Brought to you by Discover Ireland.
It is, hands down, one of the greatest festivals of our jam-packed summer calendar.
From the very first Sea Sessions festival in 2009, the festival has grown to become a hardy annual, attracting fans from near and far.
The setting certainly helps too. Bundoran is one of the country’s true surf capitals and from day one, music and surfing have gone hand-in-hand at Sea Sessions.
Not only do we get to experience some of the very best bands from home and abroad, but we can perfect those surfing skills or take part in a whole host of beach events.
This year’s Sea Sessions, from June 21 to 23, might just be the best yet. A festival makes your break after all, plus the line-up this year is outstanding. Here are five reasons you need to go:
1. Just look at these headliners!
We’re mighty impressed by the acts this year. With the first night headlined by young Norwegian pop superstar Sigrid, Clean Bandit headlining on Saturday, and Two Door Cinema Club headlining on Sunday (they’ve a highly-anticipated new album out around the time of the festival) we’re only thrilled!
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2. Catch a rising star
Are you one of those poor unfortunates who has yet to see Dermot Kennedy in concert? The young Dubliner is fast becoming one of the country’s greatest musical exports, even being hailed as the ‘next big thing’ in the US and he’s got the songs to prove it. Catch him now before he goes stratospheric.
3. See pro surfers in action
Some of the best surfing conditions are found along this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, so of course, it has been a surfer’s paradise since the 1960s.
During Sea Sessions, you have the chance to see some of Europe’s best wave riders compete, so get to the beach from 10am on Saturday.
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4. Try beach yoga
There’s nothing better than yoga on a sandy beach with the Atlantic lapping at your feet. Yoga booked out fast last year, so if you’re interested in saluting the sun and posing in downward dog, let them know by emailing [email protected].
5. Glamp it up
There’s camping and then there’s the Yippee Boutique Camping at Sea Sessions. It’s a seriously upmarket way to embrace festival camping. You can opt for a pre-pitched tent or pitch your own. Besides the great vibes, it’s pretty handy being here too. A communal tent offers tea and coffee, a mobile phone charging station and plenty of toilets and showers.
Sea Sessions sold out for the past four years in a row, so don’t leave it too late to grab your tickets. Check out a list of hotel options here too.
6. Explore Donegal
When you’re in Donegal, don’t miss the chance to investigate what else this most northerly Wild Atlantic Way county has to offer. There’s so much to do, especially if you make time either side of the festival.
Get away from it all with a leisurely drive around the Inishowen Peninsula in the northern part of the county. You’ll see some of the most rugged coastlines in the country for you to explore, as well as Ireland’s most northerly point — Malin Head.
Further south of the county is Sliabh Liag where you’ll find Ireland’s highest sea cliffs — a must see along the Wild Atlantic Way. A new visitors’ centre has just opened, there’s 2.5km of new pathway to mosey around, and there’s even more incredible scenery to enjoy.
There’s also Glencolmcille Folk Village where you can see picturesque thatched-roof replicas of what an Irish village once looked like. It’s truly beautiful.
Then there are the exceptional beaches, including Portsalon Beach in Ballymastocker Bay (once voted the world’s second best beach after some tropical paradise in the Seychelles). Take a stroll here and leave your cares far behind you.
Bundoran is close to Co. Sligo of course, so a visit to Yeats Country might be in order, if time allows.
Those with a head for heights should consider tackling the country’s most distinctive looking mountain — Benbulben. It’s a four to five-hour round trip on foot and it’s said to be of moderate difficulty. The views from the top of the summit of what’s locally known as Table Mountain will make your efforts worthwhile.
Here’s to the best festival escape yet!
Brought to you by Discover Ireland.
A festival makes your break, so click on the image below to discover even more things to do that’ll make your break in Ireland something really special. Go to our festival hub here on Her to see more of what’s happening too!
