Ireland's best festivals in 2026

If there’s one thing the Irish do well, it’s celebrate, and nowhere is this spirit of celebration more in evidence than during its festivals. You can shimmy through medieval streets, hear celebrated authors read from their own works, and dance to some of the country’s best live acts as the sun goes down on a summer’s evening.
We could spend days telling you about every fantastic festival the country has to offer, but we’ve narrowed it down to 18 of the most iconic festivals in Ireland. 

From thrilling live acts to colorful cultural displays, Ireland’s festivals are a great way to meet kindred spirits while exploring the whole island. Whatever you’re interested in, chances are you’ll find a festival dedicated to it.

1. Bloomsday Festival

Where: Dublin City and County
When: June 11–16

One of the county’s most unique literary celebrations, the Bloomsday Festival is a chance to dust off a straw boater and celebrate all things Ulysses, James Joyce’s literary masterpiece. One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the opening episode of Ulysses brought to life by Volta Theatre Company and staged in the James Joyce Tower & Museum in Sandycove. 

2. Dalkey Book Festival

Where: Dalkey, County Dublin
When: June 18–21

You could say storytelling is Ireland’s unofficial national sport, and a raft of literary festivals brings writing workshops and author talks to venues all over the country. The starriest and one of the most beloved is held in the seaside village of Dalkey, and this year literary titans Salman Rushdie and Sebastian Faulks lead the lineup. Get your tickets quickly, as the big names sell out fast.

3. Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

Where: Sligo town and County
When: July 4–11 

With a mission to showcase unforgettable experiences across the breadth of the county, Sligo’s arts festival is all about culture, connection and craic.Be sure to check out Claudette, a juggling and puppetry performance for the whole family in Cleaveragh Regional Park. Musical highlights include rising star George Houston. 

4. West Cork Literary Festival

Where: Bantry
When: July 10–17

A book lover's bucket list event, the West Cork Literary Festival kicked off in 1995 with readings in the local library. TV host Graham Norton, one of Cork’s favorite sons, has appeared at the festival on numerous occasions to discuss his own best-selling novels. The once-modest gathering has grown into a hot ticket affair with authors including Ian Rankin and Ireland’s own best-selling psychological thriller writer, Liz Nugent, making an appearance this year.  

5. Earagail Arts Festival

Where: County Donegal
When: July 10–25 

Over two weeks, the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s most northerly county becomes the home of Earagail Arts Festival. With an always ambitious programme that is representative of Donegal’s distinctive and diverse character, you’ll enjoy a smorgasbord of dance, theatre, visual arts, and spoken word from Ireland and around the world. Castles, beaches, churches and streets across the county from Malin Head to Donegal Town become the stage for a feast of art that will satisfy any culture vulture’s appetite. The popular Journals Fleadh returns, bringing readers and writers together with highlights including Welsh musician Gwenno in Letterkenny and Catalan street theater company Los Galindos in Lifford’s Old Courthouse. 

6. Stendhal Festival

Where: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, County Derry
When: July 2–4

Northern Ireland’s longest-running independent outdoor music festival is packed with an array of music, arts and events for all the family. Tickets are available for both camping and day tickets. On the lineup this summer are Robert Arkins of The Commitments fame, along with Irish folk fusion music group, Kila. One of the country’s best blues/rock acts, Johnny Gallagher & the Boxty Band, will also be taking to the stage. 

7. Galway International Arts Festival 

Where: Galway
When: July 13–26

For almost 50 years, the Galway International Arts Festival has been delivering one of Ireland’s most unique cultural experiences. For two weeks, the city is turned on its head with a dizzying array of music, visual arts, opera and spectacle in unique settings across the City of Tribes. At its heart, this is a festival that works to unlock people’s passions. Big-name artists like Patti Smith, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kate Nash, and Bell X1 will be in town while the city’s iconic Eyre Square becomes a venue in its own right. Expect the unexpected and leave feeling uplifted, but be prepared that many events sell out quickly.

8. Boyle Arts Festival

Where: Boyle, County Roscommon
When: July 16–25 

This is the 37th year of the Boyle Arts Festival, which is always full to the brim with live music performances, drama, comedy and engaging interviews. This year, iconic singer Mary Coughlan takes to the stage at St Joseph’s Hall, while literary star Michael Harding will be in conversation about his latest book, Midwinter.

9. Forest Fest

Where: Emo Village, County Laois
When: July 24–26

A place where music, creativity and family-friendly celebration collide under the trees in July, Forest Fest is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing boutique festivals. With Echo & The Bunnymen, Madness, James, The Coronas, and The Boomtown Rats on the lineup, this is one of the summer’s hottest tickets.

10. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival

Where: County Waterford
When: July 31 and August 1–2

The narrow streets, medieval buildings and little squares of Waterford City provide the perfect backdrop for bold street art, allowing artists from around the world a stunning platform to strut their stuff for Spraoi International Street Arts Festival.  The UK’s premier circus company, Bamboo, joins the fun with a full line-up to be announced soon. The festival culminates in the annual fireworks display launched from the River Suir.

11. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Where: Belfast, County Antrim
When: August 2–9

The Fleadh is the largest celebration of traditional Irish music anywhere on the planet, featuring all-Ireland competitions and hundreds of free on-street events. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann confirmed that the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture will return to Belfast City in 2026, for the second consecutive year, marking their 75th milestone event. You’ll enjoy world-class performers and family-friendly events with days of ceol agus craic (music and good times) in an iconic Irish setting. During the Fleadh, expect to hear songs drifting through historic streets and to find your toes tapping to the rhythm of céilí bands.  

12. Electric Picnic

Where: Stradbally, County Laois
When: August 28–30 

The country’s ultimate rock ‘n’ roll circus rolls into Stradbally for three decadent days in August. Billed as the country’s largest gathering of music and culture, tickets for Electric Picnic typically sell out even before the lineup is announced. Headliners this year include Fontaines DC, Gorillaz and CMAT. 

13. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Where: Lisdoonvarna, County Clare
When: September 1–30

Describing itself as the world’s biggest offline dating festival, this celebration is about much more than finding a date. There’s music and dancing in every bar till the wee small hours. Those serious about finding love can meet Ireland’s only traditional matchmaker, Willie Daly, in his "office" in the Matchmaker Bar.

14. Galway International Oyster Festival

Where: Galway City
When: September 25–27 

Founded to mark the start of the traditional oyster season, the world’s oldest oyster festival is one of Galway’s most iconic events. Competitors from 15 countries will battle it out on a specially erected stage, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter on Cross Street, for the right to take home the oyster opening champion title. It’s a feat of skill and finesse not to be missed.

15. Belfast International Arts Festival

Where: Belfast, County Antrim
When: October 14–November 8

Marking its 64th edition in 30 venues across the city, the full lineup for this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival will be revealed in August. But a first wave of highlights includes Brian Friel’s Faith Healer starring Conleth Hill at the Lyric Theatre, which marks its 75th anniversary as part of the festivities.

16. Wexford Opera Festival

Where: Wexford Town
When: October 15–31

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the country’s leading celebration of opera is jam-packed full of concerts and talks. One of the world’s most acclaimed operatic tenors, Joseph Cajella, marks his return to the festival this year.

17. Derry Halloween

Where: Derry City
When: October 28–Nov 1 

For four unforgettable nights in October, Derry’s ancient walled city becomes Europe’s official capital of Halloween. Join ghosts, banshees, and magical and mythical creatures as they come out to play on the city’s 400-year-old walls. While some events can be booked, the real magic happens out in the open. Be sure to dress up, as you’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t. 

18. Other Voices 

Where: Dingle, County Kerry
When: November/December

For the last decade, the iconic St James’ Church in the pretty seaside village of Dingle has hosted some of the most eclectic music makers in the world for one-off live performances. Securing access is a bit like opening up a Willy Wonka chocolate bar and finding the golden ticket, but you can try your luck through competitions in local and national media and through Other Voices social media. All events from St James’ Church are livestreamed on screens at venues across Dingle, so you can still enjoy the performances from some of the cool local pubs while enjoying a pint.