From age-old fairs to cutting-edge performances, Ireland’s summer and autumn festival calendar for 2025 is brimming with music, art, food and unforgettable craic.
Whether you’re after traditional céilís, avant-garde theatre, seafood feasts or Halloween pageantry, there’s something to lure every wanderer to the Emerald Isle over the coming months.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival – Waterford
1–3 August
For three decades, Waterford has transformed into an open-air stage for acrobatics, theatre, music and dazzling street spectacles. The much-loved parade winds through medieval streets, featuring hundreds of costumed performers, striking floats and live bands.
This year’s bill includes The Knockadollys Big Band’s inventive blend of tradition and innovation; The Always Marching Drinking Band with their irreverent Mediterranean flair; Electro 28’s whimsical The Frame; and Tête de Mules Compagnie’s daring Parasite Circus. More: spraoi.com
Féile an Phobail – West Belfast
31 July – 10 August
Now in its 37th year, this community-powered celebration champions music, theatre, comedy and cultural pride. From Irish-language workshops to the Feile Country Fest headlined by Nathan Carter and Lisa McHugh, it’s a packed programme spread across multiple venues. More: feilebelfast.com
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Wexford
3–10 August
The ultimate gathering for Irish traditional music. Expect concerts, céilís, parades and lively pub sessions across the county, with acts including Martin Hayes, Danceperados of Ireland and Pierce Turner’s O’Riada. More: fleadhcheoil.ie
Puck Fair – Killorglin, Co. Kerry
10–12 August
One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, possibly pre-Christian. Street markets, music, fireworks and late-night sessions keep this ancient tradition alive.
Kilkenny Arts Festival
7–17 August
Ten days of theatre, classical music, poetry, outdoor installations and world-class performances. Standouts include The More Beautiful World with Ciarán Hinds, and the premiere of Custom of the Coast at St Canice’s Cathedral. More: kilkennyarts.ie
Rose of Tralee – Co. Kerry
15–19 August
A global beauty and culture celebration based on the famous 19th-century love song. Contestants from Ireland and the diaspora compete for the coveted title. More: roseoftralee.ie
Ould Lammas Fair – Ballycastle, Co. Antrim
23–26 August
Four centuries old, this bustling fair fills the streets with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to quirky bric-a-brac. There’s a hint of romance, too — as one man named Lammasfair Rossman shared, his parents met at the event, leading to his unforgettable name. More: visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
Dublin Fringe Festival
6–21 September
Eighty-five events. Thirty-six venues. Nearly 500 performances. With a theme of Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Wild. Be Here, the 2025 edition features daring circus acts like Kundle Cru’s Birds and interactive art experiences from Clara McSweeney and Mel Galley. More: fringefest.com
Clonakilty Guitar Festival
17–21 September
Two decades of guitar mastery, from Roy Harper to emerging Irish talents, plus free music trails across town. More: clonguitarfest.com
Bere Island Arts Festival – Co. Cork
18–21 September
Art, poetry, music — all set against the spectacular backdrop of Bantry Bay. More: bereislandartsfestival.ie
National Ploughing Championships – Co. Offaly
16–18 September
Seven hundred acres of rural spectacle — from precision ploughing to sheepdog trials and farming fashion. A true Glastonbury for the agricultural world. More: npa.ie
Dublin Theatre Festival
25 September – 12 October
Since 1957, this event has drawn international and Irish productions to the capital. The 2025 programme will be unveiled soon. More: dublintheatrefestival.ie
Clonmel Applefest – North Tipperary
25–28 September
Local food heritage is celebrated with foraging walks, cooking demos and live music.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
26–28 September
As the Sunday Times called it, “one of the 12 greatest shows on earth”. The world’s oldest oyster festival brings parades, shucking championships, seafood trails and a Mardi Gras through the city.
Festival of History – Dublin
26 September – 12 October
Talks, debates and workshops with leading historians at the Mansion House.
Dingle Food Festival
3–5 October
Food tastings, local produce and a focus on zero waste in one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns.
Ballinasloe Horse Fair – Co. Galway
5–11 October
Europe’s oldest horse fair, alive with auctions, dog shows, music and markets.
Galway Comedy Festival
21–27 October
Dylan Moran, Emma Doran and Rhod Gilbert headline one of Ireland’s biggest comedy events.
Derry Halloween Festival
28–31 October
Europe’s Halloween capital offers four nights of parades, pyrotechnics and folklore-inspired performances. The Carnival Parade on 31 October promises “a fearsome display of magic and mayhem”.
More: derryhalloween.com
Púca Halloween Festival – Trim & Athboy
30 October – 2 November
Celebrating the myths of Ireland’s Ancient East, with music, storytelling and the spectacular Púca Great Fire.
Wexford Opera Festival
17 October – 1 November
The 74th edition explores Myths & Legends through productions of Le Trouvère, Deidamia and The Magic Fountain.
Ireland’s 2025 festival line-up is a rich tapestry of history, culture and unrestrained celebration — and there’s no better way to experience the country’s spirit than by diving headfirst into the craic.