The 2026 Queen of the Castle Festival Winner is Pamela Dunne, representing the Cavan region of Macra taking over from the 2025 winner Katie Hurley from Cork. The winner receives a Cup and Tiara which must be returned but will keep a trophy and a prize of €700. Queen of the Castle Festival winners: 2024 Ciara Duffy (Monaghan), 2026 Pamela Dunne (Cavan), 2025 Katie Hurley (Carbery, Cork) – Photo Credit Queen of the Castle Festival. The competition is run by Rathkeevin branch of Macra with the winner selected after a three-day visit to Cahir over the Bank Holiday weekend. Each of the entrants had a dedicated sponsor with the winner being sponsored by Moloney’s Pub in Poulmucka.