-2026/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Best of luck everyone. Wishing you lots of success.
Spring is coming and so is Castleblayney Drama Festival. Rita Connell, chairperson, welcomes everyone to the launch tomorrow evening for a drinks reception in Iontas foyer 7.15pm, followed by the play 'Sylvia' by Slemish Players 8pm.
We are looking forward to meeting our season ticket holders, regular patrons & new audience members. It's gearing up to be a great, fun-filled nine days. Sit back and enjoy. ... See MoreSee Less
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