Irish people love festivals. We really do. From the beloved annual Twin Fest in Sligo to the incredible Tedfest on Inishmore, a quick glance through any Irish festival guide reveals that there’s very little we’re not happy to celebrate.
Our gorgeous little island is home to so many of these fantastic events, we think that if you planned well enough and were willing to travel the four corners, you’d find a festival to go to every weekend of the year. There’s a challenge we’d like to see completed.
In the mean time, here’s our pick of the best ones coming up this summer. How many will you be going to?
1. Galway International Arts Festival
What: You know that it’s summer in Galway when you see the big top going up. Best described as a ‘creative collision at the edge of Europe,’ this year Gavin James will be taking centre stage, with Passenger, The Coronas and a whole host of fantastic artists and musicians showcasing their talents throughout the week. Find more info here.
When: 17 – 30 July.
Why go: We all know Galway is the best place in the country to go out and have the best night of your life. And that’s on a regular night. During the festival, the atmosphere in the city is hard to match, and you’re sure to run into some brilliant characters you wouldn’t meet anywhere else in the world.
2. Indiependence Music and Arts Festival, Mitchelstown
What: Deer Farm in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork will be taken over again this year by the fantastic Indie music festival, with Manic Street Preachers, Tom Odell and Sigma all set to perform. More info here.
When: 4 – 6 August.
Why go: We can’t think of a much better way to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend. Camping in a beautiful setting listening to great music? Sounds like the perfect combination for a great weekend.
3. Bulmers Forbidden Fruit, Dublin
What: The Irish Museum of Modern Art in the big smoke will play host to some of Ireland’s leading comedic talent along with some of the biggest names in music including Orbital, Nao and Mura Masa. Further information here.
When: 3 – 5 June.
Why go: The Comedy Stage alone is reason enough to get yourself down to this festival. An awesome setting, incredible line-up and a serious choice of after parties. Overall, not a bad way to pass the June Bank Holiday weekend.
4. Body & Soul, Co. Westmeath
What: Set in the extraordinary 15th century walled garden at Ballinlough Castle in Co. Westmeath, this festival showcases a brilliant musical line-up (Metronomy, La Femme and Mykki Blanco are just some of the acts confirmed), glittering late night discos, a masquerade ball and so much more. More info here.
When: 23 – 25 June.
Why go: The all-consuming nature of Body & Soul needs to be experienced at least once. And there really is something to suit everyone’s musical and cultural taste.
5. Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival, Bundoran
What: Ireland’s biggest beach party is in its eight annual year in the gorgeous beach town in Donegal. Foy Vance, Primal Scream, All Tvvins and Sigma are just a few of the incredible headline acts. The weekend also attracts some of the country’s finest surfing talent who’ll be fighting it out in the waves to take home Ireland’s biggest surfing prize.
When: 23 – 25 June.
Why go: The seaside setting alone is enough to make us want to jump in the car and head to Donegal. Surfing, sandy beaches and some serious music. What more could you ask for?
