Summer time is prime time for get togethers, all those balmy days and long nights, and as we've been talking so much in the office about our various plans we thought we should merge them all into a Big Calendar of Ireland's Best Summer Festivals for 2015! This summer there's a host of Irish festivals celebrating music, theatre, crafts, food and craft beers, even Gin & Tonic! So here's our rundown of the best Irish festivals so you can plan your free weekends in June, July and August (when you haven't got a wedding or hen party or stag to go to!) They might even be a good option for a hen party, a mini-moon or just for a few days of guilt free (and hopefully sun-filled) fun.
Irish Festivals & Events in June
Bill Murray Season
For the month of June The Lighthouse are treating us all to a season of Bill Murray's finest films - perfect for popping into for a relaxed afternoon of cinematic classics in the stylish Lighthouse cinema. www.lighthousecinema.ie
Where: The Lighthouse, Dublin | When: 5 - 28th June
Gin & Tonic Festival
A city wide festival in 30 different bars and restaurants celebrating the humble G&T. This unique little summer "festival" offers gin and tonics around Dublin at a discounted price. What's not to love? www.greatirishbeverages.com
Where: Dublin | When: 22nd - 27th June
Irish Festivals & Events in July
Hollow Sounds
A brand new two day Irish festival of film, music, food and fun set in the unique Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre. We can't wait to check out the amazing amphitheatre location inside a beautiful old quarry. www.eventbrite.ie/hollow-sounds
Where: Ballykeeffe Quarry Amphitheatre, Co. Kilkenny | When: 3rd & 4th July
Galway Film Fleadh
A six day international film festival, with a diverse range of films and a host of international guests from the world of film. A great chance to spot a few celebs and check out some of Galways finest and most intimate cinema locations. www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
Where: Co. Galway | When: 7-12th July
Valentia Isle Festival
A one of a kind festival on Valentia Island off the coast of Kerry, with music, gourmet food and breathtaking views. The amazing island location even offers the option of free camper van and regular camping. Win, win, win. www.valentiaislefestival.com
Where: Valentia Island | When: 10 -12th July
Galway International Arts Festival
Ireland's largest annual arts festival with theatre, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy involving hundreds of artists and performers. The impressive line up includes St.Vincent, Sinead O'Connor, Damien Rice and Kodaline - all of whom are set to perform in the gorgeous Big Top Tent. www.giaf.ie
Where: Co. Galway | When: 13 - 26th July
Carrick Water Music Festival
A water side music and arts festival at the home of the traditional Irish hen party - Carrick On Shannon. The unique atmosphere that takes over this small waterside town. www.carrickwatermusicfestival.com
Where: Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim | When: 15 - 19th July
Longitude Festival
A 3 day no-camping music festival, with one of the best lineups of the summer, including: Hozier, Alt-J, The Chemical Brothers, Caribou, Jungle, Todd Terje and lots, lots more. www.longitude.ie
Where: Marley Park, Dublin | When: 17 - 19th July
The Festival Of Curiosity
For something a little different why not try The Festival Of Curiosity, which celebrates science, arts, culture & curious technology. This innovative (and free) festival takes place all across the city centre. www.festivalofcuriosity.ie
Where: Dublin | When: 23 - 26th July
Folkfest Killarney
Three days and nights of live entertainment over 4 stages. The talented folk lineup includes Luka Bloom, Kila, Moxie and Sharon Shannon. www.folkfestkillarney.com
Where: Co.Kerry | When: 24 July - 26 July
Knockanstockan Festival
A chilled music and arts festival with 150+ acts playing by the Blessington lakes. The relaxed atmosphere and the low cost festival tickets make this one a must. www.knockanstockan.ie
Where: Co.Wicklow | When: 24 - 25th July
Galway Races
A summer favourite for many, and definitely not just for horse riding enthusiasts. For many the main day would be ladies day, but for a less packed experience buy yourself a ticket for one of the other days. www.galwayraces.com
Where: Co. Galway | When: 27 July - 2nd August
Indiependence Festival
A wonderful small music and arts festival with multiple stages located across a scenic tree lined festival site. www.indiependencefestival.com
Where: Co.Cork | When: 31 July - 2nd August
BeatlesFest on the Lough
An annual festival celebrating the music of the Beatles in the picturesque towns of Moville and Greencastle in Donegal. A festival celebrating The Beatles, what's not to love. www.craicon.com/beatlesfest
Where: Co. Donegal | When: 30 July - 2nd August
Castlepalooza
A unique Irish music and arts festival set in the medieval Charleville Castle. The eclectic lineup includes: Aeroplane, Fight Like Apes, Jape, Elephant, Kobina, Nialler9 and Cave Ghosts. www.castlepalooza.com
Where: Tullamore, Co.Offlay | When: 31st July - 2nd August
Irish Festivals & Events in August
The Beatyard at Dun Laoighre Harbour
To celebrate it's tenth year The Beatyard are heading to the seaside with a great line up of electronic, disco and house music including Four Tet and Midnight Magic, as well as lots of food, drinks, and games.
Where: Dun Laoghaire | When: 1 - 2nd August
Wild Atlantic Craft Beer Festival
A celebration of craft beers on the Wild Atlantic Way that you won't find elsewhere. www.wildatlanticcraftbeerfestival.com
Where: Co. Donegal | When: 1 - 3rd August
Fleadh Cheoil
A week long series of traditional music events - both for traditional music lovers and those just looking to soak up the atmosphere. The unbeatable atmosphere on the streets of Sligo is a real winner, especially if the sun decides to shine. www.fleadhcheoil.ie
Where: Co. Sligo | When: 9th - 16th August
Belsonic
An outdoor music festival at Belfast's Custom House Square, in the city's historic Cathedral Quarter. The lineup, includes: Rudimental, Paloma Faith, Bastille, Stereophonics, Above & Beyond, All Time Low, Duke Dumont and The Coronas www.belsonic.com
Where: Belfast, Co. Sligo | When: 15 - 26th August
Gatsby's Mansion Party
A roaring Gatsby party with 1920's dress encouraged and vintage and electro-swing DJs. NB This event is sold out, but keep an eye on the Facebook event for ticket sales and another event which is set to announced shortly. www.facebook.com/gatsbyparty
Where: Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin | When: 15th August
The Big Grill BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
A BBQ festival, with BBQ food, craft beers and live music. www.biggrillfestival.com
Where: Herbert Park, Dublin | When: 13 - 16th August
Another Love Story
A whimsical music and arts festival with a relaxed vibe, a magical setting - and lots of glitter. (Plus dogs go free.) www.anotherlovestory.ie
Where: Killyon Manor, Co. Meath | When: 21 - 23rd August
Sugarbeat
An outdoor music festival with camping and a talented, largely national, lineup. Even better the tickets are super affordable. www.sugarbeat.ie
Where: Co. Galway | When: 22 - 23rd August
So there it is, our picks of the best summer Irish festivals across the country. Which will you be attending this year?
Image Credits: Priscila Valentina via Green Wedding Shoes | Body & Soul | Holi Festival Of Colours | Katy Mutch via One Fab Day
