A successful summer in Ireland requires a few things: a (rare) spot of sunshine, 99s at the beach and, of course, a weekend at at least one of the many festivals we’re lucky enough to host.
With plenty of places to have a boogie this summer, we’ve rounded up some of our fave festivals taking place over the coming weeks – but disclaimer: we take no responsibility for the state of your bank account come September.
Longitude, 13-15 July, Co. Dublin
Despite only kicking off in 2013, Longitude has become an Irish institution that needs no introduction. Held in Dublin’s Marlay Park, Longitude always draws world class acts and will be headlined by J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Solange in 2018. There’s still a few tickets left for Sunday so click here to get your mitts on ’em.
Galway International Arts Festival, 16-29 July, Co. Galway
Summer in Galway is always a ‘yes’ from us, but with the International Arts Festival scheduled for the last two weeks of July, it’s now a non-negotiable. The Flaming Lips, Madness, Caribou, Gavin James and Kodaline are all on the bill for a festival that spills onto the city’s streets. It’s also the place to be for theatre and comedy performances, discussions on history, politics and world affairs, and jaw-dropping art installations. Check out the full list of events here.
Castlepalooza, 3-5 August, Co. Offaly
Castlepalooza is ideal for those looking for a bitta fun in the midlands. Small but packing a definite punch, the festival is held at the beautiful 17th century Charlesville Castle and promises ‘music, merriment, magic, madness and mind-blowing memories’. Sounds alright to us! Click here for more information on this iconic event.
All Together Now, 3-5 August, Co. Waterford
Held at the stunning Curraghmore House and Estate in Waterford, this brand-spanking-new festival is unlike any you’ve ever been to before. We’re talking a main stage that will play hosts to big-name headliners like Fleet Foxes, a comedy lineup led by Tommy Tiernan, a kiddies rave (with glitter and glow-sticks, thank you very much) at Kids Together Now, a luxury spa experience over at the Lawns of Tranquility, breakfast served with a side of the London Gospel Choir, (deep breath) and a Burning Man style Afterburner.
Plus, All Together Now is committed to sustainability; they won’t be providing anything plastic on-site, have created their own eco-friendly water aptly named Eco Water (in a carton made of 90% recycled materials and that’s 100% recyclable), and are offering the option to purchase cardboard Good Intents for your stay. Click here to get your tickets to this August bank holiday spectacular.
Indiependence, 3-5 August, Co. Cork
This over 18s festival celebrates the cream of the indie crop, with Primal Scream, Jake Bugg, Everything Everything, Kate Nash, Hudson Taylor and Circa Waves all set to take the stage this August. Indiependence doesn’t just champion indie music though; there’ll be comedy at the Beer Hall on both the Saturday and Sunday. Grab more information here.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 12-19 August, Co. Louth
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann calls itself the ‘Olympics of Irish Traditional Music, Song, Dance and Gaeilge’ and rightly so. It’s expected 400,000 people will descend on Drogheda over the week, with entertainment to suit all ages. Let’s just say it’s the place to be if you’re looking for street entertainment, music workshops and family-oriented concerts in Ireland’s Ancient East. More info can be found on the festival website.
Electric Picnic, 31 August-2 September, Co. Laois
A new survey by Lottoland revealed that we Irish would rather a VIP pass to Electric Picnic than tickets to the World Cup final in Russia or a trip to Australia for a rugby match, and to be honest we’re not surprised. The lineup is always killer (case in point: this years includes Kendrick Lamar, Massive Attack, King Krule, George Ezra, St Vincent and The Kooks) and is well-known for the craic. Tickets are already sold out (sorry!) but if you managed to nab a few and want more info about the festival, click here.