Beyond the beats: Alternative Irish festivals focusing on wellness, connection and self
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people prioritising wellness, particularly the younger demographics who are redefining wellness as a daily practice.
In today’s world, it has become increasingly difficult to make ‘real’ connections and we sometimes struggle to take time away from our phone screens.
In addition, factors such as higher burnout levels and increased exposure to health-related content on social media have fuelled the increase in the number of people prioritising wellness, particularly the younger demographics - Gen Z and millennials - who are redefining wellness as a daily practice.
With that comes the rise of the wellness festival and the incorporation of wellness into some existing music festivals.
Recent outdoor festivals in Ireland, including Wander Wild in Killarney and WellFest in Dublin, have proven what can happen when like-minded people, determined to get outdoors, prioritise their wellbeing, and make connections, come together.
Here are some Irish festivals taking an alternative approach this summer.
A full day of movement, recovery, inspiration, and community is coming to Cork this May.
Thrive For Your Best Life, in association with Breast Cancer Ireland, is a full-day festival at the Marina Market in Cork, designed to help people feel stronger, healthier and more in control.
The health, wellness and fitness festival will feature well-known speakers on the main stage, including Vogue Williams and Get Better with Chris, as well as pilates, yoga, HIIT and soundbath sessions.
There will also be appearances on the day from Aoife Lennon, Kathy Harrison, Amerie O’Shea, and Mary Kelly, among others.
The event aims to help people improve their fitness, fuel their body better, build strength, reset their mindset, improve sleep, understand hormones and practical advice for everyday life.
For more information and tickets, visit the website here.
Heineken Greenlight is coming to Cork this June bank holiday with a jam-packed Irish and international line-up.
Marking a new chapter that prioritises fan experience, connection and discovery, Heineken Greenlight was recently launched in Dublin.
The Dublin launch saw the platform deliver more than 35 acts across four nights, transforming venues across the city – and Cork promises to be no different.
The line-up for Cork includes Irish rock band Inhaler, Canadian indie outfit Men I Trust, international superstar DJ Jazzy and a special DJ set from Fun Lovin Criminals' Huey Morgan.
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There will also be performances from Wicklow’s indie-rock phenomenon Florence Road and Cork’s very own Cliffords, with more to be announced.
Moving beyond the main stage and into the heart of cities across Ireland, Heineken Greenlight has been built around a simple idea: creating ‘pinch me’ city gig experiences that fill bank holidays with live music across the year.
Visit heinekengreenlight.ie for more information and ticket updates.
Beyond The Pale Festival is a festival on the Irish calendar that stands out for its unique blend of music, arts, and wellness experiences.
The festival, which returns to Glendalough Valley from June 12 to June 14, values more than music; honouring creativity, hospitality, and quiet innovation.
The festival includes art installations, wellbeing sessions, food talks, tastings, and community circles where people share stories and ideas.
This year’s musical line-up includes Mike D, founding member of the legendary New York hip‑hop group Beastie Boys, Caribou, Primal Scream, Soulwax and Father John Misty, Of Monsters and Men, NewDad, Dove Ellis, Max Cooper (3D/AV Live), Claptone, Horace Andy and the Dub Asante Band feat. Matic Horns, Irvine Welsh, Nouvelle Vague, Elaine Mai, TSHA, Overhead The Albatross, Gabriels (DJ set) and more.
The festival’s Beyond The Pale: The Sunday Club package, which includes complimentary Sunday‑night camping and access to the Round Tower Lounge, a dedicated hospitality space offering lounge seating, luxury facilities, a bar and street‑food options, can include Anam Kara Wellness as an upgrade.
Created and hosted by British supermodel‑turned‑wellness advocate Sophie Anderton, Anam Kara Wellness offers a calm, alcohol‑free sanctuary on Glendalough estate where guests can book guided sessions in yoga, breathwork, meditation and sound baths.
Visit the website here for more information and tickets.
The Hinterland Festival of Literature and Arts will take place in Kells, Meath this summer, bringing together a four-day line-up of author interviews, history talks, live performances, creative workshops and family events.
Now in its 14th year, the festival, which will take place from June 25 to June 28, will present more than 70 events across multiple venues, including the newly opened Kells Printing Works, offering audiences a diverse programme spanning literature, history, journalism, film, comedy and music.
This year’s programme features a strong line-up of Irish and international contributors, with highlights including award-winning broadcaster Kirsty Wark, actor and presenter Larry Lamb, bestselling author Liz Nugent, author Katriona O’Sullivan, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, and Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght.
The festival will also host the Hinterland TypeTrail, an annual walking trail and exhibition celebrating typography, calligraphy and lettering as a modern art form led by local artist Mark Smith, and the popular Lit Crawl, showcasing local writing, theatre, comedy and music in venues across the town.
For more information and tickets, visit the website here.
The Yoga Picnic will return to Lilliput House, Westmeath on Saturday, July 4, bringing together yoga, movement, music, nature and community for a full day by Lough Ennell.
Founded by sisters Alice and Katy Harrison together with their friend, Mary Gardiner, The Yoga Picnic was created to showcase Ireland’s yoga and wellness community while promoting connection, sustainability, mental wellbeing and mindful living.
What began as a local grassroots gathering in 2022 has grown into a major wellness event featuring more than 100 classes, talks and experiences led by leading Irish and international facilitators.
The 2026 programme includes yoga, meditation, yoga nidra, breathwork, sound healing, ecstatic dance, drumming circles, poetry readings, cacao ceremonies, forest activities, SUP yoga, workshops and live music.
Internationally recognised teachers including Dylan Werner, Tara Judelle and Benita Wolfe from the USA, Manasi Sridhar from India, and UK teachers Michael James Wong, Hannah Barrett, Adam Husler and Holly Husler will make an appearance, as well as Ireland-based teachers including Eithne Kennedy, Sinead Mooney, Mari Kennedy, Michael Ryan and Jack Harrison.
Alongside the yoga programme, festival-goers can enjoy astrology talks, readings, and saunas, ice baths and hot tub experiences.
Visit the website here or email hello@theyogapicnic.com for tickets and information.
West Cork Literary Festival returns to Bantry this year from July 10 to July 17, inviting people to listen to readings on the loggia at Bantry House, improve their travel writing on a West Cork Island, or immerse themselves in the festival swim.
The unique literary festival that charms writers and readers alike has been thriving for more than 25 years, and each year features renowned and emerging Irish and international writers, imaginative workshops, and free events for all ages.
This year’s line-up includes Karl Henry, Miriam O’Callaghan, Neil Tully, Katriona O’Sullivan, Karen J McDonnell, and John O’Donnell, among many others.
Sessions such as a Writers Block Networking Session, Pop Up Gaeltacht, Yoga on the Lawn and Open Mic Saturday will also take place across the week.
For more information and tickets, click here.
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