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Ireland Events Summer Guide: Top Festivals and Must-See Celebrations
Why Summer in Ireland Is a Season of Celebration
Ireland in summer is like stepping into a living postcard. With vibrant green fields, blooming flowers, and long daylight hours (sunset as late as 10 PM in June!), the country becomes the perfect backdrop for festivals. The summer months—June, July, and August—are packed with music, dance, storytelling, culinary delights, and traditions that connect visitors to Irish history and community.
Summer festivals in Ireland offer more than just entertainment—they invite you to become part of something ancient and authentic. Whether in a bustling city or a tiny rural village, you’ll find a sense of belonging, celebration, and charm.
Ireland Events Summer Calendar: June to August
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of top Irish summer events and what makes each one unique.
June Events in Ireland
Bloomsday Festival – Dublin (June 16th)
Celebrate James Joyce’s Ulysses in Dublin, where literature lovers don vintage clothing, follow walking tours, and read passages from the famous novel in streets and pubs.
Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival – Donegal
A favorite among young travelers, this surf-and-sound beach event in Bundoran blends live music, beach sports, and Atlantic coast vibes.
Cork Midsummer Festival
Multidisciplinary arts—from avant-garde theatre to cutting-edge music—take center stage across the city in open-air and traditional venues.
July Events in Ireland
Galway International Arts Festival
A flagship event of the Irish summer, with everything from orchestras to stilt walkers. Be sure to catch the Big Top Concerts or the Festival Garden for local food and drink.
Willie Clancy Summer School – Miltown Malbay
Not a typical “festival,†but an iconic week of traditional Irish music lessons, concerts, and ceilidhs (social dances) in County Clare.
Dalriada Festival – Glenarm Castle
Combining heritage, Highland Games, music, and fine food, this festival in Northern Ireland offers both history buffs and modern families something to love.
August Events in Ireland
Puck Fair – Killorglin
The most eccentric event of the season! Locals crown a goat King of the Fair while enjoying fireworks, horse markets, parades, and late-night concerts.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Ireland’s premier traditional music competition draws over 500,000 people for a week of lively sessions, competitions, and Irish dancing. It rotates locations—check the host town for the year you’re visiting!
Spraoi Festival – Waterford
A late-summer street art celebration featuring international performers, parades, and a jaw-dropping fireworks show over the River Suir.
Durrow Scarecrow Festival – County Laois
Creative, cute, and comical scarecrows fill the streets of Durrow in this whimsical event that includes food stalls, crafts, and storytelling.
More Must-See Ireland Events Summer Travelers Love
Boyle Arts Festival – Roscommon (Late July–Early August)
Tucked away in the countryside, this small-town arts event punches above its weight with top-class music, painting exhibitions, and intimate performances.
Taste of Dublin (June)
Gourmands gather in Merrion Square to sample cuisine from Ireland’s best chefs and restaurants. A must for foodies traveling to Dublin.
Ennis Street Arts Festival – County Clare (July)
The streets come alive with performances, puppetry, and creativity perfect for families and kids.
Summer Travel Tips for Festival-Goers in Ireland
- Pack layers and a raincoat. Even during summer, Ireland’s weather is unpredictable.
- Use the Irish Rail and Bus Éireann network for affordable, scenic travel between cities.
- Plan around bank holidays, especially the August one, when accommodation fills up.
- Stay local. Many festivals are held in charming towns with cozy B&Bs or farm stays.
- Book early. Especially for big festivals like Fleadh Cheoil or Galway Arts, hotels fill fast.
Sample Itinerary for Experiencing the Best Ireland Events in Summer
Day 1–2: Dublin – Bloomsday Festival or Taste of Dublin
Day 3: Travel west to Galway for the International Arts Festival
Day 4–5: Explore Cliffs of Moher + Miltown Malbay (Willie Clancy Summer School)
Day 6: Killorglin – Puck Fair
Day 7: Waterford – Spraoi Festival finale and fireworks
FAQ: Ireland Events Summer
Q: What are some lesser-known summer events in Ireland worth visiting?
A: The Boyle Arts Festival, Ennis Street Arts Festival, and the quirky Durrow Scarecrow Festival offer unique, crowd-free alternatives to the larger events.
Q: Is it safe and easy to travel between events in Ireland?
A: Yes! Ireland has a solid public transport network, and locals are friendly. For rural festivals, renting a car may be helpful.
Q: What should I bring for Irish summer festivals?
A: Layers, a waterproof jacket, good walking shoes, and an umbrella. And don’t forget a camera—scenic beauty is everywhere.
Q: Are Irish summer events good for families?
A: Many festivals—like the Spraoi, Durrow, and Ennis—are very family-friendly, with games, crafts, food, and live shows.
Q: When should I book my trip for Ireland summer festivals?
A: Ideally, book by early spring for popular July or August events. Flights and accommodations fill up fast, especially near major festivals.
