1. Ted Fest

The rave for a sitcom called Father Ted became a national phenomenon and launched Ted Fest. Held on the island of Inishmore, the event is based on this comedy series with a full program that will keep you entertained for hours. Eat some fresh seafood and drink local craft beers. Make new friends and get to know more about the show. To go to the event, there is a ferry that can take you to and from the island (referred to as the Craggy Island, inspired by the sitcom). Accommodation in the area is already included for ticket holders. Be sure to stay near the premises so you don’t miss out on the action!

Ted Fest

Address: Inis Mór, County Galway

Website: Ted Fest

Takes place: Usually held in February

2. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

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Are you single? Would you like to meet a potential partner in an interesting way? Then Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is for you! For almost the entire month of September, you are invited to bop your head to the music, sample some amazing drinks, and simply have fun! If you are just looking forward to meeting new people, this is an enjoyable way to do that. In the village of Lisdoonvarna during this season, every bar offers groovy music, and you won’t be surprised to find people hanging around. Take note that this festival is over 165 years old already!

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Address: Lisdoonvarna, County Clare

Website: Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Takes place: September

3. The Big Grill

Barbecue is arguably one of the best and most convenient food to have outdoors. People love it and eating it is enjoyable. Now, imagine seeing barbeque sold in almost every corner for everyone to enjoy: the Big Grill in Dublin delivers exactly that. Not only will you be satisfied with delicious meat cuts, but there will also be craft beers to go with it - a perfect match! Smell and taste the savory barbecue. Knowing that this is the biggest barbecue competition in Europe, you are going to enjoy some phenomenal cooking, and you’ll be one of the judges for the best one!

The Big Grill

Address: Dublin, Ireland

Website: The Big Grill

Takes place: August

Price: 22 USD

4. Bloom

Known as Ireland’s largest garden festival, Bloom showcases a grand display of beautiful flowers in different varieties. In this event, kids have free admission. Featuring show gardens, Irish food and drink stands, plant nurseries, and live cooking shows by some of the country’s best chefs, there is definitely a lot going on. This is an event that you should not dare miss! Enjoy this day with the locals and explore more of what Ireland has to offer when it comes to flora as well as their food culture.

Bloom

Address: Dublin, Ireland

Website: Bloom

Takes place: Usually held between late May to early June

Price: 20 USD

5. Poc Fada

Come and watch some of the best hurlers and camogie players in Ireland! Did you know that these games were formally founded way back in 1960? It became an annual event in 2005, and now it has over 100,000 players to date. A male and female division will play, and you can feast your eyes on the action. There are even players as young as sixteen! It is amazing to watch the matches with family and friends, and if you are going alone, that is not a problem at all! The locals anticipate this game so much, so be ready to have loads of fun!

Poc Fada

Address: County Louth, Ireland

Website: Poc Fada

Takes place: September

Price: Free

6. A Taste of West Cork Food Festival

Another food fest is coming your way, and this time, it is A Taste of West Cork Food Festival! This 10-day event takes place in a scenic location, where you can enjoy a dramatic view of the villages, towns, and even islands. The event brings you to Ireland’s unique culinary scene, with everything locally produced and made. Flavors from all over the world are also presented here, so get ready for a one-of-a-kind food adventure in this lovely area. Because of how prestigious the event is, it has bagged the award “Best Food Destinations of 2018”. Prepare your tastebuds for a delicious feast.

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival

Address: Market Street, Skibbereen, Ireland

Website: A Taste of West Cork Food Festival

Takes place: September

7. Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival

If you’re fond of seafood, this is a festival you should not miss. Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival will offer you so much, including fresh seafood to taste, informative cooking shows, and live music to enjoy! Get to know more about Ireland’s culture when it comes to food and music. Sip some wine while enjoying your seafood dinner, enjoy the view of the pier and explore the area, and make friends with the locals during this lively event. This shows exactly what Ireland is all about when it comes to festivals - colorful, exciting, and full of life!

Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival

Address: Nimmo’s Pier, Galway, Ireland

Website: Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival

Takes place: September

Price: from 50 USD

8. Galway Races

This is known to be a trademark of Ireland - the Galway Races! The wide racecourse and lively spectators will welcome you to this one-of-a-kind event heavily anticipated by locals and tourists alike. You definitely won’t get bored when a whole bunch of people are actively participating by cheering for the competitors. Get the chance to see live performances before the race, fashion shows with given themes, and so much more. There are a lot of things to be showcased here, so do not miss out!

Galway Races

Address: Galway, Ireland

Website: Galway Races

Takes place: July to August

9. Puck Fair

Being one of Ireland’s oldest fairs, Puck Fair boasts a rich history that can be traced back as far as the 1600s. The nationwide event keeps the city alive, making it possible for pubs to be open until the wee hours for visitor and locals. The way this goes is quite simple - people will go up to the mountains to catch a puck goat, the winner will be crowned, then the goat will be released back in the wild. The unique festival becomes a very good conversation starter if you want to get to know the locals and learn more interesting things about this wonderful country. Share the wonder with the Irish as they keep this tradition alive.

Puck Fair

Address: Killorglin - County Kerry, Killorglin, Ireland

Website: Puck Fair

Takes place: August 10 - 12

Price: Free

10. Burren Slow Food Festival

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Make new friends and expand your network during the Burren Slow Food Festival. During this event, don’t be surprised to find participants and presenters discussing almost anything under the sun! Soak up some knowledge and learn cooking tips from pros while they host engaging cooking shows. Don’t shy out when you want to ask a question - people will be glad to help you out, including the host! Afterward, go ahead and enjoy the taste test. You might even end up with a favorite recipe you want to try at home. Adding some exotic cuisine to your knowledge won’t be that difficult since there will be a step-by-step process laid out for you.

Burren Slow Food Festival

Address: Burren, Ireland

Website: Burren Slow Food Festival

Takes place: May

11. Derry Halloween

Of course, we all know about Halloween - from ghost costumes to sweet treats - and how it became a day full of fun. So when you’re in Ireland during this season, be sure to visit Derry. Why Derry? Well, here you can have a wholesome Halloween experience not just by trick-or-treating and wearing costumes, but also lots of Halloween tours, fairs, and music fests! The place may give you an eerie vibe, but you will definitely have lots of fun. When the night comes, you know that the party will begin! See the neon lights flashing and enjoy the music. It will surely be a night to remember!

Derry Halloween

Address: Derry, Ireland

Website: Derry Halloween

Takes place: October

12. Waterford Walls Street Art Festival

Admire the invigorating art scene of Ireland when you explore the streets of Waterford during August for Waterford Walls Street Art Festival. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the impressive display of street art done by both national and international artists. This is one of a kind in Ireland and you can only find it here at Waterford. Appreciate how the artists turn the dull grey walls into colorful masterpieces. A variety of street art techniques will be introduced to you here, so for the aspiring artists, be sure to observe these brilliant artists at work. This event even makes it possible for participants to have an interactive experience.

Waterford Walls Street Art Festival

Address: Waterford, Ireland

Website: Waterford Walls Street Art Festival

Takes place: August

Price: Free

13. Dublin Bay Prawn Festival [Last event in 2019]

Howth Village is the venue for the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival that happens every year in May. Love prawns? You will surely adore this festival! Watch the chefs making delicious dishes with prawns as the star of the show. See how they delicately plate each component in an artistic manner, presenting you with a stunning dish. Those who love watching Masterchef will finally get to see live cooking and plating techniques in action! Learn some special recipes as these chefs and home cooks give you a comprehensive walkthrough, from the preparation to the final presentation. How nice would it be to learn a new recipe for you to make at home?

Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

Address: Howth Village, Dublin, Ireland

Website: Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

Takes place: May

Price: Free

14. Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival

Have you always loved stories, folklores, and the like? If yes, then you have come to the right place! If you are around County Cork by August, secure a day for the Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival to learn some interesting stories you can bring home with you. Take note that this is an international event with thousands of participants, from Ireland and from across the globe. Fill your day with classic entertainment and let imagination take over. Enjoying listening to stories presented by some of the most accomplished storytellers at this event.

Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival

Address: County Cork, Ireland

Website: Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival

Takes place: August to September

15. Festival of Curiosity

Let your inner child take over when you enter the Festival of Curiosity, where you will witness a cultural event dedicated to the arts, technology, and science. Explore these interesting topics by checking out interactive installations, immersive carnivals, pop-up playgrounds, visual arts exhibitions, and so much more. Once you are here, get ready to enjoy a glamorous trip as you go around the city center through secret tours! Be warned that the tickets are quickly sold out every year, so be sure to secure yours as early as you can. Go and have a fun time in this fantastic, four-day event!

Festival of Curiosity

Address: Dublin, Ireland

Website: Festival of Curiosity

Takes place: July

16. St Patrick’s Festival

Mark your calendars and reserve five days to join the grand St. Patrick’s Festival at Dublin! With thousands of people attending this highly anticipated event, it is not surprising that it entails a TV broadcast. During this season, so many people from all over the world visit Ireland, so make sure to plan ahead and get your tickets! There is so much to do within these five days, including a tour at Marsh’s Library, a concert featuring ballads, an art show by contemporary artists of the nation, and so much more! Bringing the family here? No problem! There are tons of activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Go ahead and celebrate St. Patrick’s in a grand way.

St Patrick’s Festival

Address: Dublin, Ireland

Website: St Patrick’s Festival

Takes place: March

17. Another Love Story

Spend the weekend listening to contemporary music here at Count Meath. While here, you can just chill and enjoy music performances. You will also get the chance to meet the artists behind the amazing show. Wouldn’t it be cool to meet the down-to-earth artists here? You can also enjoy some booze and food. Befriend some locals and engage with the community during this event!

Another Love Story

Address: County Meath, Ireland

Website: Another Love Story

Takes place: August

18. Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival

The genre of bluegrass started decades ago, and it has easily become more popular since then. What’s great about it is that the genre is usually featured in festivals and live performances, so more people are introduced to it. That is what the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival promotes as well. In this live event, you will hear the banjo together with other instruments used to produce the bluegrass sound. While enjoying some local fare at nearby restaurants, do not hesitate to strike up a conversation with fellow participants! You might learn an interesting thing or two about this special event.

Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival

Address: County Mayo, Ireland

Website: Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival

Takes place: June

19. Fleadh Cheoil

Honoring traditions is a noteworthy attribute that Ireland has. As you can see from Fleadh Cheoil, traditional music is the star of the show. Even aspiring artists can take part in this event. Witness the locals as they play their tunes, root for your candidate during the competitions, and dance to the lively sounds! To those interested in learning the culture, you may take some classes as well. It is a simple yet engaging festival that allows you to have an authentic local experience.

Fleadh Cheoil

Address: Ennis, County Clare, Ireland

Website: Fleadh Cheoil

Takes place: Usually held in August

20. All Together Now

Given the name, this is a one-of-a-kind national event that will bring together all of Ireland, no matter which city or county, just to enjoy good music! With an awesome lineup featuring big artists who perform all over the world - some who have returned to their roots in Ireland - participants will feel nothing but excited. Just imagine an outdoor arena filled with thousands of people. Not only will there be great music, but there will also be some spoken word, theatre performances, delicious food, and even wellness programs, among many others. This weekend-long event portrays just how alive festivals are here in Ireland.

All Together Now

Address: Waterford, Ireland

Website: All Together Now

Takes place: July

Price: 245 USD

21. Other Voices

Widely referred to as the musical pilgrimage of the season, Other Voices will give you a great yearly lineup that features local bands and artists who will fill your day with music. National and international artists are invited to play at the famous St. James Church for this event. It is such a big festival that it even comes complete with a live TV broadcast. All participants can just take the time to enjoy the music performances of these artists. If you get hungry, lots of cafés and restaurants in the area will be glad to serve you. Try out some delicious local fare while listening to great music that mostly honors Irish music.

Other Voices

Address: County Kerry, Ireland

Website: Other Voices

Takes place: November

22. Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Up for some laughs? Make your night memorable by attending the annual comedy festival here at Kilkenny. Don’t expect the show to be in an intimate venue, because nearly the whole town will be there giggling with you! You will be impressed by the number of local comedians who will be performing their skits on stage. Prepare your stomachs for this event because they will surely hurt from laughing so much. You are going to see a lot of participants for this, so go ahead and make new friends while you enjoy this night. Savor some delicious food and drink too.

Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Address: Kilkenny, Ireland

Website: Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Takes place: Usually held between May to June

23. Temple Bar Tradfest

Without a doubt, music plays a significant role in Ireland. Taking into account the culture of the country and extending it to music, the Temple Bar Tradfest was created. This will be held in Dublin, and the events here are mostly free. Because of this festival, you can get to know more about the history of Ireland. Enter Temple Bar that was once a Viking stronghold and visit St. Michan’s Church because it will be filled with music - the grand venue will surely amaze you. Get ready to bask in the majestic view of this unique place. These are just some of the reasons you must go here!

Temple Bar Tradfest

Address: Dublin, Ireland

Website: Temple Bar Tradfest

Takes place: January

24. Cork Midsummer Festival

Lots of concerts are going on every year here in Ireland, including the Cork Midsummer Festival. The event takes place in Cork Opera House, where a series of acts will be shown, from solemn music to head-bopping tunes. Visual arts directed by local artists are also displayed, and the theme depends on the program, so be sure to check it out! For those who love old songs, you will be pleased to find that lots of acts are based on old bands like the Beatles, and classic music from the likes of Beethoven. Go back in time as you listen to familiar tunes and fill your night with wonder by participating in the festival.

Cork Midsummer Festival

Address: Cork, Ireland

Website: Cork Midsummer Festival

Takes place: June

25. Vantastival

Music festivals are surely one of the most enjoyable types of events. With that, you should pay a visit to County Louth in May to attend Vantastival - a music festival where local artists will share their musical talents! Get to know the quirky bands and amazing solo singers, and listen to the unique melodies they play while jamming with the locals. The event is family-friendly, so do not hesitate to bring the kids along. With nothing but original music from all kinds of genres, you are going to experience a unique musical adventure. Witness how skillfully these people play as they perform on stage.

Vantastival

Address: County Louth, Ireland

Website: Vantastival

Takes place: Usually held between May to June

Price: from 55 USD

26. Earagail Arts Festival

Get a glimpse of the art scene of Ireland at Earagail Arts Festival. There will be art exhibits surrounding the area, depicting the unique art style of various national artists. You will also be able to enjoy some street dance performances, parades, live shows, plays, musical concerts, and much more! The diversity of art genres makes this festival an avenue for artists of all kinds to gather and showcase their talents. The lineup is updated every year, so check out their site for more details regarding featured participants. Come and be inspired by Irish artists in this festival.

Earagail Arts Festival

Address: County Donegal, Ireland

Website: Earagail Arts Festival

Takes place: July

Appreciating Ireland's vibrant culture

Enjoy the local fare, the famous traditional music, and the stunning views of Ireland. There are so many activities you should not miss during your stay here. However, attending one or two of these festivals to get to know more about the country will undoubtedly be a great experience. The locals are friendly, and they will even go out of their way to befriend travelers like you! With a culture so alive and vibrant, there is much to see. You will notice how these festivals uphold the customs and traditions of Ireland, so try to plan your trip around one!