Updated 22/03/25
Who loves a good festival? I do! There’s something to suit every taste, whether it’s music, arts, walking, or food. You’ll be spoiled for choice! To help you plan your visit to Ireland around a festival, I thought it would be useful to provide a roundup of the must-attend events. No matter what month you visit Ireland, there will always be a festival happening!
JANUARY
Tradfest takes place at the end of January in various locations throughout Dublin City. This fantastic festival showcases the best of Irish and international traditional and folk artists, while also providing a platform for the next generation of Irish musicians.
FEBRUARY
Dublin International Film Festival
The Dublin International Film Festival is not only the most popular film festival in Ireland, but it is also ranked among the top ten film festivals in Europe. The festival showcases the best of emerging Irish and international cinema and features Q&A sessions, workshops, talks, exhibitions, and award presentations. Typically, the festival takes place from late February to early March.
MARCH
TedFest is an annual festival that celebrates the life of Dermot Morgan, the star of the beloved sitcom ‘Father Ted.’ This hugely successful Irish series centres around three priests living on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland called Craggy Island. Every year, TedFest draws fans of Father Ted from around the world to the island of Inis Mór, where they gather to pay tribute to the iconic TV show.
The St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin City is one of the best celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland but also one of the most well-known festivals in the world. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, and the festival typically spans five days. If you can’t make it to Dublin, don’t worry—every city, town, and village in Ireland hosts its own St. Patrick’s Day festival and parade. So, no matter where you are in Ireland, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebrations.
APRIL
Waterford Festival of Food is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running community food festivals. The main hub for this 3-day event is the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford with events also taking place in nearby Lismore, Ardmore, Villierstown, Ballyduff, Cappoquin and Kilmeaden, making it a unique showcase of the flavours and characters local to this food region. Highlights from the diverse range of events on this year’s programme include guided taste tours, kitchen table talks with influential people from Ireland’s food scene and beyond, high-profile guest chef dining events, sustainability workshops, and pop-up experiences in unusual locations. There will also be foraging walks, food waste talks, bus tours to farms and mountains, live cooking demos, and the festival’s famous market which is Ireland’s largest outdoor market, in Dungarvan’s market square on the final day.
MAY
The Dublin Dance Festival takes place in mid-May. It is the leading dance event in the Irish arts scene. The festival unites dance artists and choreographers from around the world to present vibrant contemporary dance to audiences in Ireland.
Uisneach Bealtaine Fire Festival
The Uisneach Bealtaine Fire Festival, one of Ireland’s most sacred festivals, is held each May on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hill of Uisneach. This hill is regarded as one of the most sacred and historically significant places in Ireland. It is also known as the “centre of Ireland,” as it is home to the ‘Aill na Mireann’ or the ‘Stone of Divisions.’ Also referred to as the ‘Cat Stone,’ this site was believed to be the meeting point of Ireland’s five provinces. The fifth province, known as Mide, was considered a realm of magic, imagination, and the ‘otherworld.’
Listowel Writers’ Week Literary Festival
The Listowel Writers’ Week Literary Festival takes place during the first week of June. This internationally acclaimed festival is dedicated to connecting writers with audiences through a variety of unique events. The program includes workshops, competitions, readings, lectures, art exhibitions, music performances, and literary and historical tours.
Forbidden Fruit is a distinctive festival in Dublin city center that merges music, art, fashion, and food. Held on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, festival-goers can choose from music set across four stages.
JUNE
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival runs around the June Bank Holiday weekend. This festival has grown from a small event to an internationally acclaimed festival showcasing the very best in Irish and international comedic talent. The festival attracts in excess of 30,000 visitors to Kilkenny.
Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing
Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing runs from the middle of June. My heart skipped a beat when I discovered this festival as I had no clue that a travel writing festival existed here in Ireland. Immrama is held in Lismore, Co. Waterford and has been dedicated to the art of travel writing, good music, and fine entertainment since its beginning in 2003.
Sea Sessions runs from the end of June. Held in Bundoran, Co. Donegal, it claims to be the beach party weekend of the year.
JULY
Galway International Arts Festival
Galway International Arts Festival runs during the middle of July. It’s a creative collision of performance, music, visual art, theatre, and spectacle. As well as organised events, the cobbled streets of Galway are transformed where every turn offers the possibility of a new adventure; surreal giant puppets snake through the streets, enchanting music, enthralling musicians and awe-inspiring street theatre.
Longitude runs from the middle of July in Dublin’s Marlay Park. It is a no-camping festival. With acts such as The Lumineers, The Coronas and The National, it’s one not to be missed.
AUGUST
The Kilkenny Arts Festival usually runs around the beginning of August. It has gathered many of the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers, and artists. The city’s churches, castles, courtyards, townhouses, and gardens provide a magical setting for these unique performances.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival
This festival runs from the middle of August. It’s well-known here in Ireland and abroad if you’re of Irish descent. The festival incorporates seven fun-filled days of live music, children’s entertainment, fashion shows, workshops, markets, a circus, a funfair, and the Rose parade; all culminating in the RTE Rose of Tralee TV show broadcast. The TV show, which is broadcast around the world, focuses on 28 or so women from all over the world who are Irish or of Irish descent and one is picked to be the Rose of Tralee. It’s considered a multi-faceted event, which celebrates the many attributes of the modern Irish woman.
SEPTEMBER
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival runs from the beginning of September to the beginning of October. It claims to be the biggest singles festival in Europe, so if you’re looking for love this is the place to go 😉 It’s an unusual festival, in that matchmaking has died out in Ireland, but not in Lisdoonvarna. Many events are running during the six weeks and you’ll get a chance to meet Willie Daly, a third-generation matchmaker and one of Ireland’s last traditional matchmakers.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
Launched in 1954 the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in Ireland. It is known nationally as one of the best festivals in Ireland and has been referred to as one of the best festivals in Europe. Along with lots of oyster eating, the festival celebrates with musical performances, street performances, talks, walks and the renowned ‘Irish and World Oyster Opening Championships’ also known as ‘shucking’ for those in the know.
The Dublin Theatre Festival runs from the end of September to the middle of October. It’s 18 days of world-class theatre and entertainment from home and abroad. The festival programme incorporates theatre, music, dance, family events, artist talks, public discussions and artist development programmes.
OCTOBER
Bram Stoker Festival runs around the October Bank Holiday Weekend in Dublin. This eerily exciting festival is inspired by the heritage of world-famous Dublin horror novelist Bram Stoker and his notorious novel Dracula.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival runs around the October Bank Holiday Weekend. This is Ireland’s biggest and longest-established jazz event and has taken place annually since 1978. Each year the festival attracts hundreds of musicians and many thousands of music fans to the city for a feast of jazz of all kinds.
NOVEMBER
Mayo Dark Skies Festival takes place along the Wild Atlantic Way in the towns of Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy in County Mayo. This three-day festival includes talks, workshops, walks, and of course stargazing. From storytelling by torchlight in ‘Teepee an Seanchai’ (a Seanchai is a traditional Irish storyteller) to stargazing walks along the Great Western Greenway, Mayo Dark Skies Festival is about three communities coming together to educate, entertain and enliven the natural skies of the Wild Atlantic Way. Learn about astronomy, science and the environment. Witness the beauty of the natural dark skies of Mayo (there are over 15,000 hectares of it) and how to preserve them.
Sneem International Storytelling and Folklore Festival
Sneem International Storytelling and Folklore Festival runs from the middle of November. It’s a weekend of storytelling and folklore with lectures, story swaps, walks, and concerts.
Subtitle European Film Festival
Subtitle European Film Festival runs from the end of November in Kilkenny. The festival showcases the most popular European films from recent years, and centres around actors and casting directors, closing with the Angela Awards on the final Sunday in The Set Theatre.
Winterval runs from the end of November to the day before Christmas Eve. It is a delightful Christmas festival for the young and young at heart and is packed with seasonal events and activities set in unique heritage sites around Waterford City. Winterval takes its inspiration from the enchanting Christmas markets throughout Europe, bringing the collective sights, sounds and festive charms to Ireland’s oldest city.
DECEMBER
New Year’s Festival Dublin is made up of three celebratory events at Custom House Quay. These are all ticketed events. The Countdown Concert which takes place at Custom House Quay at 8pm has a limited number of tickets on sale. It usually features renowned Irish and international music acts. The Liffey Lights Midnight Moment Matinee takes place between 6pm and 7pm and is a build-up to The Liffey Lights Midnight Moment. This takes place from 11.30pm. Both of these events are free but tickets are essential and must be booked in advance. If you’d like to ring in the new year in Dublin City illuminated then these Liffey Lights events should be on your list. Expect a spectacular display of lasers and aqua beams, DJs, musicians, and aerial and aquatic acrobats – all performing and welcoming a new year on the waters of the River Liffey.
Have you been to any festivals in Ireland? What are your favourites?
Marteen Lane 
I enjoyed this post, Marteen. As a lover of chocolate, I’m surprised you didn’t include any chocolate festivals. Aren’t there any in Ireland? I’ve not yet been to Ireland, but have done 16 countries so far for chocolate and loved every minute of it, including quite a few chocolate festivals.
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Thanks Doreen 😊 I’ve never heard of chocolate festivals here in Ireland. I’ll have to research that thoroughly. We have a lot of food festivals where chocolatiers and other chocolate companies would attend. You’ll be very welcome here in Ireland 😊
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Great post.. Sometimes I forget how much there is to do here! 🙂
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Thank you Emily 😊 There’s so much to do! I had cut down a bit on this post there are so many festivals coming up. I love the name of your blog 😊
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I wish I had a trip to Ireland planned, I love festivals. The names are so fun too, like Castlepalooza and The Cat Laughs? Love it! Definitely passing this on to anyone I know heading there 🙂
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Maybe next year Mar 😊 Definitely come in June and July as there’s more going on then. Yeah the names are fun. Thank you Mar 😊
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Awesome and helpful post, Marteen! I’ll be in Ireland from Apr 7-11. Sadly the only festival that coincides with my visit is the Tango one and I’m a horrible dancer haha… pretty bummed I’m missing the Galway Food Festival! 😦
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Thank you Christina 😊 Well the Tango Festival is for all levels 😊 I couldn’t fit in every single festival in the post so Google festivals in Ireland and you might find one that coincides with your visit. Is it your first time visiting Ireland? I’m going to the Galway Food Festival tomorrow so you can live vicariously through me when I write about it 😊
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Wow you have lots of festival to celebrate there! I think I’m more interested to attend the sea session since I’m a beach type of person 🙂
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Yeah and that was just a handful of them, too many to fit into the post 😊 I’ve heard great things about the Sea Sessions festival.
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Wow,Ireland sure has many festivals in one place. In Philippines there are also plenty of festivals and you would surely love them too.
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We do Karla and even had to cut some out because the post would be too long! I’m sure I would 😊 Have you written a post about festivals in the Philippines?
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A lot of research you’ve done. I have never heard of a walking festival and after under taking a long distance walk (40 days) in Italy, I’d be interested in what they do for this walking festival in Dublin!
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This is such a nice and useful post! It seems there’s plenty of things to do!
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Wow- that’s a great list of festivals. No matter when you visit you can find something to do.
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Is it said that I am 27 and have yet to ever go to a festival…a proper festival…but the music in Ireland is so amazing that would be a great place to start… also…how are there THAT many festivals
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Not at all Kimberly. I’m 30 and I’ve only been to about four festivals. I was 27 when I went to my first proper festival. I know! It’s pretty amazing that there’s so much going on 😊
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This is such a good mix of festivals – from music, to food, to comedy and literature! Personally, I love Irish comedy so I would love to check out the comedy festival 🙂
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Thanks Laura. I actually must update it as two of the festivals are already over 😊 That’s brilliant to read. I often wonder do other people really understand our humour 😊
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So many wonderful festivals! Killarney Beer Fest would definitely be top of my list. You missed off Electric Picnic! I was there in 2011 and it was amazing. Good for couples, groups and even families. So many activities and such varied music! Check it out!
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Yeah I did miss Electric Picnic but the tickets were sold out by the time I made the list. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. I must update it with Longitude and Forbidden.
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Great list Marteen! I’m heading to Longitude this year as I really enjoyed it last year. Would make a great addition to your list 🙂
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Yeah I had it on my list but it was so long but now that I’ve taken off the ones that are finished this year I’ll add few extra 😊 You’ll have a blast Zoë! 😊
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I had no idea that Ireland was so well known for festivals. I would definitely like a few of these including the beer fest, travel writing and party at the beach. Sounds great!
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I’m gutted I can’t make the travel writing one as I can’t drive and bus service is a bit sparse in that area 😞
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Oh wow! So lucky for you to have all these things happening around you. We don’t have festivals from where I live (Middle East, explains so much right?). We need to fly out to attend a festival, it sucks! I’d definitely want to live in a place where there are so many things going on a monthly basis. :p
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Oh what a shame! Where would you fly to?
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Oyster festival sounds great, i have never been to any festival in Europe.
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Well that’s something new to do Nina 😊
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Your festivals are SO different from the ones in Korea, but one thing is the same: the love and celebration of beer! Having been in choirs growing up I’d totally want to check out the choral festival, but I’d probably get all envious and want to sing along lol.
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Haha yes! Beer unites everyone 😂 Oh snap same with me, that’s why I mentioned the choral festival.
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Ah I love a good festival! This is a really useful list, I love Ireland and would love to head over there more!
Milly // Mini Adventures
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You’ll always be welcome Milly 😊
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Ooooh ….. I like the idea of a writing Festival! To be honest, I didn’t realise that Ireland enjoyed lots of Festivals, definitely to bookmark for the future.
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I like a good festival (especially music or food festivals) and would love to spend the summer in Ireland going from one event to the next. The Island Wildlife Weekend sounds really interesting too. I so want to go back to Ireland.
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I hope you get to come back Amanda 😊
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Festivals are so much fun! I think I would pick to go to the The Dublin Dance Festival. I can’t dance, but I love watching people dance. And how cool that they bring artists from all over the world!
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Sign me up for the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival! I love oysters. How do the Irish like to eat their oysters though? I personally like it grilled with a little bit of lime, salt and pepper. I would imagine this festival would feature a variety of ways the oysters can be served up.
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I’m not a fan of oysters at all. But at the festival I’ve just seen people knocking them back straight from the shell and washing it down with a pint of Guinness 😊
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Wow, nice list of festivals! I was in Belfast for St. Patricks Day in 2007 … we wanted to be in Dublin, but booked everything at the last minute, so Belfast it was! But I would love to get to Ireland for some more of these festivals you’ve listed – if there’s one country who knows how to have a good time it’s the Irish!
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Dublin is always booked out coming up to St. Patrick’s Day. I hope you get to come back to experience some of these festivals 😊
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Oh wow, those are a lot of festivals this year!
In Thailand, we have quite a few and websites like Bangkok.com or Siam2nite usually cover them. Most festivals are music or drinks based. It’s nice to see some other kind of festivals around the world.
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Ha! I was in Ireland for the Matchmaking Festival. I couldn’t believe it! The Irish are crazy 🙂
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They’re crazy in that part of the country 😜
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Wow this is such a comprehensive list. I’m going to Europe in the late summer early fall so if I make it to Ireland, I’ll definitely try to check some out!
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Oh how exciting Cynthia! Can’t wait to read about your experience around Europe 😊
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It’s almost overwhelming how much there is to do and how little time there is! And this is just for one country, can you imagine that all other countries have a list that is the same size, or even bigger!!
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I know Anne, even us living here can’t get to every festival. That’s not even half of the festivals that go on each year.
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Holy smokes that’s a lot of festivals. Whoever said Ireland is boring must be crazy, there’s at least one festival every month! I’d love to go to one of those beer fests haha
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😂 I’ve never heard of anyone saying Ireland is boring. Yup there are festivals practically all year round 😊
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Bram Stoker Festival? I must visit Ireland in October! Have you been?
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Afraid not Daniela and I won’t get a chance to either as I’m moving to Canada in August. But it looks like fun 😊
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Great list! It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine to go to a Festival in the U.K. and camp out! There’s just something very whimsical about it. Probably I would be singing a different tune when I’m caked in mud, but hey! Adding these to my list 🙂
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You camp out too at some of the music festivals here in Ireland. Great!
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I just love these kinds of quirky festivals, thanks for sharing! I’ve never heard about Bram Stoker Festival, but I have to add it to my list! We’ve done “Tour Dracula” in Romania some years back, so this would be a nice add to our collection of bizarre sights.
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The Tour Dracula was brilliant I bet! Yes it would be a nice addition if you’re into that 😊
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wow that is a long list of festivals! and such a big variaty. When I think of festivals, it’s usually the dance/trance festivals happening here in the Netherlands that spring to mind. Have fun at the travel writing festival! Look forward to your experiences there.
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That’s not even the half of them Naomi! I’m afraid I won’t be able to make the travel writing festival this year.
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What a great list. The matchmaking festival has always been of interest but I will be in Ireland in July or August, so might have to pick another for this year.
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Thanks Stephanie 😊 Yeah unfortunately it’s in September.
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This is a great list! Congratulations on this amazing post! This makes me want to go soon to a few of them!
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Thanks Brenda 😊 I hope you make it to some of them.
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Really detailed list! I can tell you did your homework 🙂 Ireland is so pretty, I’m sure the festivals there are incredible!
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That’s not even the half of them Briana!
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What a great list of festivals! We try and time our visits to witness at least one festival if possible so this list will really come in handy when we plan our trip to Ireland.
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Brilliant! I’m glad Christina 😊
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I went to the Matchmaking Festival last September (2018). I can officially mark that off the list; I never need to do it again. 😆 Though I’ll gladly visit Lisdoonvarna at some other time to go to the Burren Smokehouse and Roadside Tavern.
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😂 I bet that was an experience to go to the matchmaking festival!
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