Looking for a festival to complete your holiday? We’ve picked 25 of the best festivals around the island of Ireland to factor into your itinerary – or even plan a whole trip around.
As befitting a place with a lot of rain, the festival calendar tends to be concentrated in the summer months when it’s (usually) drier. Don’t worry if that doesn’t suit, however. There are countless other local festivities throughout the year, meaning you’re likely to stumble across something whenever you travel.
Music festivals in Ireland to suit every taste
January: Temple Bar Tradfest, Dublin
A bright spot in what can be a gloomy month, expect an exciting schedule of traditional and folk artists playing gigs in venues all over the capital, including some unusual places like St Patrick’s Cathedral.
June: Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, County Mayo
This intimate festival earns rave reviews from both locals and visitors, with acts often found jamming around the town during the day. The big names put on paid events in the evenings, but if you’re happy just to wander, you’ll find music for free in almost every pub in town.
August: All Together Now, Waterford
The new kid on the block already boasts a sell-out attendance and rave reviews from even the most seasoned festival-goers. The line-up is geared towards the late-20s-and-up crowd, making it a great choice for those who fear they’re ‘too old’ for the festival game.
August: Another Love Story, County Meath
The golden child of boutique festivals, you can spend a dreamy weekend enjoying a carefully curated programme of music, art and conversations in the idyllic surroundings of Killyon Manor and be back in Dublin in time for Sunday night.
August: Fleadh Cheoil
The world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language and dance is hosted in a different town every year and more than half a million people attend over the course of a week. Experience musical contests and gigs on a jam-packed schedule, or head to a céilí to see traditional Irish dancing.
December: Other Voices, County Kerry
This festival was once just a TV series showcasing artists before they became famous in the atmospheric surroundings of St James Church in Dingle. Now it’s turned into a sprawling boutique music festival, with most of the town’s tiny pubs transforming into venues. While it’s unticketed (and free), accommodation puts a natural limit on numbers, so it’s best to book your bed as early as possible.
Culture festivals
March: St Patrick’s Festival, Dublin
Yes, it’s something of a cliché. Yes, locals do flee from the city centre come nightfall, leaving the visitors to their leprechaun hats. However, Paddy’s Day in Dublin will always be something for your bucket list. With a little bit of local advice, you can have a great time.
June: Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
The ultimate weekend to enjoy the very best of both Irish and international comedy acts in the relaxed atmosphere of Ireland’s medieval city. The fringe addition ‘Stray’ offers more off-the-wall podcast recordings, performance art and secret shows.
June: Cork Midsummer Festival
Take advantage of the longest days of the year to explore Cork city through an artistic lens. It’s advisable to book in advance for one of the excellent site-specific theatre productions for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
July: Festival of Curiosity, Dublin
Celebrate all things related to science, complemented by art, design, and technology. While there are adult events, it’s a largely family-friendly programme full of play, audience participation, and surprises.
July to August: Galway Races
Some of the best racing horses in the world are bred in Ireland, so why not experience the excitement over seven days of races? If you can only attend one day, make it Thursday, which is traditionally Ladies’ Day; if you get bored of the horses, you can be entertained by the huge fashion showcase in the streets.
August: Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival, County Cork
Gather in the country’s southernmost inhabited island to be captivated by the ancient yet still vibrant art of storytelling. Even in August, you may have to brave some wild weather to walk between the main events, but you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views and the cosy intimacy achieved by a tall tale told in soft light.
August: Waterford Walls Street Art Festival
Waterford City’s regeneration in recent years has been significantly influenced by the team of artists responsible for bringing colour and creativity to the city on a large scale. Guided art trails and expert panel discussions complement the vibrant artwork.
October: Halloween, Derry
While you’ll find celebrations of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain across the island, the city of Derry takes it a step further with events spanning six entire days. An illuminated parade takes over the City Walls for three nights leading up to Halloween, aiming to banish the dark and supernatural.
Irish food festivals
May: Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
We’re all for a niche festival, and this one showcases delicious local seafood from cod and chips to lobster – and, of course, prawns. Set in the atmospheric village of Howth, this is the perfect place for some al fresco dining.
May: Burren Slow Food Festival
This is one of the best festivals for committed foodies. Full of talks and cooking demonstrations, the festival emphasizes local produce in the surprisingly rich landscape of the Burren.
May/June: Bloom, Dublin
Although this is ostensibly a garden festival (and a beautiful one at that), many visitors find the food is the real star of the show. Alongside artisan stalls, you have the chance to meet Irish food producers and farmers.
August: The Big Grill, Dublin
Europe’s biggest barbecue and craft beer festival revolves around a simple concept – delicious meat, vegetables, and beer in the expansive surroundings of Herbert Park. The important rule: all food must be cooked over a fire using only wood and natural charcoal.
September: A Taste of West Cork
Enjoy the culinary delights of this foodie haven over ten days in September. Local and organic are the two pillars of the festival, supplemented by visiting chefs who come for workshops and special events.
September: Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival
This festival signifies the beginning of Galway’s abundant oyster harvest. This event introduces many foreign visitors to the joys of pairing fresh oysters with a creamy pint of stout. Additionally, you can engage with specialist seafood trails and experience entertaining events, including the World Oyster Opening Championship.
Only-in-Ireland experiences
February: Ted Fest, Inis Mór, County Galway
Every weekend in dark February, a vibrant crowd of priests, nuns, and Elvises descends on the wild and wind-swept island of Inis Mór to celebrate everything related to the iconic sitcom Father Ted. Come armed with in-jokes and catchphrases or don’t come at all.
August: Puck Fair, County Kerry
Join the ancient revels as a wild mountain goat is crowned king of the village for one weekend only. The pubs are open almost 24 hours, while live music, stalls, and performances take over the streets.
August: Poc Fada, County Louth
‘The long puck’ is an annual tournament where the country’s best hurling players hit a sliotar (ball) up Annaverna Mountain and back, reenacting the legendary feat of mythological hero Cúchulainn. The final takes place in August, but regional pucks occur earlier throughout the year.
September: Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, County Clare
Holding the dubious title of Europe’s largest singles festival, a meeting with traditional matchmaker Willie Daly is said to lead to marriage within six months. While we can’t guarantee that, there will be plenty of country music come nightfall and some wild stories to take home. An LGBT version called the Outing takes place the last weekend of September.
September: National Ploughing Championships
This may seem like another niche topic; however, believe it or not, more than a quarter of a million people attend this agricultural show. You will see ploughing contests and farming machinery stalls, plus there are crafts, live music, sheepdog trials, and a welly-throwing contest to enjoy too.
