Festivals

Head to the Wild Atlantic Way for an electric festival that celebrates Ireland’s guitar hero Rory Gallagher. The small town of Ballyshannon in County Donegal will be rocking to the sound of guitar riffs when the Rory Gallagher International Festival strikes up in May (29 to 1 June). The birthplace of the legendary blues and rock guitarist celebrates its...

Step into a world of wellness and adventure at the Wander Wild Festival in stunningly beautiful Killarney National Park. Taking place from 4 to 6 April 2025, the Wander Wild Festival invites adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to hike, bike, run, ride, swim or simply be still and breathe in Killarney’s majestic mountain and lake landscape. The weekend is...

The famous walls of Derry~Londonderry will resound with music when the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival returns in May. Taking place from 1 to 5 May 2025, the must-attend event for jazz lovers will feature headliners Billy Ocean, and Una Healy in session with Luke Thomas. Soul sensation Billy Ocean will perform his biggest hits in the...

April Fool’s Day is the traditional time to joke around but in Ireland you can get a laugh anytime at one of its many comedy clubs and festivals. The island of Ireland is famous for its craic – the banter and fun that is a part of everyday life. And with an innate talent for storytelling, the Irish are natural...

Dublin stages a great St Patrick’s Day but, to avoid the crowds, why not head to one of the other fabulous festivals across Ireland. Every city and town in Ireland will mark St Patrick’s Day so there is plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where and how you want to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday. Cork St Patrick’s Festival (14–17...

Book lovers and travellers seeking a unique cultural experience will find plenty of literary festivals to enjoy on the island of Ireland. As World Book Day again puts the focus on the joy of reading, lovers of literature should consider planning a visit to Ireland, which has a rich literary history stretching back to its seventh-century illuminated manuscripts. Irish writers...

With parades in spades, music galore, tours, talks, trails and more, Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick in style. Across Northern Ireland there will be plenty of lively St Patrick’s Day celebrations with parades and festival fun in the main towns and cities. But when it comes to celebrating Ireland’s patron saint and Irish culture, Belfast goes big. Starting on 1 March,...

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration in Armagh, the Home of St. Patrick Festival, running from Sunday 9th to Monday 17th March 2025! Known as one of Ireland's oldest cities with over 7,500 years of history, Armagh is steeped in culture, heritage, and spiritual significance. As Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, Armagh proudly boasts two stunning Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals: the Church of...

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of St Patrick’s Way, a walking trail that connects key sites relating to the saint and Christian heritage. The 130km (82-mile) St Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk stretches from Armagh, the ecclesiastical centre of Ireland, to Downpatrick, where the island’s patron saint is said to be buried. Passing through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic...

St Brigid’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, a day to honour women and remember the saint’s message of inclusion and harmony. Referred to as ‘Ireland’s matron saint’, St Brigid is a beloved figure in Irish Christian history known for her work with the poor and marginalised, and also revered as a trailblazing feminist and environmentalist. Born on February 1st,...