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There’s something special about the way the Emerald Isle celebrates. Festivals in Ireland aren’t just events on a calendar – here you’ll hear live music, share great food, and meet welcoming locals. These events bring towns and cities to life year-round.
Our travel experts have handpicked some of the most exciting Irish festivals to help you plan a trip that feels truly local and festive. Whether you want to dance in the streets, taste oysters by the sea, or explore Ireland’s spooky side, you’ll find something here that speaks to you.
- Jump into festival season with these top Irish vacation packages
1. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
When: August
Where: Rotates yearly
Best for: Trad fans, toe-tappers, and music session seekers
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (pronounced “FLAH-kyoil-nuh HAE-ruh-n”) is Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival – and one of the most immersive. For one lively week each August, you’ll see towns fill with fiddles, flutes, and foot-tapping tunes on every corner.
Pubs and streets burst with performances, and the whole town feels like one big céilí. Pronounced “KAY-lee”, a céilí refers to a traditional Irish gathering, often involving dancing, music, and food.
Run by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Fleadh is both an arts festival and a world-class music competition. You’ll see Ireland’s best traditional performers compete, alongside formal concerts, street parades, and impromptu pub sessions.
It’s definitely one of the most off-the-beaten-track festivals. But it’s absolutely worth it for the music and the atmosphere.
-Rhiannon, Ireland Team Leader
The location changes each year, so check the official website for details. In 2026, it’ll take place in Belfast – a major cultural moment, as it’s the first time the Fleadh will be held in Northern Ireland.
Local tip: Book concert tickets in advance, then leave time to wander. Don’t miss the official merchandise stand either – the Fleadh hoodie is a favourite souvenir.
- Hit the road with a self‑drive tour of Ireland and chase the festival buzz
- Related: Reasons why you should visit Ireland
2. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
When: September
Where: Lisdoonvarna
Best for: Solo adventurers, dancefloor die-hards, and hopeful romantics
Every September, the quiet village of Lisdoonvarna turns into a month-long celebration of music, dancing, and matchmaking. Around 60,000 visitors pour into this tiny town for what’s billed as Europe’s biggest singles festival. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be looking for love to enjoy it.
Willie Daly is the star of the show – a third-generation matchmaker whose “lucky book” has legend status. Touch it with both hands at The Matchmaker Bar, and you might just be married within 6 months.
It’s a high-energy event, with live music, late nights, and packed dance floors. If you enjoy a good party, you’ll fit right in.
The atmosphere is warm and social, and many people come back year after year, not just for romance, but for the friendships and fun.
Local tip: Stay nearby in the town of Lahinch and combine the festival with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher – it’s just a 20-minute drive.
3. Cork Jazz Festival
When: October
Where: Cork
Best for: Jazz lovers, city breakers, and spontaneous dancers
Each October, the city of Cork comes alive with rhythm, brass, and soul. The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is one of Ireland’s longest-running music festivals – and it’s got serious groove. Over the bank holiday weekend, you’ll see streets and venues fill with local and international acts.
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy it. Many street performances are free, and there’s live music and dance on every corner of the city. From jazz trios in tiny bars to full brass bands marching through the city centre, the vibe is upbeat and spontaneous.
The festival draws jazz lovers from all over the world. It’s also a great excuse to explore Cork – a lively spot known for its pubs, markets, and food scene.
Local tip: Make time for a visit to the English Market or a walk along the River Lee between gigs.
- Let local guides bring the festivals to life with these Irish guided group tours
4. Púca Festival
When: Late October
Where: Trim and Athboy
Best for: Folklore fans, light show lovers, and Halloween seekers
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Halloween where it all began, the Púca Festival is your chance. Rooted in the ancient tradition of Samhain (pronounced “SOW-in”), this unforgettable 4-day event takes place in County Meath, approximately an hour's drive northeast of Dublin.
The festival is named after the púca (pronounced “pooka”), a dark shape-shifting trickster. Often described as a black-furred goblin or wild animal spirit, the púca was once feared across Ireland. The word has deep roots in Old English, even inspiring the character of “Puck” in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Púca festival brings the ancient birthplace of Samhain to life, which originated in Trim and Athboy. There’s a mixture of eerie performances, folklore, light shows, and storytelling. Then at night, big tents and local hotels host famous musicians and live acts.
- Rhiannon, Ireland Team Leader
Festival events unfold across both medieval towns. In Trim, you’ll see haunting light shows projected onto the walls of Trim Castle. Meanwhile, Athboy hosts the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain fires at the Hill of Ward.
There’s a real mix of events – some ticketed, some free – with a strong focus on food, folklore, and Irish music. You can also enjoy local vendors, fire shows, and street performances along the way.
Local tip: Book events ahead of time, download the festival app, and pack good shoes – rural venues can get muddy in late autumn.
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5. St. Patrick’s Festival
When: 15–17 March
Where: Dublin
Best for: First-timers, parade watchers, and big event chasers
What began in the 17th century as a solemn feast day in honour of Ireland’s patron saint has grown into a festival celebrating Irish spirit and culture. Head to Dublin for Ireland’s biggest celebration – the St. Patrick’s Festival.
Over 3 lively days, you’ll find concerts, food fairs, and family-friendly events across the city. The main event? The St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Join parade-goers as dancers, musicians and colourful floats wind their way through the streets. With over 4,000 performers, it’s a bold and joyful display of music and art.
Local tip: It’s worth planning ahead. The parade is hugely popular, so you’ll want to find a good viewing spot early. Many visitors pack a lunch, as restaurants can get overwhelmed. If you’d rather dine out, reserve a table well in advance to avoid missing out on the city’s great food scene.
Public transport tends to be limited on the day, so the best way to get around is on foot. Expect a bit of walking and dress for all kinds of weather. March in Ireland can be unpredictable. If it's wet and windy, a rain jacket and waterproof boots will serve you far better than an umbrella.
The official festival website shares the full programme each year. You’ll often find extra events like a céilí, a funfair in Merrion Square, or an evening concert at Collins Barracks.
6. Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
When: Late September
Where: Galway
Best for: Foodies, oyster fans, and seafood lovers
If you're after a world-class festival celebrating Irish flavour and fun, Galway’s Oyster and Seafood Festival is a must. Taking place every September, it’s one of the longest-running food events in Ireland, known for top-tier oysters and good craic (Irish for an enjoyable time spent together).
The whole city joins the party, with restaurants serving special seafood menus and a Mardi Gras-style parade winding through the streets. Inside the Festival Marquee, you’ll find tastings, cook-offs, and the iconic World Oyster Opening Championship, where expert shuckers compete for first place.
Your ticket includes oysters or a dish of your choice, plus a drink, and you can always order more. And, let’s be honest, you will.
The shucking competition is a crowd favourite – loud, fast, and surprisingly thrilling. Be sure to add time to wander Galway’s cobbled streets, browse the shops, and catch some live music along the way.
Local tip: Add a visit to Moran’s Oyster Cottage, just outside the city. It’s one of Galway’s best-known oyster spots.
7. Derry Halloween Festival
When: Late October
Where: Derry
Best for: Costume fans, firework watchers, and spooky season lovers
Every Halloween, Derry transforms into one of the world’s most spectacularly spooky destinations. You’ll feel the buzz as this compact medieval city embraces the season, with light shows, haunted tours, and full-on costume carnivals.
The main event happens on Halloween night. You can join over 100,000 revellers lining the streets for the parade, fireworks, and drone show.
Head to the riverside near the end of the parade route around 9:30 PM for the best views of the city skyline lighting up. But, because of Derry’s hilly layout, you can get a decent view from almost anywhere.
Local tip: Expect locals and visitors alike to be in costume – adults included – and don’t be shy about taking part. Dressing up is a fun way to meet people and get swept up in the atmosphere. Derry is known for its warm, chatty vibe, so if you ask for tips on where to go next, you might even get invited along.
The whole city becomes a stage, with themed zones and spooky installations. USA Today once named it the best place in the world to spend Halloween – and you’ll quickly see why.
- Expand your festival experience with these Scotland and Ireland tours
- Related: Planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland
8. National Ploughing Championships
When: September
Where: Rotates annually
Best for: Curious travellers, countryside wanderers, and rural culture fans
The National Ploughing Championships may sound like a niche event, but don’t be fooled. This event draws over 250,000 visitors each year. Held every September, it’s part competition, part country fair, and full-on celebration of rural Irish life.
You’ll see top ploughmen and women compete across tractor, vintage, and horse-drawn categories. But beyond the furrows, there’s a massive outdoor festival. Expect Irish music, food markets, sheepdog trials, crafts, and more than 900 stalls.
You’ll find everything from turf-cutting demos and working sheepdogs to fashion pop-ups, cookery shows, and even a funfair. One moment you might be sampling handmade cheese, the next, learning how to milk a cow.
Feast, dance, repeat – let’s plan your Irish getaway
You could walk through Galway with fresh oysters in hand. Dance the night away in a Dublin céilí. Stand by a Samhain bonfire as sparks rise into the dark. These festivals in Ireland give you more than just a day out – they give you a glimpse of local life.
Our regional travel consultants know the festival calendar inside out. They’ll help you time your private trip, guided group or self-drive tour of Ireland to match your interests. Whether that’s the buzz of St. Patrick’s Day or the mystery of Halloween. You can even combine your visit with other neighbouring countries on a UK and Ireland tour.
Get in touch and let a local expert plan your Irish getaway.
