A Guide to Festivals in Ireland

by Spotahome

GUEST AUTHOR: Sophie Sheridan-Burns, Spotahome Student Ambassador

Ireland has some incredible festivals, though most of them are in the spring/summer months due to the unfortunately changeable weather. Nonetheless Ireland manages to fit 12 months worth of festivals into our best six months of the year.
Below are some of the best of irish festivals:

St. Patricks festival

March 17th

This festival is synonymous with the image of Ireland, and embodies the spirit of the country within a festival.
The St.Patrick's festival has recently become week long, with events happening right across the country.


Source: Istock Photo

However the highlight of the festival is March 17th (St.Patricks day), on this day parades are held across the country, and the national parade is held in the capital Dublin, the day then leads to parties across the city in many nightclubs, and plenty of traditional music in the bars in the Temple bar area at the heart of the city.

Locals advice: if you want to view the national parade in Dublin, arrive early for best views, as the city quickly becomes crowded.

Life Festival

May (approximately 27th - 29th)

This festival is held in Westmeath and is comprised of techno, pop and house music. The festival is two days long and most camp on site for the duration. With a great line up and an incredible atmosphere, Life festival is not to be missed by any lover of electronic music. The line up this year includes fatboy slim and alan fitzpatrick.

Locals advice Make sure to pack for Irish weather ! this could mean rain, hail or sun especially in May which can have varying weather conditions.


Source: Facebook

Forbidden Fruit

June bank holiday weekend (2nd - 4th)

Held at the royal hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, which is also the grounds for the Irish museum of Modern Art, the venue is enough to entice an audience. This festival celebrates music, food, art, and fashion, and includes six stages which this year will host acts such as Glass Animals and Bicep. This is often marked by festival goers as the opening of the festival season and is a must.


Source: Facebook

Locals advice: Make sure to plan your route in advance. Public transport is recommended, as traffic will be heavy in the surrounding residential area.

Sea sessions

June (approximately 22nd - 24th)

This festival has been running for 10 years and has the draw of the atlantic ocean with it, set in the seaside village of Bundoran, county Donegal on the west coast of Ireland. The festival includes an incredible lineup of acts which include Rudimental and Dizzee Rascal this year, along with sports such as surfing, skating, volleyball and yoga. The event offers both
camping and glamping available on site.

Locals advice: Be prepared for country roads and a long journey ! Come prepared as Bundoran does not have the same facilities as the capital, though this adds to its small town
charm.


Source: Facebook

Longitude

July (approximately 13th - 15th)

This festival has continued to grow in the past number of years and has become very popular with Generation X. The festival is held in Marlay Park in Dublin, and features mostly R&B and hip-pop acts the festival continues for 3 days, however does not offer camping or accommodation on site. There is a wide selection of food available at the event from a wide range of vendors across dublin.

Locals advice: Though this is a three day festival, it's recommended that you buy a ticket for the day with your preferred lineup.


Source: Facebook

Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival

August 31st - September 30th

This festival is focused towards, but is not solely for singles, it is one of the most special of the festivals as it has been running for over 160 years. It features music, fun and the potential of Love. There is a month of fun and dancing from 11am to the early hours of the morning, and those in the market for love can make an appointment to meet with Ireland's only traditional matchmaker in the Matchmaker pub.

Locals advice: Book accomodation well in advance & visit during one of the weekends of the festival as this is when you will have the most activities.


Source: Eatdrinktravel

Electric picnic

September (first weekend approximately)

This festival is one of the highlights, and usually marks the close of the Irish festival season.


Source: Facebook

It has been running since 2004 and is one of the biggest music festivals in the country and has had some incredible lineups over the years. This year some of the highlights of the
music will be Kendrick Lamar and Dua Lipa. Events in the line of Theatre, Comedy, art and craft will also be on show at the event. Camping, campervan and boutique camping is offered at the festival and is recommended as the festival provides three days worth of activities.

Locals advice: If you decide to camp, arrive as early as possible to get the best position possible to remember as always how changeable the Irish weather is, especially coming into autumn.

Some things to remember when attending festivals in Ireland for the best experience.

  • Always think of the weather, though the forecast may predict warm weather and sunshine, Ireland has very changeable weather so always make sure to have a rain jacket and jumperon hand.
  • The legal drinking age in ireland is 18 and remember to carry I.D on you at all times.
  • Taxis can be expensive and in short supply at times, it‘s advisable to plan your route in advance with public transport.
    Remember to have fun, and enjoy what the best of what Ireland has to offer !

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