Festivals

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,...

Gear up for a new year with the hottest trends shaping travel right now What’s on travellers’ radar for 2025? Where are the go-to spots you don’t want to miss? As holidaymakers look to escape the frenetic routine of their daily lives and immerse themselves in nature, we’ve got the top travel tips for where to go in Ireland. Sun,...

Looking for a festival to attend in 2025? You’re in luck. In Ireland, it feels like there’s an event happening practically every weekend, from huge St Patrick’s Day celebrations to intimate literary gatherings. Our calendar begins on 1st February, also known as the major Celtic festival Imbolc, which marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox....

Fairy tale-like stays, magical attractions, friendly locals – the island’s unique experiences and Valentine’s Day are a match made in heaven The perfect way to start a Valentine’s weekend? It’s got to be with a visit to Dublin. After all, the relics of St Valentine are enshrined in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin. Gifted to an Irish Carmelite priest in...

What better way to start 2025 than at Tradfest, Dublin’s joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Shake off the winter gloom at one of Ireland’s biggest traditional music festivals, which runs for five days (22–26 January) and features over 150 artists across more than 100 events. Based in Temple Bar, the cobblestoned hub of Dublin’s cultural universe on the south...