July Event Guide: Everything happening this month that should be on your radar

Clonmel Junction Arts Festival

1-9 July

Founded in 2001 to celebrate touring theatre and live music, this annual multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrates Clonmel and its talented artists, bringing people together through live performances, including theatre, music, dance, literature, and more. In 2023, the festival will feature two hub venues in Clonmel’s new Civic Plaza, showcasing local, regional, national, and international work. The festival is curated with open calls for artists of all disciplines.

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

1-9 July

Inspired by the creative energy of Ireland’s Northwest, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is a unique coming together of artists and audiences. It is a celebration of imagination and shared experience that welcomes all. Highlights in 2023 include exhibitions and events as part of Hereditas, a collaborative art project between artist Seamus Nolan and Sligo Traveller Support Group exploring elements of Traveller culture and social history, The Seas Above, newly commissioned spectacle work by LUXE, and The Hare new theatre by Bob Kelly and Clare Monnelly.

Kelis | Hen’s Teeth x Guinness Summer Takeover

5 July

Guinness are teaming up with Dublin 8 Gallery Hen’s Teeth to host international taste innovators – launching with global superstar Kelis. Guests are invited to join Cordon Bleu-trained chef Kelis who will take inspiration from her Caribbean and American heritage to create a menu featuring Green Papaya Salad with Macadamia Nut, Guinness Braised Oxtail Poutine with Fried Cassava. After dinner the summer evening will continue with pints of Guinness and guest DJs.

Siúcra at the Róisín Dubh

7 July

Bringing their sweet sweet pick‘n’mix of rhythmic blues and ambient folk to Galway’s Róisín Dubh one again, Siúcra will be incorporating some original tunes from their upcoming EP into their eclectic setlist that sees pop classics get the trad treatment, and rock anthems get dipped in sugar. Think CMAT meets Fleetwood Mac, but also Wolf Alice meets Alice in Chains. Good times are guaranteed, dancing shoes are recommended. Tickets are €10/€12, and can be purchased here.

Bulmers Secret Orchard Gigs

7 & 28 July

Bulmers’ next Secret Orchard gigs will take place in TF Royal, Mayo on 7 July, headlined by Ailbhe Reddy and in Dolans, Limerick on 28 July, headlined by Le Boom. Fans can register now to attend all gigs for FREE by clicking here, and tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Galway Film Fleadh

11-16 July

Celebrating 35 years of bringing New Irish Cinema, World Cinema and filmmakers from across the world to Galway for the annual Fleadh, Galway Film Fleadh’s 2023 programme features 34 Irish films, including 20 world premieres and seven Irish premieres. Highlights include Apocalypse Clown from director George Kane, the Sundance award winning LGBTQ+IA film MUTT, and Chandler Levack’s directorial debut, I Like Movies.

The Big Picnic 2023

16 July

The Barretstown Big Picnic returns to open the gates of Barretstown Camp in county Kildare to the public for a magical open day. Throughout the day, they’ll be running all their usual activities, and will have a bunch of special guests helping to make the day extra special. All visitors need to do is pack the sunblock and a picnic basket and blanket and get set for a superb family day out for both young and old alike.

Galway Arts Festival

17-30 July

This multidisciplinary Galway International Arts Festival programme includes Irish and international work of the highest quality, featuring theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street spectacle, dance, discussion and comedy. In 2022, over 600 performances took place in 32 venues over the course of 14 days, with an attendance in excess of 300,000, and some highlights of this year include gigs from Pavement, Bell X1, and KT Tunstall.

Live On The Harbour

27, 28 & 29 July

Live On The Harbour will be rolling into Dún Laoghaire Harbour for three whole nights of incredible music spanning three different genres of music, along with a whole lot of immense craic. Headliners across the weekend include the incredible Ibiza Orchestra, one of the UK’s most successful and influential rappers of all time Dizzee Rascal, and chart-topping artists such as Tinie Tempah and Jax Jones.

‘Stuck in the Mud’ by Sarah McKenna Ceramics

31 July – 5 August

Sarah McKenna will commemorate two decades of her clay journey with an exciting exhibition at the Bridge Street Studios Gallery, Dundalk with an artistic showcase that offers visitors an exclusive view of her newest creations, including unique sculptures and wall art. In a nostalgic twist, fan favourites like the ‘Peppered Globes’ will also be brought back to life. Granting ample opportunity for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to appreciate and engage with Sarah’s 20-year-long love affair with clay, this celebration of over 20 years of creativity in clay is an event not to be missed.

Racing for Rosabel

31 July

Since 2018, Racing for Rosabel has generated vital awareness and funds for Rosabel’s Rooms, the much-needed child-loss project that provides financial and therapeutic support to bereaved parents and families around Ireland. This year The Connacht Hotel is delighted to be hosting the event in its sixth year, on Monday 31 July. A great way to kick off the 2023 Summer Festival, Racing for Rosabel will feature a drinks reception, followed by a three-course luncheon, and includes transport and entry to Day One of the Galway Races.

Featured image via Galway International Arts Festival