July Guide: 16 of the best festivals and events happening this month
From music and arts festivals to exhibitions, installations, and pop-up shops, here's the best of what's happening around Ireland throughout the month of July...
Live at The Iveagh Gardens
Throughout July, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, more info here
A wealth of talent is descending on The Iveagh Gardens this month, kicking off with none other than Van Morrison on 4 July, and continuing with an incredible lineup including Sugababes, Dropkick Murphys, Christy Moore, Pillow Queens, Damien Dempsey, and Paloma Faith, to name but a few.
Happy Days Galway Pop-Up Shop
6&7 July, The Connacht Hotel, Galway, more info here
Happy Days Fashion Rental, the premier destination for stylish and sustainable dress rentals, is hosting an exclusive pop-up event at The Connacht Hotel in Galway just in time for the Galway Races. This event promises to offer fashion enthusiasts a unique opportunity to browse and book stunning outfits for the much-anticipated event.
Irish Youth Dance Festival
6&7 July, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here
The Irish Youth Dance Festival offers a national platform to showcase young emerging dancers performing works of leading national and international choreographers. This unique ensemble-based, performance-centred festival brings together dancers under the age of 25 with established and emerging choreographers, composers, film makers and teachers.
The Birdhill Coffee Festival
6&7 July, The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery, Tipperary, more info here
Taking place across two days, the Birdhill Coffee Festival will feature eight guest speakers, five daily education classes, twelve different coffee origins for you to taste, latte art throwdowns, street food trucks, and much more. Learn how to brew coffee at home, participate in latte masterclasses and various types of roasting, wine and Irish coffee demonstrations.
Cairde Sligo Arts Festival
6-13 July, Sligo, more info here
Inspired by the creative energy of Ireland’s Northwest, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is a unique coming together of artists and audiences in celebration of imagination and shared experience. This year’s highlights 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 Wandering Gaze, a major exhibition of work by Jack Butler Yeats exploring nomadic groups in partnership with The Model, and much more.
The Yoga Picnic
7 July, Lilliput House, Lough Ennell, Westmeath, more info here
Immerse yourself in an earth-wise, authentic, and intimate wellness experience at The Yoga Picnic. A day of yoga, movement practices, breathwork, meditation, dance and inspiring talks and workshops. You will have the opportunity to indulge in alternative therapies, including sound baths, reiki, and more.
Galway Film Fleadh
9-14 July, Galway, more info here
The Galway Film Fleadh returns for its 36th year with a programme that will most definitely pique your interest. Highlights include the Irish premiere of the Kneecap film, where the trio star alongside Michael Fassbender in their acting debut, a documentation of the making of the world’s largest light installation on an Irish mountain, and a VR ayahuasca experience — to name just a few.
Sult Féile
12&13 July, Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal, more info here
Set in the heart of the Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair, this two-day outdoor music festival’s lineup includes Example, Bell X1, Welshy, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Alabama 3, and many more. With single day tickets and camping options still available, it’s set to be quite the weekend.
West Cork Literary Festival
12-19 July, West Cork, more info here
This incredible literary festival returns for another year with a stellar lineup of discussions, readings, and workshops in Bantry. Standout appearances include Colm Tóibín, Miriam Margolyes, Anne Enright, Dolly Alderton, and Caleb Azumah Nelson.
Earagail Arts Festival
13-28 July, Donegal, more info here
Returning for its 37th festival of world class performances from around the globe, the Earagail Arts Festival 2024 programme spans everything rom the circus arts of Catalunya and the capoeira of Bahia, to the traditions of Tory to the stories of Arranmore and the blues of Bamako to the blues of Ballybofey.
Galway International Arts Festival
15-28 July, Galway, more info here
Exhibitions, workshops, theatrical displays and live music performances, it’s all present and accounted for at GIAF 2024. A huge annual event on the social calendar, the festival attracts visitors from near and far with its incredible lineup. This year, musical highlights include Kneecap, Annie Mac, KETTAMA, and The Undertones.
Forest Fest Music & Arts Festival 2024
19-21 July, Emo Village, Laois, more info here
An award-winning and unique Irish music festival showcasing the best of Irish trad and folk, Forest Fest’s 2024 headliners include Ash, The Stunning, King Kong Company, Jack Lukeman, The Human League, and more.
Belfast TradFest
21-28 July, Belfast, more info here
Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 6th edition across Belfast UNESCO City of Music in acknowledgement and celebration of the cultural diversity of the different traditions in Belfast.
National Gallery of Ireland’s ‘Women Impressionists’ exhibition
All month, National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square, Dublin, more info here
Marking the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, held in Paris in 1874, Women Impressionists showcases the works of four important artists. Berthe Morisot, Eva Gonzalès, Marie Bracquemond, and Mary Cassatt played vital roles in one of the most revolutionary movements in Western art. The exhibition will explore how each artist navigated complex personal and professional networks to create and exhibit her art.
Pawfect Portraits with Magnus Mudrack
25 July, The Circular & The Other Hand Bar, Dublin, more info here
For one night only, the master of pet portraits—Magnus Mudrack—will guide guests in creating their very own unique postcards, inspired by their furry friends. Perfect for sending to friends and family to share the joy your pet brings you, Mudrack will share his two decades of experience to help you craft an image that will bring a smile to your face every time.
AYALA Champagne Dinner at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins
25 July, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin, more info here
The next in a series of exclusive wine dinners, Forbes Street invites you to unveil the magic of the Champagne house AYALA. Start your journey on the rooftop at 6.30pm with canapés, followed by a 5-course tasting menu featuring exclusive back vintage releases.
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