Music Festivals Ireland 2026: 63 To Look Forward To

If you’re looking to bop away at some music festivals in Ireland in 2026, you’re in luck – there are 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 2026.

The best music festivals in Ireland 2026

The mast majority of music festivals Ireland has running in 2026 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 2026.

1. Out to Lunch (Belfast, January 8th – 31st)

Belfast’s long-running mid-winter celebration packs the Cathedral Quarter with more than 100 music, comedy, theatre, art and literary events. It pulls in over 60,000 visitors each year, mixing big headline names with newer voices on the rise.

2. Folk iN Fusion (Belfast, January 13th)

Folk iN Fusion opens Belfast’s week of global folk and roots music with a one-night showcase at the Waterfront Hall. The 2026 bill brings together Amy Grant, Crystal Gayle, Rissi Palmer, Jim Lauderdale and a strong mix of other Nashville and Belfast talent.

3. TradFest (Dublin, January 20th – 24th)

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. Music For Galway Midwinter Festival (Galway, January 23rd – 25th)

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.

5. A Sliver of Light (Doolin, January 23rd – 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.

6. John McFadden Festival (Mayo, January 30th – February 1st)

A locally driven celebration in Newport that shines a light on Mayo’s musical traditions across three days of workshops, sessions, céilís and a main-stage concert. The programme typically includes children’s music sessions, dance classes, talks, youth events and a lively céilí led by the Piper’s Cross Céilí Band.

7. Imbolc International Music Festival (Derry, February 1st – 7th)

One of the more unique music festivals in Ireland in 2026 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!

8. The Bowie Festival (Dublin, February 24th – March 1st)

For the Bowie fans among us, you’ll be happy to hear that Dublin’s Bowie festival is set to have a jam-packed schedule for 2026, with full details to be announced shortly.

9. Ortús Chamber Music Festival (Cork, February 27th – March 1st)

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.

10. The Gathering Festival of Music & Arts (Killarney, March 4th–8th)

The Gathering brings five days of full-throttle trad to the Gleneagle Hotel, where everything (concerts, céilís, workshops, sessions, and the late-night festival club) takes place under one roof. The 2026 programme rounds up some of the boldest musicians, singers and dancers in Irish traditional arts, creating an immersive, non-stop celebration that takes over every corner of the hotel.

11. Fingal International Festival of Voices (Dublin, March 5th – 8th)

A four-day celebration in Balbriggan that brings together vocal groups, performers and ensembles from around the world. The programme mixes concerts, competitions, live performances, food stalls and local arts-and-crafts markets throughout the town.

12. Finding a Voice (Clonmel, March 5th – 8th)

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.

13. St. Patrick’s Music Festival (Belfast, March 14th)

St Patrick’s Music Festival 2026 offers a dynamic celebration of Irish music and culture, featuring live performances, céilís, workshops, and more.

14. 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.

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 2026.

1. New Music Dublin (Dublin, April 15th – 19th)

Located in the National Concert Hall and numerous smaller venues, New Music Dublin is Ireland’s major contemporary music festival. It gives a platform to Ireland’s newest music makers.

2. City of Derry Jazz Festival (Derry, April 30th – May 4th)

The City of Derry Jazz Festival marks its 24th edition in 2026, featuring live jazz performances, cultural events, and the renowned Guinness Jazz Trail, drawing audiences from around the world.

3. Birr Festival of Music (Offaly, April 30th – May 4th)

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.

4. Cup of Tae Festival (Donegal, May 1st – 4th)

Cup of Tae pays tribute to Ardara fiddle great John ‘The Tae’ Gallagher with a weekend of lively pub sessions, concerts and hands-on music workshops. Last year’s guest of honour is acclaimed fiddler and teacher Kevin O’Donnell.

5. Kilkenny Roots Festival (Kilkenny, May 1st – 4th)

A four-day mix of alt-country, Americana and roots acts in intimate Kilkenny venues, with a packed lineup running from afternoon sessions to late-night gigs across the city.

6. Ballydehob Jazz Festival (Cork, May 1st – 4th)

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.

7. Bray Jazz (Wicklow, May 1st – 3rd)

Bray Jazz is one of Europe’s standout jazz weekends, drawing leading international artists to the seaside town for a mix of main-stage shows, smaller late-night gigs and a buzzing, close-up festival feel.

8. Greenfields (Kildare, May 2nd – 3rd)

A weekend of glamping, camping and tunes is coming to Kildare this May Bank Holiday. Greenfields always has a good line-up, and in previous years The Whistling Donkeys, Sharon Shannon and The Fureys have taken to the stage.

9. West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival (Wicklow, May 20th – 24th)

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.

10. Open Ear Festival (Cork, May 28th – 31st)

Every year, 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.

11. Rory Gallagher International Festival (Donegal, May 28th – 31st)

The 22nd Rory Gallagher International Festival takes over Ballyshannon with headline shows, free street performances and a lively atmosphere that honours the guitarist’s legacy and attracts fans from across the globe.

12. Doonbeg Jazz Festival (Clare, May 29th – June 1st)

The 2026 Doonbeg International Jazz Festival marks its 26th edition with a packed weekend on Clare’s coast. Eleven bands from Ireland and the UK are lined up, delivering 27 performances across local venues throughout the festival.

13. Night and Day Festival (Roscommon, May 29th – 31st)

One of the newer festivals in Ireland for 2026 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.

14. Ava Festival (Belfast, May 29th – 30th)

More and more dance and electro festivals in Ireland are popping up each year. One of the longest running is AVA, now in its 11th year. Taking place at the Titanic Slipways, it’s a must for all electronic music fans.

15. Forbidden Fruit (Dublin, May 30th – 31st)

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!

16. When Next We Meet (Tipperary, May 30th – 31st)

When Next We Meet brings Raheen House in Clonmel to life again, turning its gardens into an intimate three-stage festival that spotlights some of the strongest acts in Ireland’s alternative music scene.

17. Trad Fest Howth (Dublin, May TBC)

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.

Irish music festivals in June and July

June and July are perhaps the busiest month for Irish music festivals in 2026.

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

1. Galway Folk Festival (June 3rd – 7th)

The Galway Folk Festival is back for its fifth year, bringing five days of top-tier folk, roots and traditional music to the city, along with free pop-up performances and a lively atmosphere throughout Galway.

2. The Farmer’s Bash (Belfast, June 12th)

The Farmer’s Bash returns to Ormeau Park in 2026 with one of its biggest lineups yet, bringing country, folk and high-energy live acts together for a massive summer night in Belfast. With huge crowds, long-running popularity and a stacked bill, it’s gearing up to be one of the standout music events of the year.

3. Beyond the Pale (Glendalough, Jun 12th – 14th)

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.

4. Clifden Summerfest (Galway, June 12th – 14th)

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.

5. Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival (Ballydehob, June 19th – 20th)

A two-day West Cork celebration of maritime and folk music, with shanties, pub sessions, craft stalls and a ticketed fundraising concert in Ballydehob Community Hall.

6. West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Bantry, June 26th – July 5th)

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.

7. 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.

8. TuneFest Dungarvan (Waterford, June TBC)

One of the most exciting emerging Irish music festivals, TuneFest Dungarvan features world-class musicians, pub sessions, workshops, a busking competition, and open-air concerts.

9. Kaleidoscope Festival (Wicklow, July 3rd – 5th)

Taking place at Russborough House between the 3rd and 5th 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.

10. Longitude (Dublin, July 4th – 5th July)

Taking place at Marlay Park, Longitude is Dublin’s largest outdoor festival. This years line up sees 50 Cent, David Guetta, Sonny Fodera and many more take to the stage.

11. Liberty Music Festival (Tipperary, July 4th – 5th)

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.

12. Forest Fest (Laois, July 24th – 26th)

Forest Fest delivers three days of music, art and community spirit to Emo Village in Co. Laois, creating a family-friendly weekend built around connection, shared experiences and standout performances.

13. Belfast TradFest (Belfast, July 26th – August 2nd)

Belfast TradFest is set to be one of the most anticipated music festivals in Ireland in 2026. Enjoy even more workshops and stunning concerts. Once again, there are venues throughout Belfast City, including a number of open-air events.

14. Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival (Donegal, July 30th – August 2nd)

The 49th Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival showcases top folk and trad acts along the River Erne, bringing performers and audiences together in Ireland’s oldest town on the Wild Atlantic Way.

15. All Together Now (Curraghmore Estate, July 30th – August 2nd)

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.

16. In The Meadows (Dublin, July TBC)

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

Irish music festivals in August

With glorious sunshine and long days, August is another superb month for music festivals in Ireland in 2026.

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

1. Fleadh Cheoil (Belfast, August 2nd – 9th)

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 Belfast. You’ll find trad sessions, competitions, and workshops all week.

2. Howth Roots and Blues (Dublin, August 7th – 9th)

Back again in 2026, 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.

3. Chamber Music on Valentia (Valentia, August 13th – 16th)

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.

4. Masters of Tradition (Cork, August 19th – 23rd)

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.

5. Another Love Story (Meath, August 21st – 23rd)

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. Expect a mix of Irish music, camping, art, and culture.

6. Electric Picnic (Laois, August 28th – 30th)

A veritable rock ‘n roll circus, Electric Picnic offers the ultimate end-of-summer party. Located on the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Laois, it boasts a packed lineup of music, theatre, comedy, art, and much more.

7. 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.

8. The Big Day Out (Limerick, August TBC)

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.

9. Emerge (Belfast, August 29th – 30th)

Emerge returns to Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast where it showcases some of the biggest global dance acts.

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 TBC)

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. Clonakilty Guitar Festival (Cork, September TBC)

The 22nd Clonakilty International Guitar Festival marks over twenty years of music in the seaside town with headline gigs, a free session trail and a strong mix of emerging artists and international performers.

3. Common Threads (Clare, October TBC)

Common Threads returns to North Clare for its 4th edition with a thoughtfully curated two-day programme of music and art set against the breathtaking Burren landscape.

4. Sligo Live (Sligo, October 22nd – November 1st)

Sligo Live major folk, roots and indie festival music festival in Ireland run by local musicians, bringing established acts and emerging artists to stages across Sligo.

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

Ireland’s largest jazz festival takes place in multiple venues across Cork, boasting a sensational mix of big performances and smaller, more intimate sessions, with some of the best jazz musicians in the world.

6. 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.

7. 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 2026: 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.