Most Exciting Festivals in Ireland by Month (2024)
Ireland is a country of festivals, and although its a bit of a stereotype – the Irish are fun people who love to celebrate. There are over 10,000 festivals in Ireland from a variety of themes – music, art, culture, food, and more.
While most festivals in Ireland take place during the summertime, festivals are common throughout the year and happen in the major cities as well as small towns.
Galway is known as the festival capital of Ireland, where annual festivals take place every year. However, there’s a ton of other festivals in different areas that you could take part in whether you live or are visiting Ireland.
Since it isn’t possible to name thousands of Ireland’s festivals, we’re going to go through the most prominent, unique and fun festivals in Ireland that are worth visiting either as a local or a tourist – and that have confirmed details, so we can be sure that they’re still running.
No matter which month you’re in Ireland, there is something special going on. This will give you some ideas of how you can engage with Irish culture and charm, and do something unique in Ireland that is missed by many tourists and even residents.
Festivals in Ireland: By Month
Below, you’ll see what festivals are happening in Ireland in any given month, and the details that you need to know such as where they take place.
Best Festivals in Ireland in June
June is when music festival season in Ireland really starts to ramp up. There are also more amazing festivals in Ireland in June of all types than any other month.
1. The Forbidden Fruit Festival
Location: Dublin city centre
Duration: 2 days
The Forbidden Fruit is a music festival held in Dublin in early June. They have some big names performing there, like Nelly Furtado. Grab your tickets for the upcoming 2024 Forbidden Fruit Festival here.
The Forbidden Fruit Festival 2024 dates: June 1st-2nd, 2024
2. The Cat Laughs Festival
Location: Kilkenny
Duration: 2 days
The Cat Laughs Festival is a comedy festival in that has been running for 30 years, and is one of the top 5 comedy festivals in the world. There are standup comedians in almost every pub in town for the entire weekend.
Grab your tickets for the 2024 cat laughs festival events on their official website here.
The Cat Laughs Festival 2024 dates: June 1st-2nd, 2024
3. The Body and Soul Festival
Location: Ballinough Castle & Gardens (about 80 km from Dublin)
Duration: 2 days
The Body and Soul Festival is a small, award winning festival based on arts, culture and music. The favourite part of it of many who attend is its location in a serene, private setting.
The Body and Soul Festival is meant to be inspiring, uplifting and relaxing. The festival is small in comparison to others; there was only around 5,000 people who attended last year. Find out what events will be on here.
The Body and Soul Festival 2024 dates: June 14th-16th, 2024
4. The Dalkey Book Festival
Location: Dalkey, outside Dublin
Duration: 3 days
If you’re a reader or writer, you might be interested in the Dalkey Book Festival, held annually in Dublin. Authors from around the world attend, and there have been some pretty big names.
In 2023, Tom Hanks spoke at the Dalkey Book Festival, and Bernie Sanders is planning to speak in 2024! At the time of writing, tickets are not buyable – but if/when they become available, you can find them here.
The Dalkey Book Festival 2024 dates: June 13st-16th, 2024
5. Dublin Pride Festival
Location: Dublin city centre
Duration: 2 days
Dublin Pride has been running for 40 years, and draws tens of thousands of people who want to celebrate diversity and freedom. There are events for all ages – from kids, to young adults, and seniors.
The main event is the Pride parade which takes place on June 29th this year, and a Pride Village that you can visit (suitable for all ages) in Merrion Square with several other activities during the day.
Dublin Pride Festival 2024 dates: June 29th -30th, 2024
6. Longitude Festival
Location: Marley Park in Dublin
Duration: 2 days
The Longitude Festival in Dublin has only been running for 10 years, and generally focuses on hip hop, house and pop. Over 40,000 people attended Longitude in 2023, mostly young people, in the 16-22 years old age bracket.
The Longitude Festival 2024 dates: June 29th -30th, 2024
7. Pátrún Festival
Location: Aran Islands
Duration: 2 days
If you head over to the Aran Islands; specifically, Inis Mor, you can take part in a variety of fun and silly competitions that are apart of the Patrun Festival. There’s tug of war, sandcastles, boat racing and other sports happening, and it has a joyous, small town feel.
There are also a few different Aran Islands festivals and events in the summer worth checking out, so mark your calendars if you plan on visiting there in the summer.
Pátrún Festival 2024 dates: June 29th – July 2nd
Festivals in Ireland in July
The summer fun continues through July, with many cities and towns in Ireland hosting large, exciting festivals. Here are the best ones to look out for
8. Galway Film Fleadh
Location: Galway
Duration: 3 days
The Galway Film Fleadh is a celebration of independent filmmakers from across Ireland and worldwide. Similar to other film festivals, you can watch films and hear some of the film makers talk about the making of their films.
It’s a great way to catch some indie movies that you may not otherwise see, support independent art, and Irish art and culture.
Galway Film Fleadh 2024 Dates: July 6-9th, 2024
9. Cairde Sligo Arts Festival
Location: Sligo
Duration: 1 week
Clairde Sligo Arts Festival is seen as an annual highlight in Ireland’s northwest, highly anticipated by locals. The festival is a non-for profit charity and has many activities and shows. There are fire shows, acrobatics, musicians and more.
One good way to stay up to date is to follow their Facebook page, to see what upcomining shows are planned for 2024 and beyond.
Clairde Sligo 2024 dates: July 6 – 14th, 2024
10. Galway Race Course Festival
Location: Galway race course
Duration:
The Galway races refer to horse racing. They happen many times throughout the year, but July will be the special “summer edition” of the races.
If you’re not going to be in Galway in July, there will be many other chances to catch them during other months that they races are on.
Galway Race Course Summer Festival 2024 dates: July 29th – August 4th, 2024
11. Galway International Arts Festival
Location: Galway city
Duration: 2 weeks
The Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) is the largest festival in Galway and has been running for 47 years. It takes place during the last two weeks of July, and brings 400,000 people from around Ireland and the world.
There are exhibits for music, visual arts, theatre and more. View ticketing information on the GIAF website here.
Galway International Arts Festival 2024 Dates: July 15th – 28th, 2024
Festivals in Ireland in August
12. Electric Picnic Festival
Location: Stradbuly Hall in Stradbully
Duration:
Electric Picnic Festival is an annual festival held in Stradbuly, which is a small town just over an hour’s drive from Dublin. Electric Picnic is a rock and role music and art, and 2024 will be its 20th year running. There are concerts, and many people also camp overnights. Find ticket information here.
Electric Picnic 2024 Dates: August 16th – 18th, 2024
13. Rose of Tralee Festival
Location: the sports academy building in Tralee
Duration: 5 days
The Rose of Tralee Festival is a beauty pageant, but one of the oldest and largest festivals in Ireland. At the end of the festival, a young woman is crowned “the rose of Tralee” which is an ambassadorial role.
The festival has become less popular over the past few years, but is still attended by many and has a nostalgic element to it for the Irish, especially those from the Kerry region.
Rose of Tralee 2024 Dates: August 16th – 20th, 2024
14. Puck Fair
Location: Killorglin
Duration: 3 days
Puck Fair is one of Ireland’s oldest, and probably most unusual fairs, dating back over 400 ago. A “puck” is a male goat, a pagan symbol of fertility. At the festival, a goat is crowned the king of the festival and worshipped for the 3 days.
There are also family-friendly street events, food vendors, music, and of course a goat (who is unharmed.) Check out the schedule events for Puck Fair 2024 here.
Puck Fair 2024 Dates: August 10th-12th, 2024
Festivals in Ireland in September
September in Ireland sees the start of food and harvest festivals throughout the country
15. Waterford Harvest Festival
Location: several locations in downtown Waterford
Duration: 2 days
Waterford, the town of the famous Irish crystal, holds its annual harvest fair in September. It’s one of the largest food festivals in Ireland, and involves both food and live music.
It’s one of Ireland’s younger festival – being just over a decade old, but it has been very popular, drawing many visitors to Waterford in recent years. It’s family friendly, with some rides (a ferris wheel) and other activities. Details for 2024, when available, will be on their website here.
Waterford Harvest Festival 2024 Dates: TBA
16. Armagh Food & Cider Festival
Location: Armagh, North Ireland
Duration: 3 days
Armagh, the smallest town (population wise) in North Ireland, celebrates its annual food and cider weekend in September. The town is known as the “food heartland of Northern Ireland.” It allows you to sample a lot of local dishes, many of which are based on fresh, locally sourced produce. There are also activities like a murder mystery, music, and pop up restaurants.
Armagh Food & Cider Festival 2024 dates: TBA
Festivals in Ireland in October
17. Galway Comedy Festival
Location: Galway City
Duration: 1 week
There are other comedy festivals in Ireland, but the Galway Comedy Festival in October is the largest one. Over 15,000 people attended in 2023 to see stand up comedians and hilarious skits. At the time of writing, details for 2024 haven’t been released, but when they are, you can find them here.
Galway Comedy Festival 2024 Dates: October 22nd-28th, 2024
18. Cork Guiness Jazz Festival
Location: Cork city
Duration: 4 days
The Cork Jazz Festival is by far the largest jazz festival in Ireland, and musicians come from all over the country to perform. Events are often sold out well in advance, so. you need to grab tickets quickly.
Cork Guiness Jazz Festival 2024 Dates: Thursday, October 24th – Monday, October 28th
19. Derry Halloween Festival
Location: Derry
Duration: 3 days
The Derry Halloween Festival is huge, and was rated the top Halloween event in Europe. Halloween is popular in Derry because it has roots with the Samhain. There’s a parade with costumes, spooky events, firework, and of course – candy. Find details about visiting for this exciting event here.
Derry Halloween Festival 2024 dates: October 28th – 31st, 2024
Festivals in Ireland in November and December
20. Christmas Markets
Location: Multiple cities and towns. Galway, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, etc.
Duration: 5-6 weeks
Christmas is one of Ireland’s post popular holidays, and Christmas markets start up throughout towns and cities in Ireland in mid-November. You’ll find them in all the major cities, as well as small towns too.
There are vendors, visits from Santa, holiday music, hot drinks. It’s a great place to shop local, and get some unique and special Irish gifts and souvenirs.
The hours, dates and vendor information for each Christmas market will vary. Be sure to look up the locations you plan to visit in Ireland in November or December to see when their Christmas markets will be held.
Christmas Markets 2024 Dates: mid-November until late December
Festivals in Ireland in January and February
January and February are coldest months of the year, but that doesn’t stop the Irish for finding something to celebrate and bring joy. Here’s the festivals happening in Ireland in winter
21. Tradfest
Location: multiple locations in Dublin
Duration: 4 days
Tradfest brings Irish musicians to different touristy sights around Dublin, such as Temple Bar, Malahide Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and more.
Its a celebration of Irish music and culture, and a lot of Irish instruments are used. Check their website to stay tuned for event information for 2025!
Tradfest 2025 Dates: TBA
22. Music for Galway Midwinter Festival
Location: Town Hall Theatre in Galway City
Duration:
Who doesn’t love some extra joy and music in the coldest month of the year? Music For Galway Midwinter Festival brings just that – a chance to appreciate music, most. of which is classical music.
Music for Galway Midwinter Festival 2025 dates:
23. The Gathering Festival of Music & Arts
Location: Killarney
Duration: 2 days
I’m probably getting a bit repetitive with the music festivals here, but The Gathering Festival is worth considering if you enjoy rock and roll. Most of the music is classic rock, but there’s also some new country and dance.
The Gathering Music Festival 2025 Dates: TBA
Festivals in Ireland in March
24. St. Patrick’s Festivals
Location: Cities and towns throughout Ireland
Duration: 1-4 days, depending on the location
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you, but St. Patrick’s Day is big in Ireland! There are St. Patric’s Festivals in many cities throughout the country, from big cities like Limerick, Dublin and Cork.
Regardless of where you’re visiting, you should look up the parade and event information for wherever you are, because there is guaranteed to be something special going on for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Festivals in Ireland 2024 Dates: March 13th-17th, 2024
25. Cork Whiskey Festival
Location:
Duration:
If you enjoy spirits, parties, and nightlife and music, and you aren’t too worn out from St Patrick’s Day, then the Cork Whiskey Festival might be worth visiting. The festival involves a whole range of schedule of events over the weekend.
Cork Whiskey Festival 2024 Dates: March 22nd-24th, 2024
26. Wander Wild Festival
Location: Killarney
Duration: 2 days
Wander Wild Festival (also known as Ireland’s Great Outdoor Festival) is a celebration of wellness, nature and the great outdoors. It involves taking part in a lot of outdoor activities that connect you with serene views.
Yes, it does have a bit of hippie vibe. Some events are free, others are family friendly, and there are some paid events as well. The programme has the information you need on the events. Attending Wander Wild is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily lives and spend some time relaxing.
Wander Wild 2024 Festival dates: March 22nd-24th, 2024
27. Fairyhouse Easter Festival
Location: Ratoath
Duration: 3 days
If you’re in Dublin with kids, you should consider making a trip to the small village of Ratoath (x away) for the famous 3-day Fairyhouse Easter Festival. See event information and buy tickets here.
2024 Fairyhouse Easter Festival dates: Saturday, March 30th – Monday, April 1st, 2024
Festivals in Ireland in April and May
28. Cúirt International Festival of Literature
Location: Galway Arts Centre in Galway city
Duration: 1 week
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature has been running for 39 years. Writers from around Ireland and the world attend, and writers for different categories receive prizes. There are events throughout the week for both writers and readers – great to consider if you’re a fan of reading.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2024 dates: April 23rd-28th
29. Galway Early Music Festival
Location: Galway City
Duration: 1 week
2024 Dates:
Galway Early Music Festival is a celebration of medieval, renaissance and barrock style music. It’s been running for over 40 years. See the timetable and grab tickets on the official website here.
2024 Galway Early Music Festival dates: May 26th – 27th, 2024
Irish Festivals Conclusion
By now, you know about all the different festivals in Ireland you can attend. There is so much culture and celebration in Ireland, and being apart of it is a unique experience to have on a trip to Ireland, or whether you’re lucky enough to call Ireland home.
As you can see there are a lot of music festivals in Ireland, a lot of nature based ones, kid-friendly ones, food, alcohol, and many other types.