When it's summer in Ireland, it seems like there's a festival around every corner. With dozens of towns hosting events all over the country, you're guaranteed to find one to match your interest. Here's a look at five of Ireland's biggest and best celebrations.
Saint Patrick's Festival: It used to be that if you were looking for a big blast for St. Patrick’s Day, you’d have to head for New York. Not anymore! Dublin’s Saint Patrick’s Festival is a world-class, four-day party, with over a million people enjoying the spectacle. One parade isn't enough for this celebration: with two parades, a night of fireworks, days of carnival and dancing, and many more activities planned, you won't want to be anywhere else this year! The festival runs from the 16th to the 19th of March.
Galway Arts Festival: The Galway Arts Festival is considered by many to be Ireland’s best arts festival. With Ireland’s vibrant third-largest city as its stage, the diverse program includes open-air theater and music performances, fireworks, art exhibitions, and a parade like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The astonishing international mix of performers include some of Europe’s top festival artists, a variety of rock, classical and traditional musicians. This year’s festival will take place from the 15th to the 30th of July.
Kilkenny Arts Festival: The medieval city of Kilkenny will provide an extraordinary backdrop for its own Arts Festival this August. With an international grouping of big names in theater, literature, music, and the visual arts, the festival promises to be an exciting treat for the whole family. The festivities will take place from August 11to the 20th.
Rose of Tralee: The Rose of Tralee is a five-day celebration that brings tens of thousands to the town made famous by the song that inspired that festivities. Part beauty contest, part homecoming, the festivities feature young women from around the world, flaunting their Irish connections as they compete for the Rose title. Along with the competition are parades, fireworks, and plenty of music. Running from August 18-22, the festival promises to be the ideal place to experience a warm Irish welcome.
Fleadh Cheoil: If you’re a traditional music lover, there’ll be no better place to be this summer than the Fleadh Cheoil in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Last year, nearly 200,000 music lovers of all ages flocked to the scenic town, many to take part in a few of the 150 competitions in music, song and dance. But there’s fun for you even if you’ve never played a note of music: the festival also features pub and street sessions, ceili dancing, story-telling workshops, and much more. This year’s festival will run from August 25th to 27th.