Registration is officially open for the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival 2027, taking place from 29 January to 7 February at our new venue, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo, Ireland.
Following the success of our 2026 festival, which attracted 354 tournament registrations representing 27 national federations, we’re preparing for an even bigger celebration of chess, culture and community in 2027.
Whether you’re a competitive chess player, a casual enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience in the northwest of Ireland, we’d love to welcome you to Sligo!
Four Tournaments, Ten Days of Chess
Our 2027 programme features four tournaments, carefully scheduled so that players can participate in multiple events:
- Weekender (29–31 January): Five rounds of classical chess to kick off the festival.
- 9-Round Open (1–7 February): Seven days of international competition, including opportunities to achieve International Master norms.
- Blitz Open (1 February): Eleven rounds of fast-paced chess with a 3+2 time control.
- Rapid Open (6 February): Seven rounds of rapid chess with a 10+5 time control.
Every game will be played on a DGT electronic chessboard and broadcast online, giving players of all levels the opportunity to enjoy professional playing conditions.
We’re already assembling an international field featuring Grandmasters, International Masters and other titled players. Complimentary entry to the Open, Blitz and Rapid tournaments is available to FMs, WFMs, WIMs and WGMs.
A New Venue and an Even Better Festival Experience
For 2027, we’re moving to the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo, offering excellent facilities for players and their families, including a swimming pool and leisure facilities.
The hotel is also conveniently connected to Sligo Town by the S2 bus service, making it easy to explore local restaurants, pubs, shops and attractions without needing a car.
But the festival is about much more than tournament chess!
We’re developing a cultural and community programme featuring activities such as traditional Irish music, Irish mythology storytelling, WooHah Chess, modern board games, guided tours, women’s social events and more.
Many activities will be open to the general public, and friends and family members are warmly encouraged to join us. The cultural programme is still being finalised, with activities and timings subject to change.
Choose Your Festival Experience
To help visitors make the most of their time in Sligo, we’ve introduced four suggested festival experiences:
- The Weekender Plus: Extend your chess weekend into the February Bank Holiday Monday.
- The 9-Round Open: Enjoy a full week of international chess while discovering Sligo.
- The Rapid Plus: Combine the Rapid tournament with a weekend of culture, entertainment and community activities.
- Festival for Everyone: Enjoy the atmosphere, activities and social programme without needing to enter a tournament.
Explore these options under What’s On → Choose Your Experience → Experiences on our website.
Register Early and Save!
Early-entry prices are available until 30 November 2026, so now is a great time to secure your place.
Register for Sligo Chess & Culture Festival 2027
You can also see who’s already registered by visiting Information → Registered Players and selecting your preferred tournament.
Whether you’re returning after joining us in 2026 or planning your first visit, we look forward to welcoming you to Sligo for ten days of great chess, new friendships and memorable experiences.
Play Chess. Make Friends. Explore Ireland.