16 things to do this August taking place across Ireland

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

31 July – 7 August, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Traditional musicians of all ages gather in Mullingar for the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. It attracts in the region of 500,000 visitors every year. Check out what events are on right here.

Copper Face Jacks: The Musical

2-20 August, 3Olympia Theatre

Back by popular demand for its third stint at 3Olympia Theatre, you’ve got another chance to see Ross O Carroll Kelly author Paul Howard’s smash hit Copper Face Jacks: The Musical on stage. Fiona O’Carroll of Mrs. Brown’s Boys has joined the cast alongside Johnny Ward, who returns as Gino Wildes, Stephen O’Leary of Fair City is back as Mossy Munnix, with Rachel O’Connell of Young Offenders, Daithi O’Donnell of Ros na Rún and many more. Tickets are €26 and on sale via Ticketmaster.

Kilkenny Arts Festival

4-14 August, multiple locations across Kilkenny

Hosting an exhilarating programme of events from artists that invigorate, intrigue and inspire in the Marble City, Kilkenny Arts Festival is making its grand return after two years of adapted festivals. Running since 1974, this ten-day festival features the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers and artists in the city’s historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens. See the full programme here.

Howth Roots & Blues Festival

5-7 August, across six venues throughout Howth

For one weekend only, across six venues, 30 incredible bands will perform at Howth Roots & Blues Festival. Headlined by winner of ‘Blues Instrumentalist of the Year’ and ‘Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year’ at the 2022 UK Blues Awards, Dom Martin will perform on the Phil Lynott Stage at The Bloody Stream on Sunday. To see who else is in store, click here.

Temptation Festival

6 August, At The Manor, Palmerstown House, Johnstown, Co. Kildare

Temptation is set to bring the heat with over twenty house and techno DJs on the line up across two stages, for one day only! Headlined by Trance Wax, there’ll also be sets from Quinton Campbell, George Feely, Seamus D, Craig Gorman, and many more incredible acts. Take a look at the full lineup here.

Outdoor Movies @ Law Society

Every weekend throughout August, The Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Co. Dublin

Round up your friends, get the vibes flowing, and head out to The Law Society to catch a viewing of some incredible upcoming outdoor cinema offerings. From Fantastic Mr Fox on August 6, to The Princess Bride on August 26, your favourite movie could be on the list. See for yourself, right here.

Dublin Ports Festival

13-21 August, various locations around Dublin

EPIC, The Emigration Museum welcomes Ports, Past and Present this August for a wonderful week of events to celebrate Ireland’s rich port heritage. There’ll be exhibitions and app launches, biodiversity talks, artist meet and greets, documentary films, and family workshops all themed around the ports and maritime heritage. See the full list of events here.

Killorglin Puck Fair

10-12 August, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

Taking place in the geographical heart of county Kerry, Killorglin Puck Fair is Ireland’s oldest festival. A street festival rooted in the Gaelic calendar, this fair is a time when old friends meet, new friendships are forged, and the cares of everyday living are put on hold. From the Gathering on Wednesday, which includes the coronation of King Puck, the parade and the horse fair, to the dethroning of King Puck on Friday with a midnight fireworks display, check out the lineup here.

The Art of Costume

11 August – 16 October, Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

From a television adaptation that defined a generation to movies that defined an era, The Art of Costume exhibition is bringing items seen in some of the most prestigious film productions shot in Ireland to Russborough House. Ranging from Normal People and Little Women to The Guard and In The Name of the Father, this is one exhibition you won’t want to miss.

Cruinniú na mBád

12 – 14 August, Kinvara, Co. Galway

This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara. A celebration of the living tradition of the beautiful Galway Hookers, this fabulous regatta hosts the legendary turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers.

National Heritage Week

13-21 August, numerous events taking place across Ireland

National Heritage Week celebrates, as you might have guessed, all things heritage. Bringing together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, this week of events builds awareness about the value of heritage and supports its conservation. From walks and talks to exhibitions and online events, find out more here.

Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

15 August, The National Concert Hall, Co. Dublin

The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra comes to the National Concert Hall for the only Ireland performance in their tour of Europe and the USA. The orchestra is made up of recent refugees, Ukrainian members of European orchestras, and some of the top musicians of Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and elsewhere in Ukraine. The Ukraine Ministry of Culture has granted a special exemption to military-age, male members of orchestras inside the country to participate, allowing them to put down weapons and take up their instruments in a remarkable demonstration of the power of art over adversity. Money raised from the tour will go to the ministry to support Ukrainian artists. Tickets are available here.

Dublin Horse Show

17-21 August, RDS, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, CoDublin

Celebrating Ireland’s affinity with the horse since 1864, Dublin Horse Show is one of Ireland’s largest events, welcoming tens of thousands of people from all over the world. Across the five days, the grounds of the RDS will be taken over by some of the best horses and show jumpers from around Ireland and the world. It is, after all, considered one of the top global equestrian events. Find out more here.

Chamber Music Festival on Valentia

17-21 August, Valentia Island, southwest of County Kerry

Founded in 2014, Chamber Music on Valentia is an annual festival of international stature that thematically resonates with its backdrop, connecting performers and audience with inspirational performances in authentic settings. From soundtrail musical experiences to concerts in some of Valentia’s beautiful venues, their programme is made up of incredible performers, ensembles, composers and artists. Take a look here.

Rose of Tralee Festival

19-23 August, Tralee, Co. Kerry

An annual event beloved throughout Ireland, the Rose of Tralee brings a whole new level of excitement to the town of Tralee. RoseFest is a family-friendly, world-class international event celebrating Irish heritage and talent. Across the weekend there will be performances from the likes of Block Rockin’ Beats, Mundy, Cliona Hagan, DJ Fergal D’Arcy, and many more. Check it out here.

Another Love Story

19-21 August, Killyon Manor, Co. Meath

A bespoke festival weekender of music, art, conversation, food and frolics in the charming surrounds of Killyon Manor, Another Love Story fosters a true sense of community. Filling the manor with the sights and sounds of the finest Irish artists, as well as a selection of international performances, this year’s lineup features Cáit, Baker, Nealo, Moondiver, Ships, and many more. Check it out here.