13 Irish Music Festivals Ready To Rock In 2023

If you’re looking to bop away at some music festivals in Ireland in 2023, you’re in luck – there’s plenty scheduled to take place!

And, although it’s the larger Irish music festivals that tend to grab a lot of the attention, there’s a good chunk of Indie festivals taking place this year, too!

Below, you’ll find everything from Rock ‘n’ Roll and jazz to techno, country and some very quirky music festivals in Ireland taking place in 2023.

Music festivals in Ireland in January, February, and March

Photos via Shutterstock

While there might not be so many festivals during the winter months, there’s still plenty to look forward to at the beginning of the year.

Note: This guide only covers Irish music festivals. For regular festivals, see our guide to 95 of the best festivals in Ireland in 2023.

1. TradFest Temple Bar (Jan 25th – 29th)

First up is one of the most popular music festivals Ireland has to offer. Dublin’s iconic TradFest takes place in the vibrant Temple Bar area between the 25th and 29th of January. Experience this celebration of Irish music and culture with live music sessions in a wealth of local pubs and music venues.

2. Belfast TradFest (Feb 24th – 26th)

Between the 24th and 26th of February, many of Ireland’s best trad musicians and dancers flock to the Northern Ireland capital for Belfast TradFest. Over the course of a couple of days, Belfast’s music halls and pubs come alive for a weekend of concerts, workshops, talks, and parties.

3. Country to Country Dublin (Mar 10th – 12th)

Taking place in Dublin’s 3Arena between the 10th and 12th of March, C2C marks its 10-year anniversary in 2023. Europe’s largest country music festival, C2C boasts live arena gigs from some of the biggest names in the industry. 

Music festivals in Ireland in April and May

Flyer via Life Festival on Twitter

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, outdoor Irish music festivals spring up like mushrooms after the rain!

April is a fantastic month for discovering a wide mix of music festivals in Ireland in 2023.

1. New Music Dublin (Apr 20th – 23rd)

Located in the National Concert Hall and numerous smaller venues, New Music Dublin runs between the 20th and 23rd of April. Ireland’s major contemporary music festival, the festival gives a platform to Ireland’s newest music makers.

2. Galway Theatre Festival (Apr 29th to May 7th)

Running from the 29th of April to the 7th of May, Galway Theatre Festival is dedicated to providing a platform for independent theatre. Enjoy an array of shows at theatres big and small across Galway City.

3. Life Festival (May 26th – 28th)

Considered to be one of the biggest electronic music festivals Ireland has to offer, Life takes place between May 26th and 28th. It’s located on the grounds of Belvedere House, Mullingar, and boasts a huge outdoor stage, boutique camping, and much more.

4. West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival (May 17th – 21st)

West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival takes place between the 17th and 21st of May. Performers from around the world flock to the stunning Blessington Lakes for a varied program that takes in an eclectic mix of classical and modern music.

5. Dublin Dance Festival (Dates TBC)

Ireland’s foremost dance festival sees choreographers and dance troops from across the globe descend upon the nation’s capital. There are tons of performances, workshops, kids’ events, film screenings, and discussions, with a mix of emerging talent and iconic stars.

Irish music festivals in June

Flyer via Sea Sessions on Twitter

June is perhaps busiest month for Irish music festivals in 2023.

You’ll find a superb selection of events, with everything from classical to pop to choose from.

1. West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Jun 23rd – Jul 2nd)

Kicking off on the 23rd of June, this eclectic event continues until the 2nd of July. A wealth of classical concerts and masterclasses take place in venues across the town of Bantry, Cork, including open-air shows.

2. Beyond the Pale (Jun 16th – 18th)

With 3 days of music, art, food, camping, and much more, the Glendalough Estate in Wicklow plays host to the mighty Beyond the Pale from the 16th to the 18th of June, featuring a excellent lineup of talent from across the globe.

3. Kaleidoscope Festival (Jun 30th – Jul 2nd)

Taking place at Russborough House & Parklands, Wicklow, between the 30th of June to the 2nd of July Kaleidoscope is Ireland’s premier family-friendly festival. There’s great music, camping, and countless attractions for both kids and adults to enjoy.

4. Body & Soul (Jun 16th – 18th)

Body & Soul is the longest-running of the handful of independent music festivals Ireland has to offer. It takes place at Ballinlough Castle, Westmeath, between June 16th and 18th. Part epic party, part restorative escape, it’s a celebration of music, culture, and art, and is packed full of experiences.

5. Sea Sessions (Jun 17th – 19th)

Combining great music, sun, sea, and surfing, Sea Sessions is an incredible festival that takes place on the epic Bundoran Beach, Donegal. The world-renowned surfing hotspot plays host to global superstars and unsigned talent alike between the 17th and 19th of June. 

6. Dublin International Chamber Music Festival (Jun 7th – 12th)

The Dublin International Chamber Music Festival takes place in a variety of venues from botanical gardens to Palladian country houses in and around Dublin, this celebration of classical music runs from the 7th to the 12th of June.

7. Forbidden Fruit (Dates TBC)

Located on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in the centre of Dublin City, the Forbidden Fruit Festival is a gateway to summer! The dates and final lineup for 2023 are still to be confirmed.

8. Open Ear Festival (Dates TBC)

Every year in June, Sherkin Island, Cork, comes alive with great music as the small yet vibrant Open Ear Festival gets started. With just one stage, it offers an intimate experience and no danger of missing your favourite act.

Irish music festivals in July

Flyer via the Forever Young Festival

July is another fantastic month for Irish music festivals with some superb choices across the country.

It’s considerably quieter than the previous month, but there are still several hugely popular music festivals in Ireland taking place in August.

1. Belfast TradFest (Jul 23rd – 29th)

Belfast TradFest returns for its summer edition between the 23rd and 29th of July, enjoy even more workshops and stunning concerts. Once again, there are venues throughout Belfast City, including a number of open-air events.

2. Forever Young Festival (Jul 14th – 16th)

Go back to the 80s with this sensational celebration of music’s cheesiest decade! The party takes place at Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare between the 14th and 16th of July, with a dazzling lineup of 80s superstars.

3. Otherside Music & Arts Festival (Jul 7th – 9th)

Located at Rock Farm in Slane, within the stunning Boyne Valley, this unique festival offers an incredible escape to the “Otherside”. Guests can enjoy everything from trad sessions to late-night raves in the woods, plus comedy, glamping, and wellness experiences.

4. Longitude (Jul 1st – 2nd)

Taking place at Marlay Park, Longitude is Dublin’s largest outdoor festival. The lineup for the 2023 edition is yet to be announced, but it’s scheduled to take place on the 1st and 2nd of July. 

Irish music festivals in August

Flyer via All Together Now

With glorious sunshine and long days, August is another superb month for music festivals in Ireland in 2023.

It’s the second busiest month of the year for Irish music festivals, with everything from the Fleadh to Independence taking place.

1. The Playing Fields Festival (Aug 25th – 26th)

One of the newest music festivals Ireland has to offer, the Playing Fields is set to celebrate its third exciting edition on August 25th and 26th at Clane GAA Grounds, Co. Kildare. Family-friendly with an epic lineup of Irish artists, it’s great value too.

2. Desmond O’Halloran Music Weekend (Aug 24th – 26th)

Set on the stunning Connemara island of Inishbofin, this folk and trad festival celebrates the life and music of one of the island’s most well-known musicians. It takes place from the 24th to the 26th of August.

3. Chamber Music on Valentia (Aug 17th – 20th)

Head to the magnificent Valentia Island for their annual chamber music festival, which runs from the 17th to the 20th of August in 2023. A must for lovers of classical music, there are workshops, concerts, and seminars in stunning venues across the island.

4. Another Love Story (Aug 18th – 20th)

Another Love Story is one of the smaller Irish music festivals, but it packs a punch and has been lovingly crafted to nurture a true sense of community. It takes place at Killyon Manor, Meath between the 18th and 20th of August, and offers an incredible mix of Irish music, camping, art, and culture.

5. Indiependence (Aug 4th – 6th)

Showcasing some of the best indie bands in Ireland and beyond, the fabulous Indiependence, complete with glamping, a beer hall, and DJ sets. Located in Mitchelstown, Cork, the party runs from the 4th to the 6th of August.

6. All Together Now (Aug 4th – 6th)

Boasting an impressive lineup, including headliner Iggy Pop, Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, hosts the incredible All Together Now Festival from the 4th to the 6th of August. There are boutique camping options, making it safe and fun for the entire family.

7. Fleadh Cheoil (Aug 6th – 14th)

Another of the more popular music festivals Ireland has to offer is the Fleadh. Simply meaning “music festival” in Irish, this lively festival brings a carnival atmosphere to the town of Mullingar, Westmeath. Running from the 6th to the 14th of August, you’ll find trad sessions, competitions, and workshops all week.

Irish music festivals in September, October, November, and December

As summer fades away, don’t be down! There are still plenty of incredible Irish music festivals to enjoy.

In fact, the largest of the many music festivals Ireland has to offer takes place each August!

1. Electric Picnic (Sept 1st – 3rd)

A veritable rock ‘n roll circus, Electric Picnic offers the ultimate end-of-summer party. Located on the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Laois between the 1st and 3rd of September, it boasts a killer lineup, theatre, comedy, art, and much more.

2. Tipperary Dance International Festival (Oct 2nd – 15th)

Returning for its 14th edition between the 2nd and 15th of October, this epic celebration of international dance boasts an impressive program of live performances, masterclasses, and workshops across the county.

3. Cork Jazz Festival (Oct 26th – 30th)

Ireland’s largest jazz festival takes place in venues across Cork between the 26th and 30th of October. There’s a sensational mix of big performances and smaller, more intimate sessions, with some of the best jazz musicians in the world.

4. Leaves Festival of Writing and Music (Nov 8th – 12th)

Bringing the best of Irish literature, music, and film to the unassuming town of Portlaoise, Laois, this fabulous festival celebrates both new and established writers and musicians and runs from the 8th to the 12th of November.

Music festivals Ireland 2023: Which ones have we missed?

Although we’ve covered the biggest music festivals in Ireland (and many of the smaller ones) in this guide, I’m sure we’ve left some out.

If you know of any Irish music festivals that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below.

FAQs about Irish music festivals 2023

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ireland music festivals have camping?’ to ‘What are the biggest music festivals in Ireland in 2023?’

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.