The Ultimate Last Minute Guide to Festivals In Ireland

Barndance Festival

• When

  Good Friday Bank Holiday - 30th March 2018

• Where
  Glendalough House, Co.Wicklow
• Headliners & Highlights
  Boots & Kats + Many many more TBA
• Who it's for

  Party goers who like to stir together music, art, community and cuisine.

• The Good
  Bring your own beer on a day where everyone else’s doors are closed!
• The Bad
  A 90min travel time from Dublin city centre means getting there can take a while.

Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots

• When
  May bank holiday weekend.
• Where
  Over 40 Irish and international acts and with over 90 ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night in Kilkenny city centre.
• Headliners & Highlights
  All forms of Americana are represented over the four days with over 30 acts from Ireland, USA, Canada, UK and Sweden.
• Who it's for
  Audiences to wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music in the 30 plus venues.
• The Good
  There’s a mixture of old and new acts on the free pub gig trail and all styles will be catered for, from swing to bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk and the blues.
• The Bad
  If you don’t like Americana its best avoided.

Acoustic Yard Festival

• When
  11th-13th May
• Where
  Initially started up as a monthly event in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar it’s become a full two-day festival with workshops, talks and gigs around Westport, County Mayo.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Mundy and The Four Of Us headline alongside other well known singer-songwriters from Ireland and abroad.
• Who it's for
  Anyone interested in the craft of song writing in both the contemporary and traditional form.
• The Good
  A platform for singer/songwriters to perform their own songs and for audiences to listen to original music in a relaxed environment.
• The Bad
  Catering to the needs of the working musician more than the average gig goer might find it too niche.

Galway Early Music Festival

• When
  24th-27th May
• Where
  In different venues across Galway city.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Simone Sorini will be playing at Nun’s Island Theatre on Saturday 26th May at 4pm, with his medieval duo Simone Sorini Syrenarum which includes Claudia Viviani on voice and percussion with Simone on Lute and voice.
• Who it's for
  Anyone interested in medieval, renaissance and baroque music.
• The Good
  With concerts, workshops, talks, demonstrations, music on the streets and family events, the Festival fills the medieval streets and venues of Galway with music and colour
• The Bad
  These distinct genres of music might not be for everyone.

Life Festival

• When
  26th -28th May
• Where
  An open air festival to celebrate music and dance peacefully with international, multilingual, multicoloured people from dozens of countries in the world in the beautiful gardens of Belvedere House in county Westmeath.
• Headliners & Highlights

  Fatboy Slim and Armand Van Helden.Home-grown and International dance acts are the order of the day.

• Who it's for
  Fans of electronic dance music can look forward to live performances and DJ sets.
• The Good
  An innovative line-up blends live bands and alternative electronic acts promoting both national and international. They’ve come a long way from humble beginnings.
• The Bad
  With the dance-heavy line up its best avoided if you are looking for a relaxing weekend.

Open House Bangor

• When
  May, June and August
• Where
  Bangor Seafront and other venues in the area.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Beth Rowley, The Waterboys, John Grant, PIL and The Undertones.
• Who it's for
  A hand-picked music and arts festival every August in Bangor, County Down. Events run throughout Northern Ireland all year round.
• The Good
  Organically grown and tenderly looked after by two local people, Kieran Gilmore and Alison Gordon, who are still at the helm.
• The Bad
  Has ongoing events throughout the year with many staged over different weekends in August so you'll need more than one trip if you want see everything on offer.

AVA Festival

• When

  1st and 2nd June.

• Where
  Electronic music and digital visual arts from Northern and Southern Ireland in an Audio Visual Arts Festival and Conference in Belfast.
• Headliners & Highlights

  Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind by Jeff Mills and Guilllaume Marmin. Home-grown and International dance acts are the order of the day.

• Who it's for
  Fans of electronic dance music can look forward to live performances and DJ sets.
• The Good
  An innovative line-up blends live bands and alternative electronic acts promoting both national and international. They’ve come a long way from humble beginnings.
• The Bad
  With the dance-heavy line up its best avoided if you are looking for a relaxing weekend.

Vantastival

• When

  1st - 3rd June

• Where
  A completely independent, family run festival that started in 2009 situated in Beaulieu House and Gardens, Drogheda, County Louth.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Le Galaxie, The Stunning, RSAG and Loah headline with other Irish musical talent.
• Who it's for
  Mostly campervan enthusiasts, but there’s a bit of something for everyone.
• The Good
  Affordable pricing and ‘Bring Your Own Booze’ policy make this a great value for money festival.
• The Bad
  Transport to the event is tricky, and taxi-based, if you don’t drive.

Forbidden Fruit

• When

  2nd - 4th June.

• Where
  A unique city centre festival that combines music, spoken word, art, fashion, food and simple good vibes on the grounds of the Irish Museum Of Modern Art, The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.
• Headliners & Highlights

  Justice, Bonobo and Justice top each night respectively. An assortment of high quality Irish and international acts fill out the rest of the billing.

• Who it's for
  Those wanting a wide selection of different styles of music, cutting-edge sound, comedy, art, good food, and festival fun.
• The Good
  Beautiful venue grounds and convenient distance to the city centre for after-parties.
• The Bad

  Gig goers are, by and large, aged 18-35, so don’t expect much by way of family friendliness.

Belsonic

• When
  16th-24th June.
• Where
  An outdoor music festival in August that takes place in the idyllic setting at Ormeau Park, Belfast. A host of international headliners play in the city centre of Belfast.
• Headliners & Highlights

  Stadium acts like The Script, Liam Gallagher and Picture This alongside more dance-based artists Carl Cox.

• Who it's for
  Those who like their festivals fun and in a convenient city centre location.
• The Good
  A festival that has built a reputation for being Belfast’s biggest and is now running over 10 years.
• The Bad
  May literally be a bit too 'out there' for most UK festival goers.

Irish International A Capella Festival

• When
  22nd-24th June.
• Where
  A host of international headliners play in venues around Dublin city centre.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Ardú, Peregryne and Ireland's A Cappella Competition
• Who it's for
  Those who want to be part of the Irish celebration of music without musical accompaniment.
• The Good
  A festival dedicated to fans a cappella singing.
• The Bad
  Might not be to everyones taste due the genre not being as widespread as others.

Sea Sessions

• When

  22nd - 24th June.

• Where
  A surf music festival, on the coast of Donegal in Bundoran, winner of the IMRO Live Music Festival of the Year, that has become one Irelands most widely recognised small music festivals.
• Headliners & Highlights

  Dizzee Rascal & Walking On Cars. A mixture of established international acts and unsigned bands coupled with beach sports events.

• Who it's for
  Anyone looking for great blend of well-known and unknown musical acts as well as those who like their festivals in scenic locations but with plenty of other activities to do too.
• The Good
  Located along the Wild Atlantic Way and with a family-friendly environment. It’s on an actual beach! If you like music and surfing - look no further.
• The Bad
  It could get unpleasant if stormy weather decides to show up.

Body and Soul

• When
  22rd – 24th June
• Where
  A music and arts festival hosted on the grounds of Ballinlough Castle, a Glastonbury ethos on a much smaller scale with a family friendly attitude.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Fever Ray curates the friday night with more TBA & Late night forest area, kid safe area & camping!
• Who it's for
  Anything from twentysomethings to much older. You'll see ravers, hippies and hipster parents with and without their kids!
• The Good
  You can bring your cans into the venue and enjoy lots of sideshow attractions.
• The Bad
  Can be a bit awkward to get to and you might spend an hour or so queuing for the carpark.

Folkfest Killarney

• When
  7th - 9th July
• Where
  A mixture of international artists, grass roots and rising stars in the surroundings of the Killarney, Co. Kerry.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Nigerian superstar Femi Kuti and The Bollywood Masala Orchestra will headline alongside Lisa Hannigan.
• Who it's for
  Those with an eclectic selection of musical tastes.
• The Good
  Acclaimed international and Irish acts in scenic surroundings along the Wild Atlantic Way.
• The Bad
  The World music genre isn’t for everyone.

Groove Festival

• When
  7th - 8th July
• Where
  A family friendly, two-day summer festival situated in Bray's Killruddery House.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Heather Small – The Voice of M People, HamsandwicH, The Riptide Movement, Something Happens & Kila.
• Who it's for
  Those who desire a chilled out atmosphere coupled with a friendly and fully independent festival experience.
• The Good
  A good blend of music, food, and fun activities to create a feel good festival for the whole family.
• The Bad
  A big focus on family friendly might not be your thing if you prefer more of an adult festival.

The Willie Clancy Summer School

• When
  7th - 15th July
• Where
  A major traditional Irish music, song and set dance event held annually in Miltown Malbay, County Clare.
• Headliners & Highlights
  The cultural and intellectual side of traditional music with daily workshops on singing and the tradition, afternoon lectures and evening recitals.
• Who it's for
  Students and Professionals of Irish Traditional music.
• The Good
  Up to a hundred and fifty teachers, and hundreds of improving and competent musicians, dancers and singers drawing in thousands of listeners.
• The Bad
  Might not appeal to those who prefer their music outside of the Irish Traditional genre.

Longitude

• When
  13th- 15th July
• Where
  Located in suburban Dublin within the grounds of Marlay Park, one of Ireland’s largest music festivals it boasts major international acts.
• Headliners & Highlights
  J. Cole, Travis Scott and Solange headline each night of the 3 day line-up.
• Who it's for
  Those who are based in Dublin and like their acts from the pop mainstream.
• The Good
  It’s a relatively short distance from Dublin city centre and transport services run to and from the venue throughout the duration of the festival.
• The Bad
  It’s a non-camping festival. Traffic congestion problems at the end of each night have become a regular feature so allow for serious time delays on your way home.

Ulster Fleadh

• When
  23rd – 29th July
• Where
  Different venues around Castlewellan in County Down.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Singing,Dancing and Instrument Competitions.
• Who it's for
  Fans of workshops and singing competitions will be spoiled for choice.
• The Good
  You can visit the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan between festival events.
• The Bad
  Anyone who isn't interested in festivals relating to Irish or Celtic music, dancing, and culture should avoid.

Galway International Arts Festival

• When
  16th – 29th July
• Where
  World premiere theatre, major art exhibitions and a stellar music line-up, and their 40th year promises a festival is full with extraordinary experiences around Galway city.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Music highlights include Kodaline, Caribou, Madness and Gavin James.
• Who it's for
  Fans of music, theatre and visual art are in for a treat at one of Europe's leading international arts festivals.
• The Good
  You can bring your cans into the venue and enjoy lots of sideshow attractions.
• The Bad

Vodafone Comedy Festival

• When
  27th - 30th July
• Where
  Over 80 comedians who will perform in five fully seated indoor venues in the unique and stunning surroundings of The Iveagh Gardens, in the heart of Dublin.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Tommy Tiernan, Jason Byrne, Deirdre O'Kane and Dara O'Briain.
• Who it's for
  Comedy fans are in for a treat with major international and Irish stand-ups performing over four days.
• The Good
  The Iveagh Gardens are situated in Dublin city centre so there will be easy accessibility and a picturesque environment.
• The Bad
  The sheer amount of events can mean your favourite performers shows might clash with each other.

The Beatyard

• When
  3rd - 5th August
• Where
  Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Dublin.
• Headliners & Highlights
  The Jacksons, Orbital, Kamasi Washington and Little Dragon headline with dedicated games, panel discussions, talks and kiddie areas.
• Who it's for
  Those who like their festivals with a bit of everything situated on a picturesque sea harbour.
• The Good
  A quick train ride from Dublin city centre with a fun, nautical theme to dress up to. Tasty street-food markets. Kids go free too.
• The Bad
  Outdoor festivals like this can suffer from bad weather.

Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival

• When
  2nd – 5th August
• Where
  A folk festival on the August Bank Holiday weekend in Ballyshannon, county Donegal.
• Headliners & Highlights
  The best of Irelands folk and trad songwriters.
• Who it's for
  Those who like a mix of traditional and contemporary folk artists.
• The Good
  Back in 2017 for its 40th anniversary and continues today to offer itself as a vital platform for emerging folk and traditional music talent.
• The Bad
  Caters to a more mature crowd.

All Together Now

• When
  3th – 5th August
• Where
  Curraghmore Estate, County Waterford
• Headliners & Highlights
  Fleet Foxes, Underworld and Roisin Murphy.
• Who it's for
  A festival for families and kids, to enjoy, be inspired by, to be safe at, and to feel cared for.
• The Good
  It's across 10 stages including an alfresco crystal ballroom.
• The Bad
  In it's first year so teething problems could be a factor.

Indiependance

• When
  3rd - 5th August
• Where
  Multiple Stages across a wonderful tree lined 52 acre site overlooked by the Galtee Mountains in Cork.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Primal Scream, Jake Bugg and Walking On Cars
• Who it's for
  Indie and Rock music fans mostly with a mixture of UK and Irish acts.
• The Good
  You can upgrade to VIP for an extra €40.
• The Bad
  There’s limited parking and it sells out quick so you’ll need to book early.

Carrickmacross Arts Festival

• When
  10th – 13th August
• Where
  An annual four-day multi-disciplinary festival that showcases the very best artistic talents from the Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath areas.
• Headliners & Highlights
  TBA
• Who it's for
  Fans and supporters of Visual arts, original music, comedy, dance, poetry, drama, cinema and arts education.
• The Good
  Affectionately known as Ireland’s ‘Biggest Small Festival’ and it provides a platform for emerging artists and inspires an appreciation of the arts.
• The Bad
  Due to its location might appeal to locals more that those outside the catchment area.

Doolin Folk Festival

• When
  15th-17th August
• Where
  The fifth annual Doolin Folk Festival takes place in county Clare.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Paul Brady, Lankum, Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
• Who it's for
  An intimate setting that ensures that audiences and musicians can feel at one and just enjoy the communal spirit.
• The Good
  Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 70’s and 80’s such as Lisdoonvarna down the road and from the deep musical roots of the county.
• The Bad
  The folk based nature of the festival won’t appeal to those outside of niche interest.

Another Love Story

• When
  17th - 19th August
• Where
  A bespoke weekender of music, art, whimsy & fun, nestled in the quaint surroundings of Killyon Manor in county Meath.
• Headliners & Highlights
  TBA
• Who it's for
  Twenty to forty something’s looking a fun and friendly festival atmosphere.
• The Good
  Surrounded by the woods of a beautiful country manor you can take it easy or just dance the night away.
• The Bad
  Tickets tend to sell out quickly so book early.

Vital

• When
  23rd and 26th August
• Where
  The annual festival in Belfast’s Boucher Road Playing Fields.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Muse with support from Biffy Clyro on the first night, and on the next, Tiësto will be joined by special guests Clean Bandit.
• Who it's for
  Fans of stadium rock and world renowned DJ’s.
• The Good
  Why not make the day of it and enjoy what the city of Belfast has to offer.
• The Bad
  The line-up caters mostly to mainstream music acts.

Harvest

• When
  26th & 27th August
• Where
  A dedicated country music festival taking place over 2 days in Westport House and Enniskillen Airport.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Miranda Lambert and Nathan Carter headline with home-grown talent that includes Una Healy and Donna Taggart.
• Who it's for
  Those of a Stetson wearing inclination can go to either venue and enjoy the same performing artists since they will be alternating each night’s line-up.
• The Good
  There are over 40 acts playing over the 2 days coupled with a wide range of camping options, a food village and dedicated dancing sessions.
• The Bad
  It’s only in its first year so teething problems could be an issue.

Punchestown Music Festival

• When
  29th - 30th August
• Where
  Two-day lineup of classic pop bands from the 70’s to present day held at Punchestown Racecourse in Dublin.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Tom Jones will headline with other acts Deacon Blue, The Lightning Seeds, The Village People and All Saints.
• Who it's for
  Fans of stadium rock and world renowned DJ’s.
• The Good
  Those with a preference for past pop classics performed by the original bands themselves.
• The Bad
  Best avoided if nostalgia acts are not your thing.

Electric Picnic

• When
  1st - 3rd September
• Where
  An annual arts-and-music festival which has been staged since 2004 at Stradbally Hall in Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Massive Attack, Kendrick Lemar and The Prodigy
• Who it's for
  The festival offers everything from music to comedy, theatre to interactive art and holistic health to world cuisine.
• The Good
  A wide range of mainstream and undrground acts make this Irelands most high-profile event in the festival calendar. It's also family friendly.
• The Bad
  The high amount of gig goers and vast array of arenas and tents make it overwhelming to navigate and see everything. Always sells out early too so you need to watch for the early bird releases.

Dublin Fringe Festival

• When
  9th - 24th September
• Where
  A multi-disciplinary festival that curates, facilitates and offers support to artists across a range of art forms.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Dublin Fringe Festival draws more than 30,000 spectators for 16 days and nights each September to new and exciting art.
• Who it's for
  Anyone interested in being part of the development of the Irish independent acts sector.
• The Good
  For first timers and long time fans this is Ireland’s premier platform for emerging Irish arts companies and a showcase for the finest International contemporary performing arts.
• The Bad
  The sheer number acts to see due to its busy program means you will probably have to miss some shows in favour of others.

Samhain

• When
  28th – 29th October
• Where
  An aircraft hangar just 20 mins outside Dublin in Westin airport.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Annie Mac on the Saturday and Liam Gallagher on the Sunday. Support from The Strypes and 2manydj's (DJ Set)
• Who it's for
  With day and night fancy dress codes and with a theme of Mexican Day of the Dead lots of fun for ages 21 and upwards.
• The Good
  A dedicated shuttle service from the city centre should make the airport easy to get to and from. The indoor setting will mean no need for wellies too.
• The Bad
  Teething problems and upscaling of the festival from a few years ago mean that it is no longer BYOB. The entire site is 100% concrete so no camping for those who might like to stay for the two days.

Metropolis

• When
  28th – 29th October
• Where
  Music, Performance, Conversation and Installation in the industrial array of warehouses and venues within the RDS complex.
• Headliners & Highlights
  TLC, Leftfield – performing Leftism and Death In Vegas.
• Who it's for
  Twenty to forty somethings looking for a visually impressive festival in October.
• The Good
  An award winning music and performance festival in only its 3rd year looks set to become one of the must-see festivals on the Irish circuit.
• The Bad
  Its growth in popularity has seen tickets sell out quick and unfortunately there’s no option on one day tickets either.

Sligo Live

• When
  25th - 30th October
• Where

  Now in its 14th year, Sligo Live celebrates folk roots and indie music on the last weekend in October.

• Headliners & Highlights

  Vintage acts THE BOOMTOWN RATS, DARA Ó BRIAIN, RHIANNON GIDDENS, LISA HANNIGAN, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES, HUDSON TAYLOR and loads more

• Who it's for
  A folk, roots and indie festival on the wonderful Wild Atlantic Coast.
• The Good
  Each year, almost 20,000 people from Ireland and overseas experience 100 gigs in warm, intimate and atmospheric indoors venues.
• The Bad

  If the multipass tickets are sold out then it's really expensive.

Cork Jazz Festival

• When
  28th - 31st October
• Where
  Europe's biggest jazz party celebrates its 40th year across Cork city centre.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Multi Grammy winner Kenny Garrett.
• Who it's for
  Those who want to see world-class jazz presented in venues across the city.
• The Good
  Over 1,000 musicians in hundreds of music sessions citywide, it is considered one of the jewels in the crown of Irish festivals.
• The Bad
  If Jazz isn’t your thing. With it being so late in the year weather could be issue too.

Cork Folk Festival

• When
  28th September – 1st October
• Where
  An annual folk and traditional music event that takes place in Cork city.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Donovan and Andy Irvine.
• Who it's for
  Traditional and folk concert goers are treated to several venues.
• The Good
  Fans of Rory Gallagher will be treated to a concert with his onetime favourite fiddle player Joe O’ Donnell.
• The Bad
  Not for the younger music fan.

Other Voices

• When
  Month of December.
• Where
  70 artists performing free gigs across Dingle in County Kerry. This seminal music TV series is recorded each December in this small fishing town at the edge of Europe.
• Headliners & Highlights
  Wild beasts, Lisa Hannigan and King Creosote. Past performances include Ellie Goulding, Amy Winehouse, Elbow, The National, Damien Rice, Snowpatrol, Ryan Adams and many others.
• Who it's for
  Those who want to discover a diverse range of artists, with a few special surprises along the way.
• The Good
  A beautiful, magical, special place, a respite from the harried sell-sell of Christmas, a chance to enjoy a hot whiskey, an impromptu session and roaring turf fires.
• The Bad
  The line-up caters mostly to mainstream music acts.