Music Festivals Ireland 2025: 49 To Look Forward To

If you’re looking to bop away at some music festivals in Ireland in 2025, 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 2025.

The best music festivals in Ireland 2025

The mast majority of music festivals Ireland has running in 2025 have confirmed their dates and headlier acts.

However, several are still TBC. We’ll update this guide when they’re announced. Dive on in!

Music festivals in Ireland in January, February, and March

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 101 of the best festivals in Ireland in 2025.

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

If you’re a fan of Irish folk music, Dundalk’s Your Roots Are Showing is worth a look. This is Ireland’s Folk Conference where you’ll find 100+ live performances taking place along with a Trade and Gig Fair for musicians.

2. Music For Galway Midwinter Festival (Galway, January 19th – 21st)

One of the stand-out classical music festivals in Ireland is Music for Galway. This is a 3-day midwinter festival that’s scheduled for the city’s Hardiman Ballroom and St. Nicholas’ Church. It features three chamber music concerts and a performance of ‘Requiem’.

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

Next up is one of the most popular music festivals Ireland has to offer. Previously held exclusively in Temple Bar, TradFest now takes place right across the capital, in some unique venues like Malahide Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. There are 100 acts performing traditional Irish music across 18 venues. 

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

Homebeat presents a weekend of music, arts, and outdoor experiences at Hotel Doolin, embracing the winter charm of West Clare and the shift from darkness to light.

5. Imbolc International Music Festival (Derry, January 26th – February 1st)

One of the more unique music festivals in Ireland in 2025 is the 8-day Imbolc Festival. Taking place in Derry’s Cultural Quarter, this is an extravaganza of music, arts, and culture that’s well worth a look!

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

For the Bowie fans among us, you’ll be happy to hear that Dublin’s Bowie festival has a jam-packed schedule in 2024. There are silent discos, a performance from ‘Revel Rebel’ in Opium and, the icing on the cake, a highly anticipated performance of some of Bowie’s top hots by the RTE Concert Orchestra.

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

The Ortús Chamber Music Festival brings together talented musicians from Ireland and around the world to showcase their skills in various venues throughout Cork City and the surrounding county. The festival boasts an impressive roster of accomplished violinists, fiddlers, and other musicians.

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

Take a spin out to Tipperary this March and enjoy Finding a Voice, by Róisín and Clíona Maher. Taking place in Clonmel, it features performances from leading Irish and international musicians.

9. Otherside Music & Arts Festival (Meath, March 16th)

Out in an expansive valley in Slane, the Otherside Music & Arts Festival mixes dance, art, wellness, food, and connection across three days on Rock Farm. Previous headliners included Lane 8 and DJ Seinfeld.

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

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

Music festivals in Ireland in April and May

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

April and May are fantastic months for discovering a wide mix of music festivals in Ireland in 2025.

1. New Music Dublin (Dublin, April 2nd – 6th)

Located in the National Concert Hall and numerous smaller venues, New Music Dublin runs between the 25th and 28rd of April. Ireland’s major contemporary music festival, the festival gives a platform to Ireland’s newest music makers.

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

The City of Derry Jazz Festival marks its 24th edition in 2025, featuring live jazz performances, cultural events, and the renowned Guinness Jazz Trail, drawing audiences from around the world.

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

The Ballydehob Jazz Festival is back this May Bank Holiday Weekend, offering live performances, a free music trail, swing dancing, a jazz poetry slam, a circus school, a craft market, and the famed New Orleans Jazz Funeral Parade.

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

A weekend of glamping, camping and tunes is coming to Kildare this May Bank Holiday. Greenfields has a packed line-up including The Whistling Donkeys, Sharon Shannon, The Fureys and Aslan.

5. 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.

6. Dublin Dance Festival (Dublin, May 13th – 24th)

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.

7. West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival (Wicklow, May 8th – 18th)

West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival takes place between the 15th and 19th 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.

8. Trad Fest Howth (Dublin, May 23rd – 25th)

Few music festivals in Ireland do trad quite like Feile Binn Éadair in Howth! Over the course of 3 days, 27 gigs take place along with 4 headline shows that are being held in the Abbey Tavern. Visitors can expect everyone from Sharon Shannon to The Beermats.

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

More and more dance and electro festivals in Ireland are popping up each year. One of the longest running is AVA, now in its 10th year. Taking place at the Titanic Slipways, it’s a must for all electronic music fans.

10. Life Festival (May, TBC)

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

Irish music festivals in June and July

June and July are perhaps the busiest month for Irish music festivals in 2025.

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

1. In The Meadows (Dublin, June 7th)

In The Meadows brings electrifying live music to Dublin with Iggy Pop, The Scratch, Gilla Band, Sprints, and more at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

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

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 21st to the 23rd of June, featuring a excellent lineup of talent from across the globe.

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

Clifden Summerfest promises a weekend of incredible live music with Claudia Buckley, Derek Ryan, Mundy, Paddy Casey, and Whistlin’ Donkeys, with more acts to come.

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

The buzzy town of Bantry hosts one of the most notable chamber music festivals in Europe each year. It boasts a whole host of world-class musicians, including Dana Zemtsov, Boris Giltburg, Chiaroscuro Quartet and more.

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

Taking place at Russborough House between the 28th and 30th of June, Kaleidoscope is Ireland’s premier family-friendly festival. There’s great music, camping, and countless attractions for both kids and adults to enjoy.

6. Night and Day Festival (Roscommon, June 27th – 29th)

One of the newer festivals in Ireland for 2025 is Night and Day Festival, taking place at Lough Fey Forest in Boyle. There’s a family zone and previous acts include Bell X1, Damien Dempsey and The Undertones.

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

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

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

Belfast TradFest returns for its summer edition between the 21st and 28th of July. Enjoy even more workshops and stunning concerts. Once again, there are venues throughout Belfast City, including a number of open-air events.

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

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.

10. Longitude (Dublin, July 5th – 6th TBC)

Taking place at Marlay Park, Longitude is Dublin’s largest outdoor festival. Taking place on June 29th and 30th, the line-up includes Central Cee, Doja Car and Becky Hill.

11. Dublin International Chamber Music Festival (Dublin, June TBC)

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 early-mid-June each year.

12. Sea Sessions Bundoran (Donegal, June TBC)

Combining great music, sun (maybe…), sea, and surfing, Sea Sessions is a popular festival that takes place on Bundoran Beach. The world-renowned surfing hotspot plays host to global superstars and unsigned talent alike between the 21st and 23rd of June. 

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

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 include Nelly Furtado, Groove Armada, Bicep and Freddie Gibbs.

Irish music festivals in August

With glorious sunshine and long days, August is another superb month for music festivals in Ireland in 2025.

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

1. 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.

2. All Together Now (Curraghmore Estate, July 31st – August 3rd)

Boasting an impressive lineup, including The National, Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, hosts the incredible All Together Now Festival from the 1st to the 4th of August. There are boutique camping options, making it safe and fun for the entire family.

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

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 city of Wexford. Running from the 3rd to the 10th of August, you’ll find trad sessions, competitions, and workshops all week.

4. The Farmer’s Bash (Belfast, August 9th – 10th)

The Farmer’s Bash expands to a two-day festival in with Kaiser Chiefs, The 2 Johnnies, The Coronas, Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, and more!

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

Curated by fiddle player Martin Hayes, Masters of Tradition showcases the best of Irish traditional music in the stunning setting of Bantry on Cork’s west coast.

6. The Big Day Out (Limerick, August 23rd)

The Big Day Out brings a stadium-sized throwback party to Limerick with Peter Andre, Whigfield, DJ Sash!, Ultrabeat, Heather Small, Tall Paul, N-Trance, and more for a 90s and 00s music extravaganza.

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

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 packed lineup of music, theatre, comedy, art, and much more.

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

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 between the 23rd and 25th of August, and offers a mix of Irish music, camping, art, and culture.

9. Emerge (Belfast, August 23rd and 24th)

Emerge returns to Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast where it’ll showcase some of the biggest global dance acts, like Nico Moreno, Patrick Topping and Peggy Gou.

10. Desmond O’Halloran Music Weekend (Galway, August TBC)

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 in late-August.

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

Back again in 2025, Howth Roots and Blues shines a light on the very best of Irish live roots and blues musicians along with a smattering of international artists also making an appearance.

12. Chamber Music on Valentia (Valentia, August TBC)

Head to the magnificent Valentia Island for their annual chamber music festival, which runs from the 15th to the 18th of August. A must for lovers of classical music, there are workshops, concerts, and seminars in stunning venues across the island.

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

As summer fades away, the number of Irish music festivals taking place begin to dwindle.

However, some of the most popular music festivals Ireland has to offer take place in the final quarter of the year.

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

Cork’s Sounds from a Safe Harbour is a celebration of art, dance and music and it’s curated by some industry heavyweights, like Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, actor Cillian Murphy, playwright Enda Walsh and Mary Hickson.

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

Common Threads returns to North Clare for its third edition with a thoughtfully curated two-day programme of music and art set against the breathtaking Burren landscape.

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

Ireland’s largest jazz festival takes place in venues across Cork between the 24th and 28th 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 (Laois, November TBC)

Bringing the best of Irish literature, music, and film to the town of Portlaoise, this fabulous festival celebrates both new and established writers and musicians and runs at the start of November.

5. Other Voices (Kerry, December TBC)

Music fans from across Ireland flock to the Dingle Peninsula each year for the hugely popular Other Voices. Taking place at the start of the month, the festival takes place in venues across the town and promises a weekend to remember.

Music festivals Ireland 2025: 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.