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Music Festivals Ireland 2024: 39 To Look Forward To

Music Festivals Ireland 2024: 39 To Look Forward To

If you’re looking to bop away at some music festivals in Ireland in 2024, 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 2024.

Table of Contents

The best music festivals in Ireland 2024

Irish music festivals 2024

The mast majority of music festivals Ireland has running in 2024 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

trad music

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 101 of the best festivals in Ireland in 2024.

1. Your Roots Are Showing (Louth, January 17th – 21st)

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 24th – 28th)

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. Imbolc International Music Festival (Derry, January 28th – February 4th)

One of the more unique music festivals in Ireland in 2024 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!

5. The Bowie Festival (Dublin, February 7th – 11th)

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.

6. Belfast TradFest (Belfast, February 23rd – 25th)

Between the 23rd and 24th 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.

7. Ortús Chamber Music Festival (Cork, February 25th – March 3rd)

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 7th – 10th)

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 17th)

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

Music festivals in Ireland in April and May

Photos via Shutterstock

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 2024.

1. New Music Dublin (Dublin, April 25th – 28th)

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. Galway Theatre Festival (Galway, April 2024 TBC)

One of the more popular festivals during the spring months is the Galway Theatre Festival. This event is dedicated to providing a platform for independent theatre. Enjoy an array of shows at theatres big and small across Galway City.

3. Birr Festival of Music (Offaly, May 2nd – 6th)

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. Dublin Dance Festival (Dublin, May 14th – 26th)

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.

5. West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival (Wicklow, May 15th – 19th)

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.

6. Ava Festival (Belfast, May 31st – June 1st)

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.

7. 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

Irish music festivals in July

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June and July are perhaps the busiest month for Irish music festivals in 2024.

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

1. Forbidden Fruit (Dublin, June 1st – 3rd)

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.

2. Beyond the Pale (Glendalough, Jun 21st – 23rd)

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. West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Bantry, June 28th – July 7th)

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.

4. Kaleidoscope Festival (Wicklow, June 28th – 30th)

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.

5. Sea Sessions Bundoran (Donegal, Jun 21st – 23rd)

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. 

6. Longitude (Dublin, June 29th – 30th)

Taking place at Marlay Park, Longitude is Dublin’s largest outdoor festival. The lineup for the 2024 edition is yet to be announced, but it’s scheduled to take place on June 29th and 30th.

7. Body & Soul (Westmeath, Update: Cancelled)

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. 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.

9. Open Ear Festival (Cork, May 31st – June 2nd)

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. Belfast TradFest (Belfast, July 21st – 28th)

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.

11. Forever Young Festival (July TBC)

Get transported back to the 80s with this sensational celebration of music’s cheesiest decade! The party takes place at Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare in mid-July, with a dazzling lineup of 80s superstars.

Irish music festivals in August

Irish music festivals in August

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With glorious sunshine and long days, August is another superb month for music festivals in Ireland in 2024.

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

1. All Together Now (Curraghmore Estate, August 1st – 4th)

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.

2. Fleadh Cheoil (Wexford, August 4th – 11th)

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 4th to the 11th of August, you’ll find trad sessions, competitions, and workshops all week.

3. Chamber Music on Valentia (Valentia, August 15th – 18th)

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. Electric Picnic (Laois, August 16th – 18th)

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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Indiependence (Update: Taking a break in 2024)

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, the party runs at the start of August each year.

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

Irish music festivals in September

Photos via Shutterstock

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 7th – 10th)

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. Cork Jazz Festival (Cork, October 24th – 28th)

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.

3. Tipperary Dance International Festival (Oct TBC)

Returning for its 14th edition at the start of of October, this celebration of international dance boasts an impressive program of live performances, masterclasses, and workshops across the county.

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 2024: Which ones have we missed?

music festivals ireland 2024

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 2024

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 2024?’

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.

What are the best Irish music festivals on in 2024?

In our opinion, Sea Sessions (Donegal, Jun 21st – 23rd), TradFest (Dublin, January 24th – 28th) and Otherside (Meath, March 17th) are the best music festivals Ireland has to offer.

What are the biggest music festivals in Ireland in 2024?

Electric Picnic (Laois, August 16th – 18th), Forbidden Fruit (Dublin, June 1st – 3rd and Body & Soul (Westmeath, June) are three of the biggest Irish music festivals in 2024.

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Ian Murphy

Friday 24th of March 2023

Just two Festivals you've left out One is the Forest Festival which I'll be going for the very first time this year And the second is the Rory Gallagher Festival every year on the June bank holiday weekend up in Ballyshannon Donegal for the past 12 years I've been going to it

Emma

Friday 21st of February 2020

New (or should I say returning after over 20 years) festival this year is Sunstroke... happening in Punchestown 13-14 June. Definitely one for the lovers of heavier music / metal etc. featuring Faith No More, Deftones, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Sepultura etc.

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