Festivals in Ireland: 20 Must-Visit Events You Can’t Miss

Looking for the best festivals in Ireland? From ancient Celtic traditions to modern music and comedy events, Ireland’s festivals capture the country’s vibrant spirit, creativity, and charm. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, these celebrations showcase the very best of Irish culture filled with lively parades, traditional music, and warm community gatherings.

Ireland hosts some of the world’s most unique and must-see festivals, such as Samhain, marking the Celtic New Year; Lughnasadh, celebrating the harvest season; and Bloomsday, a literary tribute to James Joyce’s Ulysses.

For a lighter touch, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny brings top comedians and a joyful atmosphere to Ireland’s summer calendar.

Whether you’re discovering traditional festivals in Ireland or exploring festivals in Ireland for tourists, each celebration blends music, dance, food, and storytelling creating unforgettable moments that reflect the heart and heritage of the Emerald Isle.

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If you are traveling to Ireland, these are the top upcoming festivals for tourists that you simply can’t miss:

Month	Festival Name	Location	Highlights
March	St. Patrick’s Day	Nationwide	Parades, music, green-themed events, and Irish dancing
April	Easter Celebrations	Various towns	Religious events, family gatherings, and spring fairs
May	Cat Laughs Comedy Festival	Kilkenny	Top Irish & international comedians, intimate venues
May	Listowel Writers’ Week	Listowel, Co. Kerry	Readings, writing workshops, literary discussions
June	Bloomsday Festival	Dublin	Costumes, readings, and walking tours celebrating Ulysses
July	Festival of World Cultures	Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin	Global music, dance, food, and cultural exhibitions
July	Galway International Arts Festival	Galway City	Theater, music, street art, and exhibitions
August	Puck Fair	Killorglin, Co. Kerry	Ancient fair, crowned goat king, music, carnival
August	Kilkenny Arts Festival	Kilkenny City	Classical music, theater, literature, and art in historic venues
August	Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann	Wexford Town	Traditional Irish music & dance, competitions, workshops
September	Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival	Galway City	Oyster tastings, seafood demos, and oyster shucking championship
September	Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival	Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare	Traditional matchmaking, music, dancing, and romantic traditions
October	Samhain Festival	Athboy & Trim, Co. Meath	Celtic rituals, fire shows, and Halloween origins
October	Cork International Jazz Festival	Cork City	International jazz, street parades, late-night jam sessions
October	Derry Halloween	Derry~Londonderry	Europe’s biggest Halloween event, parades, costumes, and folklore shows
October	Wexford Festival Opera	Wexford Town	Rare opera performances, classical concerts, and global talent
November	Dublin Book Festival	Dublin	Readings, workshops, Irish literary focus
December	Christmas Markets	Dublin, Galway, Belfast	Festive lights, crafts, food, mulled wine, caroling

1. St. Patrick’s Day

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Experience Ireland’s best festivals starting with the iconic St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every March 17th. This famous festivals in Ireland honors the patron saint with vibrant parades, traditional music, and a sea of green. From the bustling streets of Dublin to quaint villages, it’s a celebration of Irish pride and hospitality that should not be missed.

Location	Nationwide, with major events in Dublin, Cork, and Galway
Date & Time	March 17, events typically start from morning and continue into the night
Highlights	Parades, traditional music and dance, cultural exhibitions, and fireworks
Specialties	Wearing green attire, shamrock decorations, and enjoying Irish cuisine and drinks
Pro Tip	Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for parades; public transport is recommended due to road closures.

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2. Easter Celebrations

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Easter in Ireland stands out among traditional festivals in Ireland, blending spiritual reflection with lively festivities. Communities celebrate with church services, colorful parades, egg hunts, and family gatherings, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into Ireland’s cultural traditions during spring.

Location	Nationwide, with notable events in Dublin and rural towns
Date & Time	April (Easter Sunday); events vary throughout the day
Highlights	Religious services, Easter egg hunts, family feasts, and community fairs
Specialties	Traditional dishes like roast lamb and hot cross buns
Pro Tip	Participate in local community events for an authentic experience; check local listings for specific event times.

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3. Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

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Kick off summer with laughter at the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny and Castlebar. As one of the must see festivals in Ireland, it brings top comedians from Ireland and around the world for a weekend of humor and entertainment in a charming medieval setting.

Location	Kilkenny City, Castlebar
Date & Time	May – June; performances scheduled throughout the day and evening
Highlights	Stand-up comedy shows, improv acts, and comedic workshops
Specialties	Showcasing both established and emerging comedic talent
Pro Tip	Book tickets and accommodations early, as the festival attracts large crowds

4. Listowel Writers’ Week

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For literary enthusiasts, Listowel Writers’ Week is a premier festival and celebration in Ireland. This historic event gathers writers and readers for workshops, readings, and discussions, fostering a vibrant literary community in the heart of Listowel.

Location	Listowel, County Kerry
Date & Time	May 28 – June 1
Highlights	Author readings, writing workshops, and panel discussions
Specialties	Focus on Irish literature and emerging writers
Pro Tip	Participate in workshops to gain insights from established authors

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5. Bloomsday Festival

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Celebrate literary history at Dublin’s Bloomsday Festival, honoring James Joyce’s Ulysses. Held annually in June, this famous festival in Ireland features readings, performances, and walking tours, immersing visitors in early 20th-century Dublin.

Location	Dublin City
Date & Time	June 11–16, events are scheduled throughout the day
Highlights	Readings, theatrical performances, period costume parades, and walking tours
Specialties	Engaging literary discussions and reenactments of “Ulysses” scenes
Pro Tip	Dress in Edwardian attire to fully embrace the spirit of the festival

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6. Festival of World Cultures

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The Festival of World Cultures in Dún Laoghaire showcases Ireland’s multicultural spirit. As one of the best festivals in Ireland, it features music, dance, art, and cuisine from around the world, offering a rich cultural experience for all visitors.

Location	Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin
Date & Time	July; specific dates to be announced
Highlights	International music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and global cuisine
Specialties	Cultural workshops, street parades, and world music concerts
Pro Tip	Arrive early to participate in interactive workshops and enjoy diverse food stalls.

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7. Galway International Arts Festival

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Immerse yourself in creativity at the Galway International Arts Festival, a two-week summer extravaganza transforming the city into a hub for theater, music, visual arts, and street performances. It’s one of the must-see festivals in Ireland, attracting artists and audiences globally.

Location	Galway City
Date & Time	July 14–27; events occur daily from morning to late evening
Highlights	Theater productions, live music, art exhibitions, and street performances
Specialties	Showcasing international and Irish artists across various disciplines
Pro Tip	Purchase tickets in advance for popular shows; explore free street events for spontaneous entertainment

8. Puck Fair

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Finally, experience one of Ireland’s oldest celebrations at the Puck Fair in Killorglin. Dating back to the 17th century, this unique traditional festival in Ireland features the crowning of a wild goat as “King Puck,” along with music, dancing, and a lively fair atmosphere.

Location	Killorglin, County Kerry
Date & Time	August; events run throughout the day and into the night
Highlights	Coronation ceremony, live music, street performances, and amusement rides
Specialties	Traditional rituals combined with modern entertainment
Pro Tip	Embrace the local culture by participating in traditional dances and sampling regional foods

9. Kilkenny Arts Festival

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Discover a fusion of art forms at the Kilkenny Arts Festival, one of the most prominent art festivals in Ireland. Set in the medieval city of Kilkenny, the festival transforms the city into a canvas for creativity. It features a diverse program of music, theater, literature, and visual arts, engaging audiences in unique and historic venues.

Location	Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny
Date & Time	August 7 – 17,
Highlights	Classical and contemporary music, theater performances, and art exhibitions
Specialties	Events held in historic sites like St. Canice’s Cathedral and Castle Yard
Pro Tip	Explore the city’s landmarks while attending performances for a rich experience.

10. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

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Immerse yourself in traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, one of the biggest music festivals in Ireland and the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song, and dance. This vibrant event showcases the best of Irish culture through exciting competitions and live performances, offering an authentic cultural experience for visitors.

Location	Wexford Town, County Wexford
Date & Time	August 3 – 10,
Highlights	Music competitions, street performances, and cultural workshops
Specialties	Showcasing traditional Irish instruments and dance
Pro Tip	Attend evening sessions for lively music and dance gatherings

11. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival

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Savor the flavors of the sea at the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, the world’s longest-running oyster festival. Celebrate Galway’s rich seafood heritage with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and the renowned oyster shucking championship.

Location	Galway City, County Galway
Date & Time	September
Highlights	Oyster tastings, seafood trails, live music, World Oyster Opening Championship
Specialties	Fresh Galway Bay oysters and culinary events
Pro Tip	Purchase tickets for the opening night early, as it’s a highlight of the festival

12. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

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Experience tradition and romance at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Europe’s largest singles event. Set in the picturesque village of Lisdoonvarna, this month-long festival combines music, dancing, and matchmaking, offering a unique cultural experience.

Location	Lisdoonvarna, County Clare
Date & Time	September
Highlights	Live music, dancing events, and matchmaking sessions
Specialties	Traditional matchmaking by local matchmakers
Pro Tip	Book accommodations early, as the festival attracts visitors from all over

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13. Samhain Festival

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Delve into Ireland’s rich culinary and cultural heritage at the Samhain Festival in Kells. This November event is one of the most exciting traditional festivals of Ireland, marking the end of the harvest season. It features vibrant food festivals in Ireland, with food fairs, workshops, and cultural performances that showcase local traditions and seasonal delicacies.

Location	Kells, County Meath
Date & Time	November 6–9, events are scheduled throughout the day
Highlights	Food tastings, cooking demonstrations, cultural talks, and live performances
Specialties	Emphasis on local produce and traditional Irish recipes
Pro Tip	Attend workshops to learn about traditional Irish cooking techniques and ingredients

14. Cork International Film Festival

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Discover cinematic excellence at the Cork International Film Festival. As Ireland’s oldest film festival, it showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, including features, documentaries, and shorts, fostering a love for storytelling through cinema.

Location	Cork City
Date & Time	November 6–16 screenings and events throughout the day and evening
Highlights	Film premieres, panel discussions, and workshops
Specialties	Focus on emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling
Pro Tip	Explore the festival’s diverse program to discover new genres and international films.

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15. Derry Halloween

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Among the most famous celebrations in Ireland is Europe’s largest Halloween festival in Derry~Londonderry. Derry Halloween combines ancient Celtic traditions with modern-day festivities as the city comes alive with parades, performances, and spooky spectacles that honor the spirit of Samhain. It’s a must-see cultural experience for anyone visiting Ireland in autumn.

Location	Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Date & Time	October 28 – 31,
Highlights	Street parades, haunted houses, light shows, and cultural events
Specialties	Combining folklore with modern Halloween festivities
Pro Tip	Dress in costume to fully participate in the immersive experience

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16. Wexford Festival Opera

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Experience the grandeur of opera at the Wexford Festival Opera, renowned for its unique repertoire and world-class performances. Set in the historic town of Wexford, this festival offers a blend of classic and rare operatic works, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.

Location	Wexford Town, County Wexford
Date & Time	October 17 – November 1,
Highlights	Performances of rare and classic operas, gala events, and recitals
Specialties	Showcasing lesser-known operatic works with international artists
Pro Tip	Book tickets in advance, as popular performances sell out quickly

17. Dublin Book Festival

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Celebrate literature at the Dublin Book Festival, a gathering of writers, readers, and publishers in the heart of Ireland’s capital. Engage with a diverse program of readings, workshops, and discussions that highlight Irish literary talent.

Location	Various venues across Dublin City
Date & Time	November 4 – 8,
Highlights	Author readings, literary discussions, and book launches
Specialties	Focus on Irish authors and publishers
Pro Tip	Visit the festival hub at the Irish Museum of Modern Art for central events.

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18. Christmas Markets

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Embrace the festive spirit at Ireland’s enchanting Christmas markets. From mid-November to early January, cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork host markets with twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats, offering a magical holiday experience.

Location	Major cities, including Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Belfast
Date & Time	Mid-November – Early January; typically open from late morning to evening
Highlights	Artisan stalls, festive food and drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities
Specialties	Traditional Irish crafts, mulled wine, and holiday-themed performances
Pro Tip	Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds; check local listings for special events and performances

FAQs

What festivals are popular in Ireland?

St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, Galway Arts Festival, Fleadh Cheoil, and Derry Halloween are among the most popular festivals in Ireland, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in Ireland?

Top festivals include St. Patrick’s Day, Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Galway Oyster Festival, and Wexford Opera Festival for their unique cultural, culinary, and artistic experiences.

What is the best time to visit Ireland?

April to September offers the best weather and hosts major festivals. June–August is ideal for arts, music, and cultural events.

What is the traditional dance of Ireland?

The traditional dance of Ireland is Irish Stepdance, made famous by performances like Riverdance.

What is the culture of Ireland?

Ireland’s culture is rich in storytelling, music, dance, festivals, Gaelic traditions, and strong community ties rooted in Celtic heritage.

What is the main festival of Ireland?

One of the most popular festivals in Ireland is St. Patrick’s Day. It is celebrated on March 17, is the most important and globally recognized festival in Ireland.