25 for 2025: Festivals, fairs and fun to be found around Ireland this year
This year’s event calendar is top tier. Here’s an overview of just some of the incredible events coming up over the next 12 months.
TradFest
22-26 January, Dublin city and county, more info here
TradFest is a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Each January, it showcases the best of established and emerging musical talent at a landmark festival which is rooted in the historic and atmospheric setting of Dublin. Reimagining and redefining Irish music and reaching growing Irish and international audiences at live events and through digital channels, TradFest 2025 features Wallis Bird & The Spark, The Scratch, Transatlantic Women and many, many more familiar names.
Brigid 2025
31 January – 3 February, Kildare, more info here
Celebrating and commemorating the life and legacy of Saint Brigid, this programme of events creates a meaningful cultural and societal legacy that resonates with a diverse, contemporary audience. Events include concerts, talks, workshops and more.
Mother Tongues Festival
16-17 February, Tallaght, more info here
The eighth edition of the Mother Tongues Festival is bringing Ireland’s largest celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity back to Tallaght. The festival once again highlights the significance of language as a powerful tool for connection and celebrates the beauty of multilingualism and Ireland’s rich social fabric.
Dublin International Film Festival
20 February – 2 March, Dublin, more info here
Taking place over 11 unforgettable days, DIFF sees Dublin transform into a vibrant hub of cinematic excellence as the festival brings the best of Irish and international cinema to the capital for a celebration of storytelling. From world premieres to intimate screenings, exclusive Q&As to parties and celebrations, DIFF offers a unique journey into the world of film, all set against the backdrop of buzz of the Irish capital.
St Patrick’s Festival
15-17 March, Dublin, more info here
Of course, across the length and breadth of Ireland there will be many (many, many) parades and events celebrating Saint Paddy in all his glory, but the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage in the world takes place over the weekend in the capital and its programme of events is always incredible. In addition to the parade and its many floats (is there a Mrs. Tayto?), there’ll also be a stacked music line-up to look forward to and plenty of art installations to pique your interest.
Catalyst International Film Festival
3-5 April, Limerick, more info here
Submissions are currently open for Catalyst, so if you’re a filmmaker who would like to be involved in this celebration of diverse stories and diverse storytelling, now’s the time to get involved. Focussing on films that address under-representation both on screen and behind the camera, they’re committed to creating a more inclusive film industry.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
8-13 April, Galway city, more info here
This year marks Cúirt International Festival of Literature’s 40th year anniversary, so it’s an extra special event. As one of Europe’s oldest book festivals, Cúirt is a leading voice for literature both internationally and across Ireland. Committed to creating a space where all audiences are empowered through literature, the festival brings readers and writers together to tell stories, share new perspectives and to celebrate writing, books and reading in all its forms.
Waterford Festival of Food
25-27 April, Waterford, more info here
The 16th annual Waterford Festival of Food are currently taking expressions of interest for their markets, which are the highlight of the festival each year, attracting in excess of 30,000 people to the town. The emphasis is on local and artisan producers, so priority will be given to traders from county Waterford.
International Literature Festival Dublin
16-25 May, Dublin, more info here
In readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, events, podcasts and broadcasts, this literature festival celebrates the very best Irish and international fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters. Irish language writing and emerging talent are always supported and new voices championed through commissions and public initiatives.
Forbidden Fruit
31 May & 1 June, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, more info here
A two-day festival that expertly kicks off the season, the dates for Forbidden Fruit 2025 are not yet confirmed, but make sure you keep the June bank holiday weekend free. Headliners also remain under wraps, but if last year is anything to go by—Nelly Furtado, BICEP, Barry Can’t Swim, Four Tet—it’s bound to be class.
Cat Laughs Festival
31 May & 1 June, Kilkenny, more info here
Last year marked 30 years of the Cat Laughs Festival and though dates aren’t confirmed for 2025 just yet, it’s more than likely going to be the June bank holiday weekend. As you may have deduced, this is a comedy festival that brings the best of international and homegrown talent together for a long weekend of fun and revelry. Previous headliners include Joanne McNally, Dara Ó’Briain, Des Bishop and David O’Doherty.
Bloomsday
11-16 June, Dublin, more info here
Bloomsday celebrates Thursday, 16 June 1904, the day immortalised in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, one of the novel’s protagonists. The novel follows Bloom’s life and thoughts (as well as those of Stephen Dedalus and a host of other characters, real and fictional) from 8am through to the early hours of the following morning.
Dalkey Book Festival
June, Dalkey, more info here
Dalkey Book Festival celebrates and fosters literary talent in Ireland as well as hosting some of the world’s leading writers and thinkers. Dates for 2025 have not been announced yet and the line-up is, as of yet, under wraps.
Beyond the Pale
13-15 June, Glendalough Estate, Wicklow, more info here
A festival you need to go to while it still retains that ephemeral feeling of intimacy, Beyond the Pale creates a world of its own inside the boundaries of Glendalough Estate. The arts offering is, in my opinion, top tier and the food village—Beyond the Plate—is where it’s at. The 2025 line-up includes Berlioz, Róisín Murphy, Soda Blonde and Boney M.
West Cork Literary Festival
11-18 July, Bantry, West Cork, more info here
With a line-up announcement coming in late March, expectations are high as last year’s line-up featured Colm Tóibín, Miriam Margolyes, Anne Enright, Dolly Alderton and Caleb Azumah Nelson. There’ll be discussions, readings and workshops, so literature lovers will likely be counting down the days already.
Earagail Arts Festival
12-26 July, Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal, more info here
Spanning 16 days of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus and carnival on Ireland’s North West Atlantic seaboard, Earagail Arts Festival is a bilingual celebration that takes place in purpose built theatres and galleries, village halls, forests and beaches, creating a unique cultural experience in the most unlikely of magical places.
Galway International Arts Festival
14-27 July, Galway city, more info here
Despite slanty rain and impromptu downpours of hail, Galway retains a festival buzz all-year round, but there’s no better time to be in the west than the two weeks of the Arts Festival. There are incredible events across all disciplines, installations and exhibitions springing up all over the shop, people dancing through the streets and the trusty old Big Top bringing the talent to the stage. This year’s musical stylings are courtesy of The Mary Wallopers, Block Rockin Beats and Mogwai.
All Together Now
31 July – 3 August, Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, more info here
As is evidenced by my review, ATN24 was a real highlight of last year and I for one am already itching to get back into the throes of it comes the August back holiday. They’ve already unveiled their first acts for the line-up and it’s hard to see how it could be improved upon. CMAT, Fontaines DC, Gurriers, HINDS and Wet Leg? Oh hell yeah.
Puck Fair
10, 11 & 12 August, Killorglin, Kerry, more info here
The oldest fair in Ireland, Puck Fair is a street festival that has roots in the Gaelic calendar and is held without fail on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August every year with free family- friendly entertainment daily. “It is a time when old friends meet, when new friendships are forged and the cares of everyday living are put on hold.”
Electric Picnic
29-31 August, Stradbally, Laois, more info here
An event that requires little introduction, attending at least one Electric Picnic is a rite of passage for any Irish festival goer worth their salt. It’s Ireland’s largest music and arts festival and the 2025 instalment is already sold out — but resale tickets usually present themselves come summertime.
Another Love Story
August, Killyon Manor, Meath, more info here
Intentionally realised at a scale which fosters a true sense of community and an unparalleled attention to detail, Another Love Story celebrated its 10th birthday last year and we’re already buzzing for their 11th instalment. One of the country’s most intimate weekenders, last year’s line-up featured Modeselektor, Sampa the Great, John Francis Flynn and Jape.
Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
26-28 September, Galway, more info here
The oldest oyster festival in the world that continues to grow year on year, this festival is a celebration of the sea and its many bounties — primarily: oysters. Eating them, shucking them, presenting them, it’s just wall to wall oysters. You can also expect cookery demos, tasting sessions, live music and lots of family fun.
Cork Jazz Festival
24-28 October, Cork city, more info here
Over the course of the October bank holiday weekend, Cork city becomes a playground for music lovers. There are jazz bands marching down the streets, events happening 24/7 and live music reverberating from every avenue. The line-up is always diverse and wide-ranging, with highlights from last year including Gregory Porter, De La Soul, a DJ set from Hot Chip, King Kong Company and much more.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
October, Galway city, more info here
Ireland’s flagship arts festival dedicated to children and families, Baboró’s annual offering is a curated programme of high quality, engaging, provoking work from the best makers around the world and around the country. Live theatre, puppet shows, readings, interactive play — they’ve got it all. Exact dates are yet to be announced.
Púca Festival
31 October – 2 November, Trim/Athboy, Meath, more info here
This Samhain celebration is firmly rooted in tradition while bringing a contemporary, otherworldly energy to Meath where folklore remains alive and well, real and tangible. The procession blends outdoor theatre, street performance and music in a wild celebration of Samhain lore, nature, ancestry and the looming darkness. Last year’s music line-up included Bell X1, Kingfishr and Gavin James.
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