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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
