Staycations 2025: An island of epic activities
Mary Cahill and Trish O’Neill pictured taking part in the Wander Wild Sunrise Dip in Dundag, Muckross Lake, Killarney National Park. The festival returns this April.
LEINSTER
Dublin | Dublin Coffee Festival
Any seasoned staycationer knows that travelling, while great fun, will tire you like nothing else — so what better way to give your holiday plans a boost than with a good old fashioned cup of joe? This festival is a celebration of the speciality coffee scene in Ireland, showcasing the nation’s best coffee roasters, alternative milk companies and much more. Expert-led workshops and live competitions are among the events worth heading to — especially for the hundreds of free samples available! April 12-13; www.dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/dublin-coffee-festival/
Laois | TriLaois 2025
Incorporating stunning routes through the lovely Laois countryside, this triathlon race takes you through the heart of the Midlands. Now in its 15th year, this event is perfect for both first time triathletes and seasoned competitors looking to kickstart their season with a friendly, yet competitive race. You will be in good hands throughout, with over 100 marshals looking after participants on the day who are all triathletes themselves. April 12; www.trilogy.ie/trilaois2025
Kilkenny | Kilkenny Roots Festival
Since 1998, this festival has attracted some of the finest names in the Americana/Roots canon to the Marble City — including Calexico, Ray LaMontagne, and Alabama Shakes — and enticed audiences to wind their way through Kilkenny’s medieval streets sampling a huge range of music through ticketed and free shows. This year’s lineup includes a mixture of old and new acts on the free pub gig trail with all styles catered for, from swing to bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk, blues and beyond. May 2-5; www.kilkennyroots.com
Wicklow | Lap of the Gap Marathon
Thanks to an incredibly scenic route through Wicklow Mountains National Park, this race is Ireland’s highest road marathon. For those not quite ready for such a mighty challenge, however, there’s also a half-marathon option. Whichever you opt for, you’re in for a treat, and the chance to savour sights such as the Glendalough Lakes, the Glenmacnass Waterfall, and Lough Tay, known as the ‘Guinness Lake’. May 24; www.lapofthegap.com
Wexford | Rockin Food & Fruit Festival
Jampacked with food, craft and family fun, this festival is an annual highlight in Enniscorthy. Savour a huge variety of tastes and aromas at the town’s Artisan Food Market, boasting over 80 of the finest local vendors, or dive into a diverse lineup of food and drink workshops, events, and classes. Keep an eye out too for some top celebrity chefs — with Kevin Dundon among the festival’s loyal supporters. May 2-4; www.rockinfoodfestival.ie
Carlow | The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge
One of the most popular annual cycling sportives in the country, this event offers a range of equally scenic routes to suit all cycling abilities. Proceeds raised on the day will support the local national school and GAA club, as well as charities Down Syndrome Ireland and the Jack and Jill Foundation. All routes start and finish in the beautiful village of Ballinkillen in the foothills of Mount Leinster, with five routes to choose from; 140km, 110km, 80km, 50km and 12km. April 27; www.blackstairscyclingchallenge.com
Kildare | Kildare Jazz Festival
This packed weekend, featuring a stellar lineup of national and international artists, promises a thrilling ride through the nuances of jazz. The festival will be opened by a special Emerging Act, selected through an open call process. This annual tradition is open to any Irish-based jazz acts, offering an opportunity for early career artists to be part of a high profile line-up. April 4-6; www.riverbank.ie/event/kildare-jazz-festival-2025/
Meath | Navan Choral and Instrumental Festival
Established in 1979, this festival has long been a platform for Ireland’s most promising musicians of diverse genres to showcase their talent and further their musical careers. Don’t miss the chance to catch amazing performances from all age groups, with the festival hosting competitions for primary school choirs right up to adult choirs, as well as a selection of Irish language choirs. May 3-11; www.navanchoralfestival.com
Westmeath | Bealtaine Fire Festival
Ignite your spirit at this special event that welcomes in the Irish summer. Set in the Sacred Centre of Ireland — the Hill of Uisneach — this festivals offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the season and connect with Ireland’s storied past. One for all ages to enjoy, children and adults alike will find joy in the festival’s traditional Irish games, while mindfulness spaces offer the grown ups moments of calm and deeper connection with the land.
Offaly | Birr Festival of Music
Returning for its ninth year, this classical music festival has been a mainstay of the May Bank Holiday in Offaly since 2016. The festival programme features workshops, street performances, pop-up and online events featuring singers and musicians of national and international acclaim. Among the standouts are Birr Young Voices, a choral group of over 160 children between the ages of 8-12. May 1-5; www.birrfestivalofmusic.com
Louth | Drogheda Arts Festival
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this festival is set to return bigger and better than ever in 2025. Highlights of the bumper three-day festival include ‘Walk, Talk & Chalk’, a series of immersive tours with artist Caoimhe McCarthy where you will discover Drogheda’s history and hidden artistic gems, creating art along the way using rubbing techniques and taking home a piece of the town. May 2-4; www.droghedaartsfestival.ie
Longford | Maria Edgewor th Literary Festival
Since its initial beginnings almost 30 years ago, this Edgeworthstown festival has established itself as one of the best literary events on the Irish calendar and has attracted visitors from across the globe. Highlights of this year’s programme include an 18th Century Costume Tea Party, historical trails, musical performances, nature walks and theatre performances, as well as poetry and short story competitions. May 9-11; www.mariaedgeworthcenter.com
ULSTER
Fermanagh | The Mid Ulster Drama Festival
This festival showcases the finest acting talent in all of Ireland, hosting drama groups from right across the country. This year, nine plays in total will be performed by groups from Galway, Dublin, Tyrone, Louth and more in the Patrician Theatre in Carrickmore. Expect a mix of comedy, mystery, mayhem and, of course, plenty of drama. Until March 29th; www.fermanaghomagh.com
Antrim | Belfast by the Glass
This fun event invites you to experience an alternative history of Belfast through booze. Sit back and sip by the fire in the elegant parlour of The Spirit Circle, one of the most historic buildings in Belfast, and hear the tales that together make Belfast a city to be admired — all served with spirit (literally!) by expert storytellers. March 7 – May 31; www.visitbelfast.com/event/belfast-by-the-glass/
Tyrone | Bluegrass
Omagh Bluegrass returns to the Ulster American Folk Park this May, promising a weekend of foot-stompin’ rhythms, toe-tappin’ tunes and lots more. Muireann Bradley, Bow Brothers and Dublin Gospel Choir are among the headline acts for music lovers to catch over the weekend, while Open Mic sessions across the weekend are a great opportunity to discover the talented young Irish up and comers. May 24-25; www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/whats-on/bluegrass-omagh-2024
Derry | City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival
This mega festival sees hundreds of acts playing in over 70 venues throughout the fascinating walled city of Derry, with over 70,000 visitors travelling from all over the world for a slice of the action. Keep your eyes peeled for the full programme of acts, which already boasts the legendary Billy Ocean as one of the headliners. May 1-5; www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com
Armagh | Shrek the Musical
As you explore Ireland’s stunning Emerald Isle, you may find the love of green just keeps growing stronger… And what better way to embrace it than by seeing everyone’s favourite ogre in the flesh? Based on the Oscar-winning film, Shrek The Musical is a live fairytale adventure featuring all the original laughs, along with all new songs. You can see it all on stage at The Market Place Theatre. April 15-19; www.marketplacearmagh.ticketsolve.com
Down | Easter Egg Hunt
A feast for all the senses, this experience offers you the chance not only to tuck into some mouthwatering chocolate, but to do so while exploring the stunning grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Roam the gardens to uncover secret clues left behind by the Easter Bunny, until they lead to you towards the much coveted chocolate treat. April 12-27; www.discovernorthernireland.com
Donegal | Links of Donegal Challenge
A golf lover’s dream, this event is an opportunity to embark on three days of championship links golf along the Wild Atlantic Way, playing across three of Ireland’s top 100 courses. Players will compete across Portsalon Golf Club, North West Golf Club and Ballyliffin Golf Club for a share of Europe’s biggest amateur tournament prize fund of €25,000. Runs from April 14-16; www.majorcoo.com/linksofdonegal
Monaghan | Lough Muckno Easter Angling Festival
The perfect getaway for any fishing fans, this festival also offers plenty to those with no interest who might be tagging along! Lough Muckno is the largest and most beautiful of County Monaghan’s lakes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. It’s located in Lough Muckno Leisure Park, which sprawls out across 900 acres of woodland with many walking trails and picnic areas to discover. April 19-21; www.monaghantourism.com/event/lough-muckno-easter-angling-festival/
Cavan | Laragh Gala Variety Show
If you’re looking for an activity that’ll keep the whole family entertained this Staycation season, look no further than this variety show. With a jampacked mix of musicians, dancers, comedians, and more taking to the stage, there’s something for everyone in the audience! April 24; www.eventbrite.ie
MUNSTER
Kerry | Wander Wild Festival
This weekend-long festival promises thrills, mindfulness, and natural beauty aplenty, with over 100 events on offer. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Killarney National Park, each of the events are expertly designed to cater to the body, mind, and soul of every adventurer. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling experiences or a nature enthusiast who loves going off the beaten track, this festival has something for everyone. April 4-6; www.wanderwildfestival.com
Cork | Cork International Choral Festival
One of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, this festival has been bringing Cork to life with song since 1954. Choirs from across the world will be flocking to Cork this May for a programme of Gala concerts, school concerts, national and international competitions, and world-class performances. Overall the festival attracts some 5,000 participants each offering something unique, meaning there truly is something for everyone! (April 30-May 4) www.corkchoral.ie
Waterford | Waterford Festival of Food
One of Ireland’s largest and longest-running community food festivals, this annual festival highlights Dungarvan as a mecca for food lovers and fun seekers. Offering a mixture of free and ticketed events, as well as high-end dining opportunities and casual bistro experiences, there’s something for all tastes, ages and budgets. The weekend’s previously drawn in Michelin star chefs such as Ross Lewis of Chapter One in Dublin and Martijn Kajuiter of the Cliff House in Ardmore. April 25-27; www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com
Tipperary | Out of the Ordinary
If you’re looking to try something a bit different on your Irish adventures, what could possibly be more out there than a virtual reality opera? This award-winning bilingual production reimagines opera for the digital age. With a VR headset, you can explore a stunning animated world where you can move, interact, and choose your own path through an immersive and evocative experience. April 10-11; www.whatsonintipp.ie/event/music/out-ordinaryas-ngnach
Clare | Doonbeg Jazz Festival
This music festival, now in its 26th year, claims to be the best in the West, and it’s easy to see why. With an excellent line up of local and international musicians featured each year, Angie Mac, Mafia Cats and Manic Jazz Preachers are among the acts taking to the stage in 2025. May 30-June 2; www.facebook.com/doonbeginternationaljazzfestival
Limerick | Fleadh by the Feale
This annual trad festival brings the town of Abbeyfeale to life each year with some of the best musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from all across Ireland and further afield. This May, Elle Marie O’Dwyer and Cherish the Ladies will be performing, while a stellar lineup of tutors including Sarah O’Gorman, Deirdre Scanlan, Thomas Ahern, Colm Slattery, Clara Mannion and James O’Connor will be offering a variety of music and singing workshops. May 1-5; www.linktr.ee/fleadhbythefeale
CONNACHT
Galway | Athenry Agricultural Show
Celebrating its 136th year this May, the Athenry Agricultural Show is one of Ireland’s longest running agricultural community events. While the full schedule of events is yet to announced this year, you can expect stunning showjumpers, some adorable four-legged friends in the Dog Show and more exhibitor stands than you’ll be able to choose from! May 25 (TBC); www.athenryagrishow.com/
Sligo | Yeats Day Festival
This annual fixture celebrates the birthday of Ireland’s national poet, WB Yeats, in the heart of Co Sligo, his spiritual home. Known as Yeats Country, Sligo’s scenery inspired many of the Nobel Prize winning poet’s great works. The festival’s lineup includes fascinating lectures on Yeat’s life and legacy, as well as drama, dancing and, of course, the traditional cutting of the huge birthday cake in his honour. June 12-15; www.yeatssociety.com
Mayo | Croagh Patrick Heritage Walking Festival
This one is a great day out, in aid of an even greater cause! This walking festival offers you the chance to join the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail team in raising funds for the Mayo Roscommon Children’s Hospice, all while enjoying one of the country’s most scenic walking routes, along country lanes, through ancient woodland and over mountain and moor. Best of all, you’ll finish it all off with a free afternoon BBQ. May 10; www.facebook.com/CroaghPatrickHeritageTrail
Roscommon | Night & Day Festival
KT Tunstall, Hermitage Green and Jose Gonzalez are among the headliners of this jampacked festival, returning for its fourth year this June. Those are just some of the big names that will be taking to the festival stage in the beautiful surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park, while elsewhere on site a dedicated family zone will be offering face painting, dance classes and a circus skills workshop. June 27-29; www.nightandday.ie
Leitrim | Leitrim Cycling Festival
This family-friendly roving festival is all about variety, taking place in a new town or village within Leitrim every year. This year, the festival’s home is Tullaghan, a beautiful village situated on Leitrim’s small stretch of coastline. A family-friendly weekend of food, music, art, camping and, of course, some cycling too, the festival highlights not just the positive effects that bicycles can have on our planet, but also how they can connect us all to our communities. May 23-25; www.leitrimcyclingfestival.com
