Festivals Ireland 2025: 101 To Look Forward To

There are thousands of festivals in Ireland, several of which have been around for hundreds of years.

From traditional Irish festivals, like Puck Festival and the Lisdoonvarna Match Making Festival, to food, trad music and more, the Ireland festival calendar is packed every year!

Now, if you’re looking for music festivals, see our Irish music festivals guide.

Below, you’ll find the very best of Irish festivals running this coming year!

Festivals in Ireland in 2025

There are a huge number of festivals in Ireland in 2025 that have already confirmed their dates.

Although some are still TBC, these are Irish festivals that run every year without fail.

January and February

Many Irish festivals take place in the second half of the year, so the first 4 months tend to be fairly quiet.

However, there are several festivals in Ireland in January and February to look forward to, like TradFest.

1. Out to Lunch (Belfast, January 4th – 26th)

Belfast’s annual festival of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature. The creative blend of established names and emerging acts draws over 60,000 people to over 100 events in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

2. Folk In Fusion (January 14th, Killarney)

Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Folk Conference proudly presents the inaugural ‘Folk iN Fusion’ at the Gleneagle INEC Arena, bringing together legendary names in folk and roots music like Rhiannon Giddens, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Peter Rowan, and more for an unforgettable evening.

3. Your Roots Are Showing (Louth, January 15th – 19th)

Dundalk’s Your Roots Are Showing is Ireland’s Folk Conference where you can experience over 100 captivating live performances by emerging talents and seasoned experts.

4. Atlantic Irish Fest (Donegal, January 18th – 22nd)

Atlantic Irish Fest in Bundoran offers a packed lineup of Irish music, cultural activities, scenic hikes, and cozy evenings by the fire.

5. Midwinter Festival (Galway, January 19th – 21st)

Music for Galway returns to celebrate classical music with a three day midwinter festival taking place in the Town Hall Theatre.

6. A Sliver of Light (Doolin, January 24th – 25th)

Homebeat presents a music, arts, and outdoors weekender at Hotel Doolin, celebrating the beauty of winter in West Clare and the transition from darkness to light.

7. TradFest (Dublin, January 22nd – 26th)

With over 100 artists performing at over 18 venues, TradFest celebrates traditional Irish music with events taking place across the capital. Venues include the likes of Malahide Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the GPO. This is one of the most popular trad festivals in Ireland for good reason.

8. Imbolc Festival (Derry, January 26th – February 1st)

One of the first music festivals in Ireland in 2025 is Imbolc Festival – an eight-day extravaganza of music, arts, and culture takes place in Derry’s Cultural Quarter on Great James Street.

9. Brigit (Dublin, January 31st – February 3rd)

Brigit 2025, a city-wide celebration, honours Imbolc and the Celtic Goddess Brigit. This year sees a city-wide tribute to women of the past and present.

10. Classics Now (Dublin, January 31st – February 2nd)

Classics Now will treat visitors to a host of interviews, discussions, film screenings and musical theatre performances. Each feature is centred around the art, literature and ideas of the Ancient Greeks and Romans as interpreted and reimagined by outstanding artists today. 

11. Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (Dublin, February 8th)

An annual celebration of youth orchestras in Ireland and their members, with a diverse variety of music played by young people, for young people. Now in its 29th edition, several performances take place at the National Concert Hall. 

12. Scene Heard (Dublin, February 13th – March 1st)

An in-person festival with programmed work from every facet of the arts world, Scene + Heard at the Smock Alley Theatre is a space for everyone from first-time script writers to seasoned actors to try out ideas.

13. Dublin International Film Festival (Dublin, February 20th – March 2nd)

The largest film festival in Ireland presents a programme of 2025’s most exciting international cinema, the best new Irish cinema, a retrospective of much-loved and forgotten classics, conversations with actors, directors and much more.

14. Mother Tongues Festival (Dublin, February 21st – 22nd)

Mother Tongues, the largest festival celebrating linguistic diversity through the arts in Ireland, showcases its work through a variety of workshops, open discussions, storytelling experiences, live performances and more across multiple languages. 

15. Ortús Chamber Music Festival (Cork, February 23rd – March 2nd)

The Ortús Chamber Music Festival unites accomplished Irish and international musicians for performances across Cork City and the wider county. There’s a packed line-up of award-winning violinists, fiddlers and more.

16. The Bowie Festival (Dublin, February 26th – March 2nd)

The Bowie festival in Dublin celebrates all things, you guessed it, David Bowie! There are several events taking place across the capital.

17. All Shucked Up (February 28th – March 2nd)

The brand new Howth Guinness Oyster & Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of fresh local oysters, perfectly poured pints, and live music across the best venues in this picturesque fishing village.

March and April

Ireland in March means one thing – St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

Near endless festivals in Ireland in 2025 are schedule for March and revolve around the man himself. 

However, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty more Irish festivals running in March and April 2025!

1. Fingal International Festival of Voices (Dublin, March 6th – 9th)

Fingal Festival of Voices, a week-long festival featuring ensembles, performers, and singers from across the globe, takes place in Balbriggan. There’ll be musical events, competitions, food stalls, local arts and crafts markets and live performances.

2. Finding a Voice (Clonmel, March 6th – 9th)

A festival of music by women for women by Róisín and Clíona Maher. Features performances of unforgettable music by remarkable women from leading Irish and international musicians.

3. Belfast Children’s Festival (Belfast, March 6th – 15th)

An inspiring festival in Belfast with fun-filled performances, featuring local, national and international theatre, dance, music, art, interactive events and exhibitions alongside family activities. 

4. St. Patrick’s Music Festival (Belfast, March 14th – 17th)

St Patrick’s Music Festival 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of music and culture, featuring performances by Cara Dillon, McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle, a Pipe Band Extravaganza, céilís, workshops, and more.

5. St. Patrick’s Festival (Various, March 17th)

Ireland’s national festival on March 17th is celebrated in almost every corner of the country with parades taking place across the country, including:

• St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny: March 15th to 18th
• The Dublin Parade: March 17th
• The Cork festival: March 15th – 18th
• The Killarney festival: March 15th – 18th
• See these guides to spending St Patrick’s Day in Ireland or St Patrick’s Day in Dublin

6. Catalyst International Film Festival (Limerick, April 3rd – 5th)

Catalyst Festival presents a film programme prioritising stories and storytellers currently under-represented on screen and behind the camera. Expect screenings, panels, workshops and masterclasses.

7. Cúirt International Festival of Literature (Galway, April 8th – 13th)

Cúirt is one of Europe’s oldest book festivals, and a leading voice for literature both internationally and across Ireland. Expect plenty of discussion from Irish and international authors celebrating writing, books and reading in all forms.

8. Waterford Festival of Food (April 25th – 27th)

The Waterford Festival of Food is one of the first food-themed festivals in Ireland in 2025. The festival showcases Ireland’s food culture with over 80 events in Dungarvan and surrounding areas.

May and June

There are countless festivals in Ireland in May, including the excellent Galway theatre festival.

There are also a large number of music festivals in Ireland in June, including Sea Sessions.

1. City of Derry Jazz Festival (Derry, May 1st – 5th)

The City of Derry Jazz Festival celebrates its 24th edition in 2025, welcoming global audiences for a weekend of live jazz, cultural events, and the Guinness Jazz Trail.

2. Birr Festival of Music (Offaly, May 1st – 5th)

The Birr Festival of Music is an annual classical music festival that features a mix of indoor and outdoor concerts, pop-ups, street performances and workshops. It’s curated by Niall Kinsella.

3. Bray Jazz (Wicklow, May 2nd – 4th)

Bray Jazz Festival is a top-tier European jazz event, bringing world-class musicians to the seaside town for a weekend of outstanding performances, intimate gigs, and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

4. Ballydehob Jazz Festival (Cork, May 2nd – 5th)

The Ballydehob Jazz Festival returns this May Bank Holiday Weekend with live shows, a free music trail, swing dance, a jazz poetry slam, circus school, craft market, and the iconic New Orleans Jazz Funeral Parade.

5. Riverfest Limerick (May 2nd – 5th)

Riverfest Limerick transforms the city into a vibrant hub for families, foodies, runners, and watersport enthusiasts, celebrating summer with exciting activities and entertainment.

6. Galway Theatre Festival (Galway, May 2nd – 10th)

One of the leading arts festivals in Ireland in 2025 dedicated to independent theatre and performance, the Galway Theatre Festival covers theatre, circus, spectacle and storytelling across nine performance-packed days. 

7. Greenfields (Kildare, May 3rd – 4th)

A weekend of glamping, camping and tunes is coming to Kildare this May Bank Holiday. Last year, Greenfields saw the likes of The Whistling Donkeys and Aslan take to the stage.

8. International Literature Festival Dublin (Dublin, May 16th – 25th)

Dublin is one of the world’s great literature cities and the now-famous International Literature Festival hosts readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, events, podcasts and broadcasts.

9. The Fastnet Film Festival (Cork, May 21st – 25th)

The Fastnet Film Festival in Schull is a five-day celebration of Irish and international short films, featuring screenings, industry workshops, panel discussions, live music, outdoor screenings, and a vibrant fringe program.

10. Feile Binn Éadair (Dublin, May 23rd – 25th)

Another of the Irish festivals running in the capital is Feile Binn Éadair – a trad fest in Howth! Over the course of the weekend, there are 4 headline shows and 27 free music sessions throughout the town.

11. Fleadh Nua Ennis (Clare, May 24th – June 2nd)

Fleadh Nua returns for a dynamic 10-day celebration of Irish traditions, featuring concerts, céilís, music sessions, street performances, and workshops.

12. Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (Waterford, May 27th – June 2nd)

The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival features four performances of G.F. Handel’s Giulio Cesare at Lismore Castle. The festival includes classical music recitals, concerts, and free events at various historic venues.

13. Listowel Writers’ Week (Listowel, May 28th – June 1st)

Listowel Writers’ Week is another of the better-known Irish festivals, with high-quality opportunities for writers, aspiring writers, readers, and visitors to engage with the world of writing and reading.

14. Rory Gallagher International Festival (Donegal, May 29th – June 1st)

The 21st Rory Gallagher International Festival in Ballyshannon celebrates the life and music of the legendary guitarist with headline concerts, free street gigs, and a vibrant atmosphere drawing fans from around the world.

15. Open Ear Festival (Cork, May 29th – June 1st)

Cork’s Sherkin Island hosts, in their own words, the ‘freshest, weirdest and most exciting music that Ireland and further afield has to offer’. Few Irish festivals boast a location as picturesque as this one.

16. Bloom (May 29th – June 2nd)

Bord Bia Bloom brings five days of stunning show gardens, gourmet food, and family-friendly fun to Phoenix Park, celebrating Ireland’s best in horticulture, design, and outdoor living.

17. Ava Festival (Belfast, May 30th – 31st)

The 2025 edition of AVA, an Audio Visual Arts Festival, marks its 11-year milestone, aims to reflect on the past, present, and future. Taking place at the Titanic Slipways, it’s a must for all electronic music fans.

18. Doonbeg Jazz Festival (Clare, May 30th – June 2nd)

The 2025 Doonbeg International Jazz Festival is set to be a monumental celebration as it marks the event’s 25th year! 11 bands from across Ireland and the UK will make the journey to Clare’s coast with 27 performances taking place over the weekend!

19. Forbidden Fruit (Dublin, May 31st – June 1st)

Dublin’s summer music festival season kicks off with Forbidden Fruit, a two-day music and art festival taking place in the beautiful grounds of the city’s Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

20. Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (Kilkenny, May 31st – June 2nd)

Kilkenny hosts the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival every summer bank holiday weekend and promises plenty of giggles into the evening from Irish and international comics across the city. 

21. Galway Folk Festival (June 4th – 8th)

The Galway Folk Festival returns for its 4th edition, offering five days of world-class folk, roots, and traditional music, free pop-up shows, and lively craic across Galway city.

22. Carlow Arts Festival (Carlow, June 4th – 8th)

Carlow Town begins its summer with a colourful weekend festival full of live music, circus, dance, theatre, visual arts and street art.

23. Borris House Festival (Carlow, Jun 6th – 8th)

The Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas promises a weekend of stimulating dialogue and discourse with some of the finest writers around.

24. When Next We Meet (Tipperary, June 7th – 8th)

When Next We Meet returns to Raheen House in Clonmel, transforming its gardens into an intimate festival setting with three stages celebrating the best in homegrown alternative music.

25. Bloomsday (Dublin, June 11th – 16th)

Named after central character Leopold Bloom, Bloomsday celebrates Thursday June 16th 1904, the day depicted in James Joyce’s classic novel Ulysses. Celebrations include readings, performances and visiting the places referenced in the book.

26. Dalkey Book Festival (Dublin, June 12th – 15th)

30 minutes south of Dublin City lies the charming seaside suburb of Dalkey and it hosts a great book festival every June. Big name speakers in previous years have included Bono, Stephen Fry and Sally Rooney.

27. Clifden Summerfest (Galway, June 13th – 15th)

Clifden Summerfest brings a weekend of epic live music with Claudia Buckley, Derek Ryan, Mundy, Paddy Casey, and Whistlin’ Donkeys, plus more acts to be announced.

28. Beyond the Pale (Glendalough, Jun 13th – 15th)

A lively music and arts festival returns to the stunning surrounding of Glendalough deep in the heart of Wicklow. With 150+ acts over 3 days.

29. Body & Soul (Westmeath, June 20th – 22nd)

This celebration of the summer solstice at Ballinlough Castle Estate is an atmospheric festival of surprises. Previous line-ups have featured intimate performances from the likes of Aoife Nessa Francis, Sorcha Richardson and DJ Gilles Peterson.

30. West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Bantry, June 27th – July 6th)

Bantry hosts one of Europe’s premiere chamber music festivals featuring a whole host of world-class musicians.

31. Sea Sessions Bundoran (Donegal, TBC)

Sea Sessions is is one of the more popular Irish festivals taking place this summer. A surf and music festival out on Donegal’s windswept coast featuring some quality acts in a cool location. Headliners last year at Sea Sessions Bundoran included Cian Ducrot, Jake Bugg, BLK and more.

32. Patrún Festival (Inis Mor Island, TBC)

An annual three-day summer party every June, the Patrún Festival takes place on the beautiful windswept Inis Mor island. It features all kinds of sport, including currach and hooker boat racing, tug-of-war, art and sandcastle competitions. 

33. Dublin International Chamber Music Festival (Dublin, TBC)

One of the biggest chamber music festivals in Ireland, the Dublin International Chamber Music Festival hosts world premieres, family concerts and some exhilarating music from Africa, alongside some wonderful Irish performances.

July and August

July is another bumper month for festivals in Ireland in 2025, with a great mix of music, culture and food on offer.

It’s worth noting that many of the events in Ireland that take place during the summer months can be in hot demand, so make sure to check and see if you can buy tickets for these Irish festivals in advance.

1. Kaleidoscope Festival (Wicklow, July 4th – 6th)

Kaleidoscope Festival is one of the top Irish festivals for families and it takes place in Russborugh House. Last year, the Waterboys, the Kooks, LYRA, the Dublin Gospel Choir and took to the stage.

2. Longitude (Dublin, July 5th – 6th)

Longitude is one of the livelier Irish festivals and it’s Dublin’s largest outdoor music festival. Previous years have seen big-name acts including Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler the Creator, Dave and A$AP Rocky.

3. Liberty Music Festival (Tipperary, July 5th – 6th)

Liberty Music Festival in Thurles, Ireland’s largest outdoor tribute band festival, sells out months in advance, drawing 5,000 attendees daily for a weekend of top tribute acts, themed fun, and a thriving local scene.

4. Clonmel Junction Arts Festival (Tipperary, July 4th – 13th)

Now into its 24th year, the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival. Previous years have seen performances by Aileen Cahill with Andreea Banciu and composer-performer Eamon O’Malley.

5. Cairde Sligo (Sligo, July 6th – 12th)

Sligo’s arts festival takes over the town’s venues, streets and public spaces. Expect everything from atmospheric dance to performances by Edinburgh Fringe award-winning comics and colourful circus shows.

6. Galway Film Fleadh (Galway, July 8th – 13th)

Another of the more famous events in Ireland is the Galway Film Fleadh – a week-long international film festival taking place every July. As well as screenings, the fair also runs an annual Pitching Competition, masterclasses, case studies and forum.

7. West Cork Literary Festival (Bantry, July 11th – 18th)

The West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry is one of Cork’s many summer festivals and promises workshops, readings, professional development, events for children and young people.

8. Galway International Arts Festival (Galway, July 14th – 27th)

Arguably one of the most famous Irish festivals, the Galway International Arts Festival has a packed programme and runs for a two weeks out in Galway.

9. Earagail Arts Festival (Co. Donegal, July 16th – 26th)

This is a very distinct festival out in Donegal and features immersive and participatory experiences in circus, music, spoken word and theatre, all celebrating a unique people, language and landscape.

10. Forest Fest (Laois, July 25th – 27th)

Forest Fest brings three days of music, art, and connection to Emo Village, Co. Laois, celebrating community, family, and togetherness with unforgettable experiences for all.

11. Belfast TradFest (Belfast, July 27th – August 3rd)

The popular Belfast TradFest takes place in winter and summer, and this winter edition features weekend workshops alongside a full programme of concerts, talks, lectures, sessions, céilís and a festival club.

12. Galway Races (Ballybrit, July 28th – August 3rd)

The Galway Races kick off at the end of July for a week in Ballybrit. This prestigious festival has been running since the 19th century, so put on your best for the glamorous Ladies Day.

13. Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival (Donegal, July 31st – August 3rd)

The 48th Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival celebrates the best of folk and traditional music along the banks of the Erne, blending artists and audiences in Ireland’s oldest town on the Wild Atlantic Way.

14. All Together Now (Waterford, July 31st – August 3rd)

August starts with a bang at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford with All Together Now. Previous acts include The National, Tommy Tiernan, The Mary Wallopers and Bakar.

15. Birr Vintage Week (Birr, August 1st – 9th)

Beginning back in 1968 and returning for its 56th edition, Birr Vintage Week in Offaly is nationally acknowledged as a unique historical, cultural and community-focused celebration. Dive into visual arts, music, street theatre, pop-up performances, workshops and exhibitions.

16. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival (Waterford, August 1st – 3rd)

It’s all happening in Waterford as Ireland’s free summer street party brings hundreds of global artists and musicians to perform, headlined by the festival parade in front of more than 20,000 spectators.

17. Fleadh Cheoil (Wexford, August 3rd – 10th)

The very best trad musicians come together for a series of cracking performances during the week-long Fleadh Cheoil that takes place in Wexford Town, attracting in the region of 500,00 visitors.

18. Kilkenny Arts Festival (Kilkenny, August 7th – 17th)

Going for over 50 years now, the Kilkenny Arts Festival runs across ten days and gathers many of the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers and artists in Ireland’s medieval city for some live performances.

19. Howth Roots and Blues (Dublin, August 8th – 10th)

One of the more popular festivals in Ireland in recent years is Howth Roots and Blues. Here, you’ll discover the finest Irish live roots and blues musicians with a handful of international artists also making an appearance.

20. Rose of Tralee Festival (Tralee, August 15th – 19th) 

Taking inspiration from a 19th-century ballad of the same name about a woman called Mary, the Rose of Tralee International Festival crowns the woman deemed best to match the “lovely and fair” attributes in the song.

21. Masters of Tradition (Cork, August 20th – 24th)

Curated by by fiddle player Martin Hayes, Masters of Tradition celebrates the finest in Irish trad music and it all takes in place in Bantry on Cork’s west coast. 

22. Another Love Story (Meath, August 22nd – 24th)

Another Love Story brings its unique blend of Irish and international music, warm atmosphere, and intimate charm back to the idyllic Killyon Manor for a magical weekend.

23. Another Love Story (Meath, August 23rd – 25th)

This curiously-named festival is in its 10th year and takes place in the grounds and halls of 18th-century Killyon Manor in Meath. Expect a great weekend of music, art, conversation and gastronomy. 

24. Electric Picnic (Laois, August 29th – 31st)

One of the largest Irish festivals sees out the summer – I’m talking, of course, about Electric Picnic. See out summer in the best way at this big and colourful festival over in Laois.

25. Durrow Scarecrow Festival (Laois, TBC)

One of the more unique festivals Ireland has to offer is the Durrow Scarecrow Festival. Attendees can admire the scarecrows around the village, visit food markets, take park in the craft workshops and enjoy live entertainment.

26. Puck Fair (Killorglin, TBC)

The Puck Fair is one of the most unique festivals in Ireland! One of Ireland’s oldest fairs, this bizarre festival out in Killorglin in Kerry is centred around a village goat known as the ‘King Puck’.

27. Chamber Music on Valentia (Valentia, TBC)

Curated by pianist Mary Dullea, the 12th edition of Chamber Music on Valentia takes place in a gorgeous island location in Kerry and has previously featured the first instalment of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti alongside Fidelio Trio’s innovative Pop Archive.

September and October

There’s plenty of Irish festivals in 2025 set to run during the month of September.

One of the more unique festivals in Ireland, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, is the most notable, but there’s plenty more taking place.

1. Dublin Fringe Festival (Dublin, September 6th – 21st)

The Dublin Fringe Festival is a multidisciplinary arts festival running for two weeks and offers a platform for new and emerging artists in Ireland to showcase their work, alongside trying out new styles and practices.

2. Sounds from a Safe Harbour (Cork, September 11th – 14th)

This music, dance, art and conversation festival is curated by some big names – Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, actor Cillian Murphy, playwright Enda Walsh and Mary Hickson.

3. Clonakilty Guitar Festival (Cork, September 18th – 21st)

The 21st Clonakilty International Guitar Festival celebrates two decades of music with headline shows, a free session trail, and a showcase of emerging and international talent in the charming seaside town of Clonakilty.

4. Culture Night (Various, September 19th)

An all-Ireland celebration of culture and creativity, Culture Night sees the Arts Council partnering with artists, local authorities, arts organisations to present thousands of free events and activities into the evening, in-person, online and broadcast.

5. Bere Island Arts Festival (Cork, September 18th – 21st)

The Bere Island Arts Festival celebrates creativity on Bere Island, blending visual arts, music, poetry, and workshops with the island’s stunning natural surroundings.

6. Dublin Theatre Festival (Dublin, September 25th – October 12th)

Europe’s oldest specialised theatre festival, Dublin Theatre Festival has staged major international theatre of scale and hosted productions by the world’s greatest artists, while also showcasing work by Ireland’s finest playwrights.

7. Galway Oyster Festival (Galway, September 26th – 28th) 

Few corners of Ireland are better than Galway for seafood and this festival is an absolute must-visit! Take on their expertly curated Seafood Trail and sample some of the West Coast’s freshest finds at what is rightly one of the most popular food festivals in Ireland.

8. Dingle Food Festival (Kerry, October 3rd – 5th)

The fishing village of Dingle is an great pub town but it also hosts a mighty food festival! Highlights of the festival include cookery demonstrations, food trails, over 50 market stalls, children’s events and wine tastings.

9. Roscommon International Film Festival (October 10th – 11th)

The Roscommon International Film Festival showcases global and Irish filmmaking talent with screenings, awards, and detailed feedback for every submission.

10. Common Threads (Clare, October 11th – 12th)

Common Threads returns to North Clare for its third edition, featuring a carefully curated two-day programme of music and art across the stunning Burren landscape.

11. Wexford Festival Opera (Wexford, October 17th – November 1st)

For the last 70 years, the Wexford Festival Opera has made a name for itself by introducing audiences to unjustly neglected works.

12. Cork Jazz Festival (Cork, October 23rd – 27th)

Why celebrate Halloween when you could enjoy Ireland’s biggest jazz event? Especially the Jazz Music Trail, which sees the city come alive with the sights and sounds of a music trail spanning over 60 Cork venues.

13. Derry Halloween (Derry, October 28th – 31st) 

Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, Derry Halloween embraces the Samhain spirit and attracts revellers from all around the globe while showcasing a programme of arts, food and music alongside cultural, contemporary and family events.

14. Bram Stoker Festival (Dublin, October 25th – 28th)

Now in its 11th year, the Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved and iconic writers. Expect deliciously dark treats on the streets and in venues across Dublin.

15. Púca Festival (Athboy/Trim, late October)

Púca Festival is one of the newest Irish festivals and celebrates Ireland as the original home of Halloween, which began as the ancient tradition of Samhain over 2,000 years ago. Salute the Halloween spirits through folklore, food, myth and music!

16. Festival of History (Dublin, September 26th – October 12th)

Offering a fresh perspective on history and its importance in everyday lives, the Dublin Festival of History is a free festival in Ireland’s capital so expect plenty of talk and debate from leading Irish and International historians.

17. Clonmel Applefest (Tipperary, September 25th – 28th)

Clonmel Applefest is one of many annual festivals in Ireland and it’s here that food, heritage and the environment are celebrated via the arts. In previous years, there has been everything from Jazz and Tapas to foraging and bake offs.

18. Write by the Sea (Wexford, September 26th – 28th)

Head down to the quaint fishing village of Kilmore Quay in Wexford for a fine weekend literary festival featuring talks, readings, interviews and workshops.

19. Open House Dublin (Dublin, October 11th – 19th)

Over a weekend in mid-October, Open House Dublin is the Irish Architecture Foundation’s annual free festival of architecture and urban design, with more than 100 guided tours and events for all ages across Dublin city and county.

20. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (Clare, TBC)

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, at over 150+ years old, is one of the oldest Irish festivals. It has a couple of aims – to put on some great music from some of Ireland’s top music and also to provide a space for singles (especially from rural areas) to meet new people.

21. Belfast International Arts Festival (Belfast,TBC)

The leading contemporary arts festival in Northern Ireland takes place in venues across Belfast, promising a variety of live dance, theatre and family-friendly entertainment.

November and December

The months of November and December mark the arrival of a clatter of Christmassy Irish festivals and events in Ireland.

The various Christmas markets in Ireland tend to steal the show, but there are plenty of other evens taking place, too.

1. Dingle Lit (Kerry, November 21st – 23rd)

The Dingle Lit is a cracking little literature festival in west Ireland. Expect a great mix of discussion and author events across three days. Previous guests at the festival have included Gabriel Bryne, President Higgins and Kit de Waal.

2. Cork International Film Festival (Cork, November 6th – 16th)

CIFF is Ireland’s first and largest film festival, showcasing the latest and best Irish features. There are also award-winning films from the international film festival circuit, new discoveries and cinema classics selected by their experienced curatorial team.

3. The Irish Surf Film Festival (Galway, TBC)

The Irish Surf Film Festival in Galway showcases the best of Ireland’s surf culture, celebrating wave riding, surf filmmaking, and photography with competitions, feature films, and community events at the Pálás Cinema.

4. Leaves Festival of Writing and Music (Laois, November TBC)

Leaves Festival of Writing and Music takes place in Portlaoise and celebrates the diversity and richness in today’s literary, music and film scene. Expect plenty of screenings, readings and workshops across the event’s three days. 

5. Book Festival (Dublin, TBC)

A literature festival in a great literature city over four days. The Dublin Book Festival features a mix of live-audience author talks, poetry events and walking tours celebrating Irish writers, publishers and illustrators.

6. Galway Christmas Market (Galway, mid November – late December)

Christmas festivities on Ireland’s west coast. The Galway Continental Christmas Market received over 450,000 visitors in 2023 and featured over 50 wooden chalets, including a carousel, Santa’s Grotto and a German Bier Keller.

7. Winterval Waterford (Waterford, late November – late December)

Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval, takes place in the country’s oldest city. Waterford hosts magical experiences, festive family attractions, seasonal surprises and an abundance of free and ticketed events for all ages.

8. Yulefest Kilkenny (Kilkenny, late November – late December)

Yulefest Kilkenny returns in 2024 hosting a programme of events with something for everyone. Enjoy music from a bandstand, a fireworks display, street entertainment, a scavenger hunt and a santa run, among other things.

9. Belfast Christmas Market (Belfast, late November – late December)

Running for over 15 years, the Belfast Christmas Market takes place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall at Donegall Square. With over 100 exhibitors from 28 counties, it’s no surprise this event regularly attracts over 1,000,000 visitors!

10. Dublin Castle Christmas Market (Dublin, December)

The Dublin Castle Christmas Market takes place within the grand grounds of Dublin Castle. With over 26 vendors in wooden chalets, voice choirs and tons of food and drink options, there’s a great atmosphere at this one. 

11. Wicklow Christmas Market (Wicklow Town, late November – late December)

The Wicklow Christmas Market returns and feature chalets manned by local artisans selling everything from handcrafted ornaments, paintings and toys to homemade chutneys and jams. There’s also the brand new Eco-Ice Skating Rink!

12. Glow Cork (Cork, late November – late December)

Glow Cork is a massive Christmas celebration with tons of events taking place, including carol services, film screenings, wreathmaking workshops and, of course, the main festival market packed with artisanal chalets.

Festivals Ireland 2025: What have we missed?

Have we missed out on any festivals that need to be added sharpish?

Let me know in the comments section below!