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Festivals in Ireland
Music, art, literature, food and old traditions: an independent guide to the festivals that fill the Irish calendar.
- St Patrick's Day
- 17 March
- Bloomsday
- 16 June
- Puck Fair
- August
- Wren Day
- 26 December
Planning to visit Ireland one day? Beyond its scenic views and beautiful landscapes, Ireland really knows how to celebrate. From January to December there is a festival somewhere on the island, and festivals in Ireland have always been a way to express Irish culture and tell the story of its history.
DublinGamesFestival.ie is an independent guide to those festivals. We cover arts and literature festivals, film and music, food and drink, the big agricultural shows and the old traditions behind days like St Patrick's Day and Bloomsday. Whether you are into music, food, comedy, races, pubs or art, Ireland has something for you.
On this site you will find:
- the most popular festivals in Ireland, and a few unusual ones
- the cities and towns that hold them
- the best time of year to go, and what to wear when you get there
We do not sell tickets or publish line-ups: dates and programmes change every year, so always check the festival's official website before you travel.
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Which festivals in Ireland are for you?
Whether you are planning a romantic trip, a group trip or a family holiday, there is a festival for every kind of traveller. To get you in the festive mood, Irish music festivals are a must. Throughout the year you can try very different music events, such as the Galway Early Music Festival in spring, the Cork Jazz Festival in October and the Fleadh Cheoil, the big festival of traditional Irish music, in August.
If you are into arts, literature and culture, the Galway International Arts Festival is held every July, when artists, writers, musicians, performers and fans gather from across the globe. You can also try Listowel Writers' Week in County Kerry, or the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August.
Famous people celebrated in Ireland
One of the most celebrated figures in Ireland is Saint Patrick. St Patrick's Day is by far the best-known Irish celebration around the world. People dress up in green, watch the parades and enjoy music, and in Dublin the St Patrick's Festival runs over several days around 17 March.
Another celebrated person is James Joyce, the Irish novelist best known for Ulysses. Every year on 16 June, Bloomsday, people dress up as Joyce or as characters from his books and read or act out famous passages. Saint Patrick and James Joyce are just two of the people who have shaped Irish culture and the arts.
The most unique festivals in Ireland
Looking for something entirely different? One of the oldest festivals in Ireland is Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry, which has been held for centuries. Every August a wild goat is crowned king and the town celebrates for three days, with traditional music and dance, concerts, parades and a carnival atmosphere.
If you love seafood, the Galway Oyster Festival in September is an eventful weekend of music, competitions and, of course, plenty of oysters. Other unique events include the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare and the National Ploughing Championships, both in September.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous traditional Irish festival?
St Patrick's Day is without doubt the most famous around the world. From the United States to London and Dubai, it is celebrated by people of all ages every year on 17 March.
When are the classic Irish celebrations?
That depends on what you want to see, as there are classic festivals in Ireland all year round. In March there is St Patrick's Day, and in March or April, Easter. If you come in summer, you can enjoy Bloomsday in June and many arts and music festivals. And in December you can experience an Irish Christmas and St Stephen's Day.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
That depends on the weather, the month and what you want to do. The weather in Ireland is famously unpredictable, but there is always something to do, indoors or out. For the best chance of mild weather, come in late spring or summer: June to August is usually the warmest period and has a lively festival atmosphere. For the same reasons, expect it to be busier and more expensive than other months.