1 Celebrating the high king Brian Ború
Ireland’s best-known high king, who recently had a bridge named after him over the River Shannon, will be celebrated in style in the picturesque towns of Killaloe and Ballina, straddling the Clare/Tipperary border, from 2-6 July.
The 32nd annual Féile Brian Ború promises a Viking village and reenactments, a 40ft Viking boat replica, fireworks over the River Shannon, a Strut Your Mutt dog show and a farmers’ market among its many attractions. As the birthplace of Brian Ború, who we remember from our history lessons died after the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, it is fitting that the towns remember one of their most famous sons.
Féile Brian Boru in Killaloe/Ballina takes place from 2-6 July.
Watersports form another major element of the six-day event, including the annual Shannon Swim which is a kayaking, sailing, and swimming gala.
Then there’s a classic car show to look forward to, historical lectures, guided tours and a range of workshops for all ages across subjects like drama, music, gardening, art and poetry.
•feilebrianboru.com
2 Magic music in a Laois
forest
Laois, already home to Electric Picnic, is also the base for a newer name on the festival’s calendar – Forest Fest – from 25-27 July. This is the fourth edition of the independent boutique-style festival set against the forest skyline in the spectacular parklands of Emo Court, which boasts some big names from Franz Ferdinand to Manic Street Preachers, Travis and Alabama 3 across four stages.
There are also plenty of Irish favourites with Hermitage Green, The Riptide Movement, Sharon Shannon and Something Happens, just some of the artists due to appear at the three-day family-friendly event, which also promotes local bands.
The brainchild of Laois native and solicitor Phillip Meagher, Forest Fest transforms the village of Emo into a compact and idyllic festival hub over the weekend with a capacity of 12,000 people.
Tickets start from €85, with a weekend pass costing €240, plus booking fee.
• forestfest.ie
3 Festive fun on the Causeway Coast
Pretty in Pink at Stendhal in Belfast, the city's top independent arts and music festival since 2011.
Roll up, roll up for the amazing Stendhal Festival, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest and best-loved independent music and arts festival, from 4-6 July.
With eight stages spread across the main arena, woodlands and Karma Valley, the programme is packed with an amazing array of performances, art, workshops, and activities for all ages.
This spectacular gathering is set at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, along the Causeway Coast, and brings together music, comedy, poetry, a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts for your senses to feast upon. Among an impressive lineup are the Lightning Seeds, Kate Nash, Mark McCabe, The Orb, Duke Special, Inishowen Gospel Choir, Lisa McHugh and comedian Ed Byrne.
The festival has been the recipient of Ireland’s Best Family Festival award several times over the years.
• stendhalfestival.com
4 Yoga and wellness in Mullingar
A scene from last year's The Yoga Picnic in Mullingar. /Jamie Harrison
A day-long festival of yoga, wellbeing and connection returns to Lilliput House on the shores of scenic Lough Ennell, outside Mullingar in Westmeath, on 5 July.
The Yoga Picnic festival brings together leading yoga teachers from all over Ireland, the UK, the US and India, wellness practitioners, and speakers for a day of movement, discussions, music, and nature.
Founded by Mary Gardiner, Alice Harrison, and Katy Harrison, business owners and yoga teachers, the event was created to promote sustainability, mental health awareness, and mindful living.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse schedule of yoga and movement practices including vinyasa (also known as flow yoga), power and restorative, alongside live music, mantra chanting, sound healing and drumming.
Back by popular demand is the high-energy shakti dance session, led by festival host Alice Harrison – a true highlight of the day. Other attractions include stand-up paddleboarding yoga and cold water therapy. An adult day pass is €95.
• theyogapicnic.com
5 Footstomping fun in
Monaghan
They will be dancing on the streets at the Diamond in the heart of Monaghan town from 17-20 July.
The Tumbling Paddies, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver and Michael English are just a flavour of the country music sensations set to entertain the crowds as part of a series of massive outdoor gigs over the four-day Monaghan Town Country Music Festival.
The festive atmosphere will be bolstered by a jiving competition on 21 July and Cullen’s Funfair, who will be in the town for the duration.
On Saturday afternoon, the crowds will be treated to a fine display by Shuffling Boots, a local line dancing group.
A weekend ticket costs €40 per person. Thursday and Friday nights are €10, and Saturday and Sunday are €15.
Tickets are on sale now from the Westenra Arms Hotel reception, the Diamond, Monaghan or by calling 047 74400.
6 Summer fun for all ages in Sneem
A scene from the Fancy Dress Parade opening Sneem Summer Festival in Co Kerry last year.
Set against the stunning backdrop of south Kerry, the community-led Sneem Summer Festival is filled with tradition, music, and fun for all ages from 16-20 July.
The festival kicks off with a lively drum dance and fancy-dress parade to set the stage for five fun-filled days of fun, hopefully, in the sun.
Highlights include a traditional crafts and trade show, sheaf tossing, a sheep shearing demonstration and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
Enjoy live music, a bustling summer market, yoga, sound bath meditation and a magical forest school for little adventurers. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect festival for the whole family and a true celebration of local culture and creativity.
• @sneemfestivals or
sneemfestivals.ie
7 Cut loose in
Tipperary
Country sensation Derek Ryan plays The Cut Loose Country Music Festival in Holycross, Co Tipperary on 20 July.
Cut loose in Tipperary on 20 July, when the heart and soul of country music returns to historic Holycross.
Now in its 12th year, The Cut Loose Country Music Festival has earned a reputation as a must-attend event for fans near and far, and this year’s blockbuster lineup is set to raise the roof once again.
Taking the stage this year will be a who’s who of country powerhouses, including Derek Ryan, Michael English, Declan Nerney, Una Healy, Jimmy Buckley, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley, Stacey Breen, Robert Mizzell, Fran & Muriel, and the ever-popular The Conquerors.
•tickets.ie
8 Literary voices in Ramelton and Rathmullan
Readers, writers and book fans will come together for a weekend of conversation, workshops and craic in the beachside towns of Ramelton and Rathmullan in Co Donegal from 18-20 July.
The Journals Fleadh, presented as part of Earagail Arts Festival, will hear from established literary voices, like novelist Louise Kennedy and poet Stephen Sexton, while also introducing newer names published in top literary journals.
There’s also an opportunity to learn from memoirist Molly Hennigan, author of The Celestial Realm (Eriu, 2023), and poet Róisín Leggett Bohan in open-to-all workshops in picturesque Rathmullan House.
A prize-winning poet from Cork, and co-editor of HOWL New Irish Writing, Róisín will help participants unwrap great poems, identifying what moves us, and learning to translate those insights in a guided writing session Aside from a great lineup of literary events, the 38th edition of Earagail Arts Festival also spans world-class performances in music, circus, dance, theatre and visual arts from around the globe from 12-20 July.
• eaf.ie
1 Celebrating the high king Brian Ború
Ireland’s best-known high king, who recently had a bridge named after him over the River Shannon, will be celebrated in style in the picturesque towns of Killaloe and Ballina, straddling the Clare/Tipperary border, from 2-6 July.
The 32nd annual Féile Brian Ború promises a Viking village and reenactments, a 40ft Viking boat replica, fireworks over the River Shannon, a Strut Your Mutt dog show and a farmers’ market among its many attractions. As the birthplace of Brian Ború, who we remember from our history lessons died after the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, it is fitting that the towns remember one of their most famous sons.
Féile Brian Boru in Killaloe/Ballina takes place from 2-6 July.
Watersports form another major element of the six-day event, including the annual Shannon Swim which is a kayaking, sailing, and swimming gala.
Then there’s a classic car show to look forward to, historical lectures, guided tours and a range of workshops for all ages across subjects like drama, music, gardening, art and poetry.
•feilebrianboru.com
2 Magic music in a Laois
forest
Laois, already home to Electric Picnic, is also the base for a newer name on the festival’s calendar – Forest Fest – from 25-27 July. This is the fourth edition of the independent boutique-style festival set against the forest skyline in the spectacular parklands of Emo Court, which boasts some big names from Franz Ferdinand to Manic Street Preachers, Travis and Alabama 3 across four stages.
There are also plenty of Irish favourites with Hermitage Green, The Riptide Movement, Sharon Shannon and Something Happens, just some of the artists due to appear at the three-day family-friendly event, which also promotes local bands.
The brainchild of Laois native and solicitor Phillip Meagher, Forest Fest transforms the village of Emo into a compact and idyllic festival hub over the weekend with a capacity of 12,000 people.
Tickets start from €85, with a weekend pass costing €240, plus booking fee.
• forestfest.ie
3 Festive fun on the Causeway Coast
Pretty in Pink at Stendhal in Belfast, the city's top independent arts and music festival since 2011.
Roll up, roll up for the amazing Stendhal Festival, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest and best-loved independent music and arts festival, from 4-6 July.
With eight stages spread across the main arena, woodlands and Karma Valley, the programme is packed with an amazing array of performances, art, workshops, and activities for all ages.
This spectacular gathering is set at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, along the Causeway Coast, and brings together music, comedy, poetry, a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts for your senses to feast upon. Among an impressive lineup are the Lightning Seeds, Kate Nash, Mark McCabe, The Orb, Duke Special, Inishowen Gospel Choir, Lisa McHugh and comedian Ed Byrne.
The festival has been the recipient of Ireland’s Best Family Festival award several times over the years.
• stendhalfestival.com
4 Yoga and wellness in Mullingar
A scene from last year's The Yoga Picnic in Mullingar. /Jamie Harrison
A day-long festival of yoga, wellbeing and connection returns to Lilliput House on the shores of scenic Lough Ennell, outside Mullingar in Westmeath, on 5 July.
The Yoga Picnic festival brings together leading yoga teachers from all over Ireland, the UK, the US and India, wellness practitioners, and speakers for a day of movement, discussions, music, and nature.
Founded by Mary Gardiner, Alice Harrison, and Katy Harrison, business owners and yoga teachers, the event was created to promote sustainability, mental health awareness, and mindful living.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse schedule of yoga and movement practices including vinyasa (also known as flow yoga), power and restorative, alongside live music, mantra chanting, sound healing and drumming.
Back by popular demand is the high-energy shakti dance session, led by festival host Alice Harrison – a true highlight of the day. Other attractions include stand-up paddleboarding yoga and cold water therapy. An adult day pass is €95.
• theyogapicnic.com
5 Footstomping fun in
Monaghan
They will be dancing on the streets at the Diamond in the heart of Monaghan town from 17-20 July.
The Tumbling Paddies, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver and Michael English are just a flavour of the country music sensations set to entertain the crowds as part of a series of massive outdoor gigs over the four-day Monaghan Town Country Music Festival.
The festive atmosphere will be bolstered by a jiving competition on 21 July and Cullen’s Funfair, who will be in the town for the duration.
On Saturday afternoon, the crowds will be treated to a fine display by Shuffling Boots, a local line dancing group.
A weekend ticket costs €40 per person. Thursday and Friday nights are €10, and Saturday and Sunday are €15.
Tickets are on sale now from the Westenra Arms Hotel reception, the Diamond, Monaghan or by calling 047 74400.
6 Summer fun for all ages in Sneem
A scene from the Fancy Dress Parade opening Sneem Summer Festival in Co Kerry last year.
Set against the stunning backdrop of south Kerry, the community-led Sneem Summer Festival is filled with tradition, music, and fun for all ages from 16-20 July.
The festival kicks off with a lively drum dance and fancy-dress parade to set the stage for five fun-filled days of fun, hopefully, in the sun.
Highlights include a traditional crafts and trade show, sheaf tossing, a sheep shearing demonstration and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
Enjoy live music, a bustling summer market, yoga, sound bath meditation and a magical forest school for little adventurers. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect festival for the whole family and a true celebration of local culture and creativity.
• @sneemfestivals or
sneemfestivals.ie
7 Cut loose in
Tipperary
Country sensation Derek Ryan plays The Cut Loose Country Music Festival in Holycross, Co Tipperary on 20 July.
Cut loose in Tipperary on 20 July, when the heart and soul of country music returns to historic Holycross.
Now in its 12th year, The Cut Loose Country Music Festival has earned a reputation as a must-attend event for fans near and far, and this year’s blockbuster lineup is set to raise the roof once again.
Taking the stage this year will be a who’s who of country powerhouses, including Derek Ryan, Michael English, Declan Nerney, Una Healy, Jimmy Buckley, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley, Stacey Breen, Robert Mizzell, Fran & Muriel, and the ever-popular The Conquerors.
•tickets.ie
8 Literary voices in Ramelton and Rathmullan
Readers, writers and book fans will come together for a weekend of conversation, workshops and craic in the beachside towns of Ramelton and Rathmullan in Co Donegal from 18-20 July.
The Journals Fleadh, presented as part of Earagail Arts Festival, will hear from established literary voices, like novelist Louise Kennedy and poet Stephen Sexton, while also introducing newer names published in top literary journals.
There’s also an opportunity to learn from memoirist Molly Hennigan, author of The Celestial Realm (Eriu, 2023), and poet Róisín Leggett Bohan in open-to-all workshops in picturesque Rathmullan House.
A prize-winning poet from Cork, and co-editor of HOWL New Irish Writing, Róisín will help participants unwrap great poems, identifying what moves us, and learning to translate those insights in a guided writing session Aside from a great lineup of literary events, the 38th edition of Earagail Arts Festival also spans world-class performances in music, circus, dance, theatre and visual arts from around the globe from 12-20 July.
• eaf.ie
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