The Best Festivals in the West of Ireland
Experience the Best of Irish Music, Food, and Culture at These Must-Attend Festivals in the West of Ireland
Ireland is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the vibrant Irish spirit than by attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year. In the west of Ireland, specifically, you’ll find a treasure trove of festivals that celebrate the best of Irish music, food, and culture. From traditional music sessions to mouth-watering cuisine, these festivals offer an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the must-attend festivals in the west of Ireland that will leave you with lasting memories.
The Best Galway Festivals:
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature brings together world-renowned authors, thinkers, and passionate readers. Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway is one of Europe’s oldest book festivals, and a leading voice for literature both internationally and across Ireland. Cúirt brings readers and writers together to tell stories, share new perspectives, and to celebrate writing, books and reading in all forms.
To find out more visit The Cúirt International Festival of Literature Website
Livestock Music Festival
An exciting new summer music & arts festival, which takes place around the ancient ringfort at Liskelly Farm near the village of Aughrim in Galway.
This unique gem of a festival is a fun, and family friendly event which brings together fantastic independent music, art, food, entertainment, and activities. Enjoy two days of music and entertainment – offering you the perfect amount of time to switch off, relax, explore and have fun! Free camping and free entry for children under 14 (Up to 3 children per paying adult). So, grab your camping gear, stock up your cooler and get ready to immerse yourself in the music, art, and activities that LiveStock has to offer.
To find out more visit Livestock Music Festival
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway International Arts Festival is a two-week extravaganza that showcases the best of Irish and international artists across various artistic disciplines. This year the festival offers its most ambitious programme in its 45 year-history. Celebrating on a larger scale than ever before across theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, street spectacle and talks over 14 exciting days and nights, this festival has it all. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Galway city as streets come alive with captivating performances and exhibitions. The festival also features a rich program of traditional Irish music and cultural events, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To find out more visit Galway International Arts Festival Website
Galway International Oyster Festival
For seafood lovers, the annual Galway Oyster Festival is an unmissable event. It is the world’s longest running Oyster Festival and one of the most internationally recogised Irish events. Held in the charming village of Clarinbridge, just outside Galway city, this festival celebrates the oyster season in style. Indulge in the finest oysters accompanied by live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. Besides oysters, you’ll find an array of delectable seafood dishes and local specialties to tantalize your taste buds.
To find out more visit Galway International Oyster Festival Website
Clifden Community Arts Festival
Clifden Community Arts Festival is the longest-running community arts festival in Ireland. Audiences can expect a very high quality artistic programme with a superb literary, musical and visual art content which again will have the community arts of Clifden and the surrounding hinterland as a central focus with creative writing, music, theatre and film workshops and performances taking place in the local schools for the duration of the festival.
To find out more visit Clifden Community Arts Festival Website
The Best MAYO Festivals:
Far West Fest
Far West Fest is a brand new music festival taking place in the beautiful village of Geesala, County Mayo, with the scenic Achill Islands as the backdrop to the spectacular green field festival site. There is already a lot of attention focused on this part of Ireland due to the huge success of the brilliant Banshees Of Inisherin movie, and now this exciting new event will add to the buzz BIG time in North West County Mayo for the summer. Far West Fest will celebrate the anniversary of the famous Geesala Horse Racing Festival which takes place on nearby Doolough Beach, by hosting a top quality music festival to entertain the thousands who descend on Geesala for this weekend every year, as well as bringing in music fans from all over Mayo and beyond to this picture perfect location.
To find out more visit Far West Fest Website
Mayo Dark Sky Festival
Mayo Dark Sky Festival was established in 2016, to celebrate all facets of Mayo’s natural dark skies. Organised by the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies following the gold tier accreditation of Mayo Dark Sky Park, it takes place in the communities around the Dark Sky Park – Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy.
The festival is focused on astronomy and all themes connected with dark skies including culture, wellbeing and biodiversity, as we learn more about the impacts of light pollution on all of these areas of our lives.
Visitors can explore and enjoy Mayo Dark Sky Park all year round, and November is a particularly rewarding time to do so. The skies are dark from 6pm, the weather can be mild, and there are some beautiful stars, constellations and planets to be seen, including Orion, Cassiopeia, double star Albireo and the beautiful Pleiades star cluster. On a clear night, it really is quite magical.
The festival continues to expand and grow, offering talks, walks, exhibitions, performances and family friendly events in a warm and welcoming environment. Mayo’s rugged Atlantic seaboard offers a dramatic backdrop to a relaxed and fun-filled festival – why not join in on the fun?
To find out more visit Mayo Dark Sky Festival Website
The Best Clare Festivals:
The Russell Festival Weekend Doolin
The annual traditional festival held in Doolin falling on the last full weekend in February is a remembrance ceremony to the Russell family, Micho Packie and Gussie Russell, the world-famous traditional musicians.
The weekend festival is now firmly established on the traditional festival calendar as one of the earliest festivals of the year. It also hosts some of the best of traditional entertainment and attracts musicians from around the country.
The theme throughout the weekend is one of celebration as the new and vibrant music talents attract the growing audience for traditional music. There is also a hint of nostalgia for visitors and locals alike as they revisit and relive the “heyday” of Doolin in the 1960s and 1970s in music sessions taking place in the public houses and hotels.
The highlight of the festival is the concert on Saturday afternoon. The concert has a unique and spontaneous atmosphere, which often includes surprise guest appearances.
To find out more visit The Russell Festival Weekend Website
Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival
The Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival is noted for great concerts and céilís, plus cracking CD launches, pub sessions and some music and dance workshops for beginners.
To find out more visit Kilfenora Music Festival Facebook Page
Doolin Folkfest
The annual Doolin Folk Festival takes place in June. Having established itself as a firm favourite on the summer festival calendar, Doolin is acclaimed for the diversity of its music programme and is filling a niche on the festival scene. Out here on the edge of the country, musicians and audiences are re-connecting and experiencing the unbroken but ever-changing nature of our rich and nourishing music.
Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 70’s and 80’s such as Lisdoonvarna down the road and from the deep musical roots of the county, The Doolin Folk Festival presents powerful music in an intimate setting and ensures that audiences and musicians can feel at one and just enjoy the communal spirit.
To find out more visit Doolin Folkfest Website
Willie Clancy Summer School
For lovers of traditional Irish music, the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, is a pilgrimage of sorts. This week-long event brings together musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate and learn about Irish traditional music and dance. Immerse yourself in workshops, lectures, and nightly music sessions that will transport you to the heart of Irish music culture. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the Willie Clancy Summer School offers a unique and enriching experience.
To find out more visit Willie Clancy Summer School Website
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
If you’re single and ready to mingle, head to Lisdoonvarna for the world-famous Matchmaking Festival. This unique event attracts singles from all over the world looking for love, fun, and a bit of Irish charm. The festival features traditional Irish music, dancing, and, of course, the chance to meet your potential soulmate. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking a romantic adventure.
To find out more visit Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival Website
The Best Roscommon Festivals:
Night & Day Festival
A magical, musical medley of performance, art and interaction awaits you in the beautiful surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon.
Outside of a packed schedule of music, exhibitions, political debate and family friendly fun, you’re invited to take the time to explore many of the park’s unique, natural and historical features from its 19th-century parkland with majestic trees, follies, bridges and canals to the numerous walks and trails through the native woodlands, Bog garden and forests.
Committed to celebrating the very best Irish talent, while showcasing emerging talent, Night & Day Festival brings some legendary international performers to Roscommon.
To find out more visit Night & Day Festival Website
The Best Sligo Festivals:
Wild Roots Music, Performing Arts & Adventure Festival
Nestled in the alchemy of Co. Sligo, Wild Roots is an explosion of music, performing art and adventure. Wild Roots brings together these three great gifts like never seen before while taking you on a journey to explore all the wondrous treats in store. Make adventure part of your Wild Roots adventure. The festival is hidden in the organic dream of Yeats County, surrounded by the protection of the forest and the refreshment of the water. Kayak, sail, and SUP. Take your pick.
To find out more visit WildRoots Music, Performing Arts & Adventure Festival Website
Sligo Live International Music Festival
To find out more visit Sligo Live International Music Festival Website
The Best Leitrim Festivals:
Cowboys & Heroes Country Music & Americana Festival
Experience 4 awesome days and nights of the best of Irish country music. Cowboys and Heroes, Ireland’s No.1 Country Music and Americana Festival, takes place in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, with a full line up of the best Irish Country Music Acts alongside an American Car Show, Western Horse Shows, Barrel Racing, Country Karaoke, Line Dancing and Jiving classes and competitions, Country Star Singing Competition, five bars, onsite Saloon Bar and Restaurant, Food and Market Stalls and lots more.
To find out more visit Cowboys & Heroes Country Music & Americana Festival Website
The west of Ireland is a haven for those seeking an authentic Irish experience. The festivals mentioned above offer a delightful blend of music, food, and culture that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the rich heritage of this beautiful country. So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the best of Irish music, food, and culture at these must-attend festivals. Sláinte! (Cheers!).
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