Eventful island: Your all-island guide to great events and adventures
Head to Offaly at the end of March for the Tullamore TradFest, a lively weekend festival of traditional Irish music concerts, workshops, recitals and free family entertainment.
From music and comedy to outdoor adventures and family fun, discover activities happening across the country that are worth marking in your calendar
Unleash your creativity this summer at the Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas. With a top-notch line-up you won’t want to miss this festival featuring author talks, panel discussions, workshops and readings. Speakers already announced include Stephen Fry, Fintan O'Toole, Mary Robinson, Max Porter and many more. Borris House Estate, Co Carlow; June 5th–7th; €70–€300; festivalofwritingandideas.com
If you and your family are fans of Matilda or musicals or both, then why not have a fun day out in the Big Smoke and see Matilda the Musical live in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The sell-out success is back for a UK and Ireland tour this autumn and will no doubt bring the most amazing family fun for all ages to enjoy. Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin; September 15 th –October 18th; €30–€80; ticketmaster.ie
Get your glad rags on and enjoy an all-round fun day at the Kildare Derby; it’s set to be an unmissable event for all to enjoy this summer. The event is set to feature top-class racing, live music, and fashion. The Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare; June 26th–June 28th; €15–€130; kildarederbyfestival.ie
Looking for a good laugh to brighten up your year? Then look no further than the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival. Now in its 30th edition, the festival has played host over the years to international and domestic world-class comedy and is renowned for treating both talent and audience to a warm, welcoming and convivial atmosphere. Kilkenny; May 29th–June 1st; €15–€25; thecatlaughs.com
Are you a fan of gardening and wanting to meet like-minded people? Then don’t miss the Buds & Blossoms Festival, a celebration of gardening, plants and green living with expert talks, plant stalls, live music and family-friendly activities. Spink Community Grounds, Co Laois; June 8th; Adults €10, students €5, children under 12 go free; laoisgardenfestival.com
Granard Booktown Festival turns this charming market town into a celebration of literature and ideas with author readings, workshops and performances from emerging and established voices. Granard, Co Longford; April 17th –19th; €10–€25; granardbooktownfestival.ie
Dive into the Drogheda Arts Festival, a dynamic celebration of contemporary arts featuring theatre, music, visual art and pop-up performances that take over streets, venues and unexpected spaces across the town. A perfect family-friendly event for all to enjoy. Drogheda, Co Louth; April 26th–May 4th; €10–€30; droghedaartsfestival.ie
Step back in time and experience history come alive at the Boyne Valley Viking Experience. At this historical reenactment, over 500 Vikings from across Europe gather at Slane Castle to camp in an authentic village, sail full-size replica longships on the River Boyne and bring history to life with battle displays, craft demonstrations, music and family-friendly activities. Slane, Co Meath; May 16th–17th; €15–€80; boynevalleyevents.com
Tullamore TradFest is set to be a lively weekend festival packed with traditional Irish music concerts, workshops, recitals and free family entertainment across venues in Tullamore; perfect for both die hard trad fans and anyone curious about Ireland’s rich musical heritage. Tullamore, Co Offaly; March 27th–29th; €10–€20; tullamoretradfest.com
If you’re a fan of Boyzone and Westlife, then you won’t want to miss Live in the Marquee: Boyzlife. A night of the biggest hits from two iconic Irish popboyband legends, Keith Duffy of Boyzone and Brian McFadden of Westlife, performing together with full band energy and crowdpleasing classics. Shannonbridge, Co Westmeath; May 3rd; €39; tickets.ie
Get ready for Live at The Breakwater: Qween and Dublin Gospel Choir, an unforgettable tribute concert blending rock classics with soulful vocal power, ideal for a fun night out with friends or family by the water. Ferrybank South, Co Wexford; August 7th; €37.50; liveatthebreakwater.ie
Up for a challenge? Then the Wicklow Half Marathon & 10k is a fantastic way to enjoy breathtaking scenery while getting active. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, running with friends, or walking for fun, this event brings the community together on a scenic course. Wicklow; March 22nd; €30–€45; runningcalend a r.ie
Experience the heart and soul of traditional Irish music at the Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival, featuring concerts, céilís, sessions and workshops with acclaimed musicians and locals alike in the historic village known for its rich music heritage. Kilfenora, Co Clare; April 24th–27th; €20; kilfenoraclare.com
Enjoy a weekend of family fun at the inaugural Irish Chili Festival, a fun celebration of hot sauces. There will be food trucks, live music, comedy, a spicy cabaret show and the thrilling chili-eating competition. Marina Market, Cork; June 27th–28th; Free/€8 with tote bag/donations accepted; chilifest.eu
Immerse yourself in a scenic multi-day walking tradition at the Kerry Camino Walking Festival, a guided trek from Tralee toward Dingle with daily routes, camaraderie and countryside views, perfect for any walking levels. Tralee, Co Kerry; May 1st–3rd; €30 per person www.eventbrite.ie
Rock out this summer with Grammywinning band Kings of Leon at Thomond Park. This gig is set to feature arenaready hits and highenergy performances. Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick; July 1st; €89.75–€99.75; ticketmaster.ie
Explore ancient history and dramatic medieval architecture at Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved Norman castles with guided tours, audiovisual displays and riverside views. Cahir, CoTipperary; Adults €10, seniors/students €8, children €6; heritageireland.ie
Enjoy a perfect family day out at Spraoi International Street Arts Festival. Three days of street theatre, music, dance, circus acts and fireworks transforming Waterford city into a giant stage. Waterford; July 31st–August 2nd; Free; spraoi.com
Celebrating creativity in all its forms, Galway International Arts Festival brings together music, theatre, visual art and street performances from Ireland and around the world, transforming the city into magic for all to enjoy. Galway; July 15th–July 28th; €10–40; giaf.ie
Explore one of Leitrim’s longest-running summer traditions at the Ballinamore Family Festival, a lively week of open-air concerts, parades, kids’ activities, sports, community fun and evening entertainment that’s great for all ages. Ballinamore, Co Leitrim; August 9th–August 16th; €15–€80; ballinamorefamilyfestival.com
What better way to enjoy summer than at Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, a lively few days of music, late-night sessions and headline gigs across pubs and venues all over town. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Westport, Co Mayo; June 4th–June 7th; €20–€50; westportbluegrass.ie
Enjoy a mix of history and tradition at the Roscommon Agricultural Show, a full day of livestock competitions, vintage machinery displays, family activities and tasty local food stalls. The event is set to bring communities together for a fun-filled showcase of rural life. Roscommon; August 16th; Adults €12, children free; roscommonagriculturalshow.ie
Celebrate local produce and food culture at the Taste of Sligo Food Festival, with top chefs, cookery demos, artisan stalls, and family activities in an annual weekend feast of flavours for all to enjoy. Sligo; September 18th–20th; Ticket prices vary; tasteofsligo.ie
Celebrate spring and have some family fun at the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival, with vibrant floral displays, live entertainment, food stalls, carnival rides, crafts and activities for all ages to enjoy. Glenarm Castle, Co Antrim; May 2nd–4th; £10–£15; glenarmcastle.com
Enjoy a mix of creativity and fun at the John Hewitt International Summer School. Experience a lively celebration of writing and poetry. This event, open to all ages, is set to be packed with talks, readings, workshops and performances led by leading Irish and international voices. The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh; July 27th–August 1st; £10 per session; johnhewittsociety.org/summer-school
Get ready for vibrant arts and culture at the Cavan Arts Festival, a dynamic four-day weekend of music, theatre, dance, contemporary circus, comedy, exhibitions and creative workshops. Cavan; May 14th–17th; From €15; cavanartsfestival.ie
Enjoy a mix of music and culture at the Rory Gallagher International Festival, four days of open-air gigs alongside headline acts under the big top tent. This is a must-visit tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest guitarists. Ballyshannon, Co Donegal; May 28th–31st; Weekend Big Top tickets €130 early bird/€145 standard; rorygallagherfestival.com
Fiddler’s Green International Festival, one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved folk music events with gigs, workshops, storytelling and sessions is set to be an event you won’t want to miss. If you are a fan of trad tunes and céilís then this is for you. Rostrevor, Co Down; July 15th–19th; From £30; fiddle rsgreenfestival.com
Get the whole family out on the water at the Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival where all ages and skill levels can enjoy a week of friendly competition, lessons, fun events and lakeside food stalls. Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh; April 26th–May 1st; fermanaghlakelands.com
Enjoy a scary celebration at the Derry Halloween Festival for a total city takeover of costume parades, lantern trails, street performances, spooky workshops and fireworks for all the family to enjoy. Derry; October 28th–31st; Ticket prices vary; derryhalloween.com
Head to Lough Muckno Adventure Centre, where you can have family fun and try kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing or take scenic walks around the lake. There’s also a mini adventure trail for kids, picnic spots, and occasional wildlife workshops perfect for burning off energy and enjoying Monaghan’s countryside. Castleblayney, Co Monaghan; Kayak and paddleboard sessions €12 per person, climbing €15; monaghantourism.com
Try something totally unique at The Craft Village at Strule Arts Centre, where families can join pottery, woodworking, and painting workshops, see artisan demonstrations, and create souvenirs to take home. Omagh, Co Tyrone; July 18th–19th ; Workshop tickets £10–£20; struleartscentre.com
