About Us

The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre in New Ross, Ireland, is a unique cultural and civic celebration of the deep ties between Ireland and the United States — a connection exemplified by the Irish heritage of playwright Eugene O’Neill.

O’Neill’s father, James, was born in nearby Tinneranny and emigrated from New Ross to the United States. This transatlantic connection forms the heart of the festival, which is proudly supported by a partnership between the O’Neill Ancestral Trust of New Ross and the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, based in Danville, California.

Together, these organisations present the International Eugene O’Neill Festival, a two-part celebration held annually — first in Danville each September, and then in New Ross every October.

The festival not only honours O’Neill’s powerful legacy as America’s most celebrated playwright, but also fosters international friendship and creative exchange through theatre, heritage, music, and conversation.

“The one thing that explains more than anything about me is the fact that I’m Irish.”

Eugene O’Neill

The festival is funded by the Strand 2 Failte Ireland small grant scheme