Worried about being ultra bored, having nothing to do and nowhere to go all year? Yep, January can make us all feel pretty hopeless after the sudden ending of the fabulous festive season.
So we’ve put together the ultimate list of ALL the best festivals and events to look forward to over the next six months across Ireland. From hilarious Lovely Girls competitions to champagne at the races, 2017 is looking set to be a pretty damn eventful year. And that’s even before most of those crazy Summer festivals.
So start making your mental checklist of all the events you just need to go to with your mates over the next few months, and make this year the best yet.
See you on Craggy Island, yeah?
January
First Fortnight, Co. Dublin – on until tomorrow
Arts festival in support of mental health, with music gigs, graffiti, spoken word slams and more.
Irish Champion Hurdle, Co. Dublin, Jan 17th-29th
This is one of the most exciting Grade 1 National Hunt horse races of the year, and a great way to start the year by getting glammed up.
Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Co. Clare – Jan 19th-23rd
An eclectic festival of the best in acoustic music in the West. There will be almost 80 concerts happening over the weekend in the buzzing towns of Sixmilebridge and
Bunratty.
Music for Galway: Midwinter Festival, Co. Galway, Jan 20th-22nd
Every work of music in the weekend programme will have been written before or by the age of eighteen by a child prodigy throughout the ages. Amazing.
Ballincollig Winter Music Festival, Co. Cork, Jan 24th-29th
A mixture of Irish and International music artists come to Cork for a cultural bonanza. Expect folk, jazz, and great tunes.
Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, Co. Dublin, Jan 28th- Feb 12th
The year of the Fire Roosterwill be celebrated with a stunning two week festival of fun family events, music, colourful collaborations, flavoursome food and outstanding art. Try a cookery class or bike tour of Dublin’s best Asian delights.
February
Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Co. Dublin, Feb 16th-26th
Bringing the world’s best films to Dublin with a programme of over 130 films, special events and guest appearances! This is set to be a star-studded affair.
Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair, Co. Dublin. Feb 23rd-25th
Enjoy craft beers, ciders and delicious artisan food? Be entertained by up-and-coming, home-grown musical talent, and watch the Six Nations rugby. Ideal way to spend a weekend.
Ted Fest, Aran Islands, Feb 23rd-26th
‘So we’ll all meet every year at the end of February on a small island in the Atlantic’
‘That’s mad Ted’. Dress up and let loose at this Father Ted lover’s must do.
March
Cork French Film Festival, Co. Cork, March 5th-12th
Take a trip to the big screen with this dynamic programme featuring the best of young, up and coming French filmmakers.
St Patrick’s Festival, Co. Dublin, March 16th-19th
See Merrion Square transformed into a carnival, swing by one of the many pop-up events in the city and of course, don’t miss the Festival Parade.
Dingle Film Festival, Co. Kerry, March 23rd-26th
A celebration of Irish film, Irish filmmakers and Irish animation, whilst also playing host to major industry players both from Ireland and abroad.
April
Galway Food Festival, Co. Galway, April 13th-17th
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘100 years of Irish Food’. The food festival is full of tasty treats and events, and all the wonderful food offerings that are from the length of the West Coast.
Barn Dance Festival, Co. Dublin(ish), April 14th
Ireland’s original BYOB music and arts festival is back for the 7th year in a row. The slick Easter feast starts on Good Friday in a secret location only 45 minutes from Dublin. Buy your tickets in advance to find out location and details!
Punchestown Racing Festival, Co. Kildare, April 25th-29th
Put on your glad rags and head to the races for this special combination of thrilling sporting action, brilliant live entertainment, delicious food and drink and all round craic.
May
Dublin Dance Festival,, Co.Dublin, May 18th-29th
This festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. Expect stunning performances.
Life Festival, Co. Westmeath, May 26th-28th
The summer festival season kicks off in Belvedere House and Gardens in Westmeath with acts such as Nina Kraviz already announced as part of the stellar music line-up, look forward also to jugglers, fire breathers and magicians performing on the grounds.
June
Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Co. Kilkenny, June 1st-5th
Check out the top Irish and international talent in shows featuring globally renowned comic stars as well as newcomers and break-through acts. Acts in the line-up include Maeve Higgins, Fred Cooke, and Foil, Arms and Hog.
Forbidden Fruit, Co. Dublin, June 3rd-5th
A unique city centre festival that combines music, spoken word, art, fashion, food and simple good vibes on the grounds of the Irish Museum Of Modern Art, The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. Amazing acts this year include Lisa Hannigan and The Staves.
Sea Sessions, Co. Donegal, June 23rd-25th
This insanely fun music, camping and surfing lifestyle festival is a sell out every year. In the village of Bundoran, you can listen to acts such as Primal Scream and The Coronas and then go surfing the waves in the morning. Festival goals.
Body&Soul, Co. Meath, June 23rd-25th
With a stunning record of selling out every year since inception, Body & Soul is an immersive summit of music, discovery, spoken word, holistic escapes, debate, gastronomic indulgences, blissful treatments and theatrical delights. The highlight of the month!
Header image: Body&Soul
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