Irish summers are just the best.
Ludicrously long days, dreamy lazy evenings and some of the best music festivals in the world. And no, we’re not just saying that.
Ireland’s festivals are some of the most spectacular and easy-going – and they cater to absolutely everyone’s needs. Buying your ticket now (and peer pressuring your mates into doing the same) will give you something to look forward to.
So here’s the hitlist.
1. Forbidden Fruit, Royal Hospital Kilmainham
June 3 – June 5
Forbidden Fruit has become rather legendary over its few short years of providing excellent times – and with a name like Forbidden Fruit, you know to expect some sort of carnage. This festival takes place over three days on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
The line up generally has a mix of newbies as well as huge names, and this time around is no different, with Tame Impala and Underworld leading the charge.
Tier two tickets are currently on sale for €109.50, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a cracker of a weekend.
2. Life Festival, Belvedere House
May 27 – May 29
Life is a festival for the senses, held in Belvedere House and Gardens in Westmeath every year.
As well as the latest and greatest dance music, it has arts activities and street performers; from jugglers to fire breathers to magicians. There is also a healing area for massage, yoga workshops and reiki. You’ll need it.
3. Body and Soul, Ballinlough Castle
June 17 – June 19
Body and Soul is the closest Ireland comes to Burning Man, with cool hippies on tightropes at one end and pottery making workshops at the other.
Its recent popularity means it is no longer deemed a small festival, and also that it serves fast food like burgers and pizza as well as falafel and tzatziki.
The line up boasts an array of acts, such as: Lamb, Savages, Dan Deacon, Shit Robot, Flight Facilities, Super Furry Animals and Sohn – meaning you couldn’t be more spoiled for choice. The only trouble is choosing who to see and when.
4. Indiependence, Deer Farm, Mitchelstown
July 29 – July 31
Indiependence is an award winning festival which takes place in north Cork each year on the August Bank Holiday weekend, and is hitting double digits this year with its 10th year in operation.
The festival features a wide variety of artists as well as comedy, spoken word, a small cinema and many other attractions. It has been shortlisted as one of the best small festivals in Europe several times as well as winning loads of awards within Ireland.
Line up includes a lot of Irish acts, as well as some of the best of the rest of the world with Bell X1, The Kooks, Hudson Taylor and The Blizzards headlining.
5. Longitude, Marlay Park
July 15 – July 17
Winner of ‘Best New Festival’ and ‘Best Medium Festival’ at Irish Festival Awards 2014, Longitude is another three day non-camping festival situated in the heart of Dublin.
It’s considered the more urban version of Electric Picnic, perfect for those who aren’t too keen on camping. The line up tends to every taste, which is quite rare with festivals nowadays it has to be said, with a lot more acts being announced closer to the date, growing the excitement.
Longitude generally delves out a few spots for newer, younger Irish bands and DJs, showcasing our nation’s newest talents for all to see. Basically, it’s the sort of festival that will send you home with a brand new favourite band, and that’s always welcome.
6. Knockanstockan, Lacken
July 22 – July 24
Knockanstockan is an independent music festival, created out of necessity to support Irish music and arts, as well as international acts too. It’s currently in its seventh year and has no hint of slowing down.
It quaintly calls itself a shindig, giving you an idea of how big we’re talking. The campsite is only a mere two minute walk away from the staging area and is well worth the trip if you’re considering.
It’s three days long this year and is one of the cheaper festivals on the list at €115, with €80 early bird tickets.
7. Ravelóid, Ardgillan Castle
June 10 – June 11
The first of its kind, Ravelóid is the very first festival Ireland has to offer fully as Gaeilge. But don’t fret, in their words ”The festival welcomes all with an interest in the Irish language – there won’t be an exam on the way in :)”.
Ravelóid will be the first ever Summer festival putting the Irish language and culture at the centre of a dynamic mixture of contemporary and traditional music, comedy, dance, literature, discussions, workshops and more. The line up is solid and the buzz of a new festival is always palpable.
Don’t write this one off if you think your Gaeilge isn’t up to scratch, we’re all usually better at it when we’ve had one or two anyway. Ag tnúth leis an gceann seo.
8. Sea Sessions, Bundoran
June 24 – June 26
Sea Sessions is Ireland’s premier festival based around surfing and music.
It used to be attended by Ireland’s water sporting elite, but now is open to anyone who’s everyone. Day tickets are around the €50 mark, with three day camping currently going for €124.90.
The local nightclub Jumping Jacks (rumour has it it makes Coppers look like Afternoon Tea) is generally where everyone ends up after a night of international acts taking the stage, and if that doesn’t make you feel Irish – nothing will.
9. Electric Picnic, Stradbally
September 2 – September 4
LCD Soundsystem.
Need we say any more?
10. Dublin City Soul Festival, Merrion Square
May 28 – May 29
Dublin City Soul Festival is a haven of feel good vibes, where people come together to celebrate peace, unity and love.
Taking place over two days in Merrion Square it is a vibrant, multi-cultural and positive festival experience, celebrating soulfulness. What a better way to celebrate such a weekend than in the beautiful and central Merrion Square.
An absolutely whopper display of music, dance and workshops is to be had, so get yourself to it for something different.
11. BARE In The Woods, Garryhinch Woods
June 11
B.A.R.E is a one day event based in the heart of Portarlington, that looks a bit like an upgraded Middle Earth, and is generally attended by people are are either a) sound, b) cool, or both.
The layout is incredible, and the effort, ingenuity and creativity that went into this is worthy of any festival anywhere in the world. Due to its small size and it being only 24 hours long, it sort of feels like you’re in on a secret with the selected few other attendees.
Tickets generally fly out fast and its growing popularity means that they’ll for sure sell out much quicker than previous years. Treat yo’self and try out this new festival experience.
12. Willie Clancy Week, Miltown Malbay
July 2 – July 10
Willie Clancy week actually has the rare ability to last a fortnight, meaning double the craic and double the music.
Ireland’s biggest trad festival is something to be seen to be believed, with all the pubs of Clare’s Miltown Malbay having to basically remove their doors due to the amount of people wanting to be involved in the session.
You’re guaranteed to hear some of the finest music, find some of Ireland’s best dancers, have some of the best craic you’ll ever experience, and find it all under West of Ireland sunshine. Also, the Guinness is great.
READ NEXT: Feeling The Cold? Here Are 11 Music Festivals Abroad To Get You in The Summer Mood
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