As usual this summer 2016 there are a host of Irish festivals celebrating both national and international music, theatre, crafts, food and craft beers. Tickets are selling fast (with Electric Picnic in September already sold out) so if you'd like to go to any of the following grab your credit card now before you're left at home suffering from some serious FOMO...
June
Rory Gallagher Festival
A three-day international tribute festival in the oldest town in Ireland, Ballyshannon. www.rorygallagherfestival.com
Where: Co.Donegal | When: 2nd June - 5th June
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
The incredibly popular comedy festival is back for another summer of laughs in various venues across Kilkenny. www.thecatlaughs.com
Where: Co.Kilkenny | When: 2nd June - 6th June
Forbidden Fruit
On the grounds of IMMA Forbidden Fruit is one of Dublin's most accessible music festivals and this year has a stellar lineup including: Tame Impala, Jungle, Flume and Dizzee Rascal. www.forbiddenfruit.ie
Where: Dublin 8 | When: 3rd June - 5th June
Bare
An award-winning one day music festival in Garryhinch Woods. www.bare.ie
Where: Co. Laois | When: 11th June
Cork Midsummer Festival
An annual city-wide summer celebration of contemporary arts and culture with both national and international acts. www.corkmidsummer.com
Where: Co.Cork | When: 17th - 19th, 21st, 24th - 26th June
Body & Soul
One of my favourites Body & Soul is a fun and colourful music and arts festival that is more often than not blessed with good weather (fingers crossed!) www.bodyandsoul.ie
Where: Co.Westmeath | When: 17th - 19th June
Sea Sessions
Ireland's favourite surf and music festival at the scenic Bundoran Beach. www.seasessions.com
Where: Co.Donegal | When: 24th June - 26th June
July
Castlepalooza
A unique Irish music and arts festival set in the medieval Charleville Castle. The impressive lineup includes: Carribou, Jurassic 5, Cat Power and Villagers. www.castlepalooza.com
Where: Co.Offlay | When: 1st July - 3rd July
Galway Film Fleadh
In its 28th year the Galway Film Fleadh is a six-day international film festival, with a diverse range of films and a host of international guests from the world of film. www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
Where: Co. Galway | When: 5th - 10th July
Folkfest Killarney
Three days and nights of live entertainment over 4 stages. The talented folk lineup includes Christy Moore, Little Green Cars and Damien Dempsey. www.folkfestkillarney.com
Where: Co.Kerry | When: 8th July - 10th July
Galway International Arts Festival
Ireland's largest annual arts festival with theatre, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy involving hundreds of varied artists and performers.
Tent. www.giaf.ie
Where: Co. Galway | When: 11th - 24th 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: 13th - 17th July
Longitude Festival
A 3 day no-camping music festival with ample space for dancing and a solid lineup including: Kendrick Lamar, The National, Jamie XX and lots, lots more. www.longitude.ie
Where: Marley Park, Dublin | When: 15th - 17th July
IMMA Summer Party
A one night only celebration of music, performance, food and drinks in the beautiful buildings and grounds of IMMA. www.imma.ie
Where: Dublin 8 | When: 16th 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: 21st - 24th July
Knockanstockan Festival
A chilled independent 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: 22nd - 24th 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 (hosted on the Thursday), but for a less packed experience buy yourself a ticket for one of the other days. www.galwayraces.com
Where: Co. Galway | When: 25 th July - 31st July
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: 29th July - 31st July
The Beatyard at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
Located by the seaside The Beatyard hosts a great line up of electronic, disco and house music including Roy Ayers and Theo Parrish, as well as lots of food, drinks, and games. www.the-beatyard.com
Where: Dun Laoghaire | When: 30th - 31st July
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 4 | When: 11th - 14th 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 Ennis is a real winner, especially if the sun decides to shine. www.fleadhcheoil.ie
Where: Co. Clare | When: 14th - 22nd August
Belsonic
An outdoor music festival at Titanic Belfast. The lineup, includes: The Corrs, Disclosure, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Fatboy Slim www.belsonic.com
Where: Belfast, Co. Antrim | When: 18th - 27th 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: 19th - 21st 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
Love these? Keep an eye out for a 2016 UK Festival Guide coming up soon.
Image credits: Michael Nolan Photography via Knockanstackan | Stint Ireland
