The arts scene in Ireland has thrived in recent decades, so it is no wonder that we can celebrate so many great Irish festivals each year. In this article we will explore some of the most popular annual Irish festivals.
We have divided our festivals into three distinct categories:
- Irish Music Festivals
- Irish Arts Festivals
- Traditional Irish Festivals
Each category is ordered by the month it takes place, so you can easily make festival plans for the year!
Irish Music Festivals
View this post on Instagram
#1. Forbidden Fruit – Irish music festivals
When:
The Forbidden Fruit Festival takes place on the bank holiday weekend (first weekend) in June.
Where:
Forbidden Fruit takes place on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Website:
See more on Forbidden Fruit’s official website
Forbidden Fruit Festival is the first and longest running city-centre festival in the heart of Dublin. If you’re in the capital city in June why not check out the set list!
One thing that sets this Irish festival apart from others is how easy it is to get to the site. Located just off the city centre, you won’t have to stress about long bus journeys or confusing directions if you are already in the city. There are also after parties in Dublin after the festival ends!
With a combination of music, art, fashion and good food, your weekend in Dublin is sorted! From Electronic DJ duo BICEP, to the introspective music of none other than Lorde and the king of alternative/indie folk Bon Iver, Forbidden Fruit Festival has got their fair share of in demand artists.
The line up is definitely varied, ranging from Irish musicians to established international talent, newcomers and everything in between. Forbidden Fruit is sure to be an interesting experience with a soundtrack of familiar tunes and exciting new songs.
#2. Belsonic – Irish music festivals
View this post on Instagram
When:
Belsonic kicks off from mid-June and continues until the end of the month.
Where:
Ormeau Park, Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GG
Website:
Find out more on Belsonic’s website
Belsonic is another outdoor festival celebrating the best of international talent. Located in Ormeau Park in Belfast, attendees have enjoyed the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Paolo Nutini, Sam Fender and Liam Gallagher.
With a focus on Pop, Rock and Indie/folk music, Belsonic differentiates itself from other festivals by organising individual shows throughout its run. You can buy a ticket for the acts you want to see individually, as opposed to being forced to buy a weekend ticket just to see one of favourite artists.
Personally I really like this individual concert set up as it is a great way to get a number of bigger artists to perform in Belfast over the summer. You can go to as many or as few concerts as you like and your experience will range from a night out in the city, to a week exploring everything that Belfast has to offer.
Not all of us can or want to spend a weekend at a festival; Belsonic allows you to enjoy music your way.
#3. Longitude – Irish music festivals
View this post on Instagram
When:
Longitude usually takes place during the first weekend in July
Where:
Marlay Park, Dublin
Website:
Find out more on Longitude’s official website.
Lovers of hip hop, rap music and the UK grime scene will be queuing up to buy tickets for Longitude, with artists such as Dave, Tyler the Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Aitch and Stormzy featuring in recent years.
Other global stars such as the Weeknd, Postmalone, J Cole and Travis Scott have featured on the stage.
The rise of Longitude coincided with the ending of Oxygen. Ireland’s former most popular music festival was held from 2004-2011 and focused on pop and rock music. Nowadays rap and hip hop have become some of the most popular genres in Ireland, and this festival definitely delivers on what the people want.
Longitude also gives Irish talent a platform, with the likes of Denise Chaila, Kojaque, Wild Youth and Versatile appearing over the years.
#4. Indiependence festival – Irish music festivals
View this post on Instagram
When:
This Irish festival takes usually takes place on the first weekend in August
Where:
Mitchelstown Co. Cork
Website:
See more on Indiependence festival’s official website.
Why not get your tent and camping equipment ready for our next festival. A combination of up and coming international musicians, a few big names and a lot of Irish talent make the line up of Indiependence.
Some of the best of Irish acts including Kodaline, Hudson Taylor, Bell X1, Hozier and the Coronas have performed in Mitchelstown over the last few years. Fellow Irish stars such as Hermitage Green, Walking on cars, Ham Sandwich and the Academic have also stolen the show with their performances.
In fact, the Academic were only two years into their music career and fresh out of secondary school when they performed at this Irish festival. They have only gone from strength to strength since and it really highlights the importance of celebrating Irish musicians and giving them a chance to show us their talent.
The campsite also offers a glamping option, which is a nice change from the more traditional camp sites at festivals. A glamping ticket gives access to a VIP Bar in the main arena which means you will spend less time standing in line for drinks at more time at front of the stage.
View this post on Instagram
#5. Electric Picnic – Irish music festivals
View this post on Instagram
When:
EP takes place during the first week of September
Where:
Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois.
Website:
Find out more info on Electricpicnic.ie
Primarily a music and arts festival, EP has everything you could want, including your favourite musicians and artists as well as podcasts, poetry, theatre, comedy, food and holistic health. There is a focus on quality festival services (namely food and camping) as well as creating a relaxed, eco-friendly atmosphere.
From Tame Impala to the Arctic Monkeys and Florence and the Machine, as well as Dermot Kennedy, Hozier and The Killers, EP has had their fair share of modern music legends grace its stage.
Whoever picks the line up is doing a great job at recognising talent; global super stars Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish played at the gig before their careers skyrocketed to amazing heights. It is hard to believe that they were not even the headline acts during the years they performed.
Electric picnic combines the thrill of seeing your favourite musicians live with the joys of camping with your friends. It is sure to be a weekend to remember, especially considering the weather can be hit or miss in September which may make your camping more eventful (and if we’re being honest, is part of the festival charm in the UK and Ireland)!
View this post on Instagram
#6. Guinness Cork Jazz Festival – Irish music festivals
This post first appeared on Travel Blog, Culture And Travel Vlogs From ConnollyCove, please read the originial post: here
