Hi I'm Danielle đđ»
I'm passionate about travelling around Ireland with my family, discovering new places and amazing off the beaten track experiences.
Of course my day job is introducing Vagabond & Driftwood guests to Ireland too, so I'm never not thinking about where are the best places to go in Ireland!
Read on to find out the best festivals happening around Ireland in the summer of 2026.
đžđ» Mary From Dungloe
When does it happen? July 2026
Where does it happen? Dungloe in Donegal
You've heard of Miss World?
Or the Rose of Tralee?
Meet their quaint (and rather sheltered) Irish cousin, Mary From Dungloe.
Lovely ladies from all over the globe will compete to be crowned the Mary from Dungloe 2026.
All entrants must carry a heritage connection to Ireland. They typically will originate from global Irish emigrant communities, as well as from all the 32 counties of Ireland.
Aside from the main competition, there are musical and arts events to be enjoyed.
Plus there's Donegal's favourite son, Daniel O'Donnell, to charm everyone's socks off:
đ Cape Clear Storytelling Festival
Tucked away off the coast of West Cork, the Cape Clear Storytelling Festival is a magical celebration of Irelandâs oldest art form.
Each year, this tiny island comes alive with the voices of master storytellers from Ireland and beyond.
Expect captivating tales, lively music, and a warm island welcome as stories echo through pubs, fields, and along the wild Atlantic shore.
Itâs the perfect blend of folklore, community and craic.
When? August/September 2026
Where? Cape Clear Island, Cork
What? Enjoy tall tales? Irelandâs southernmost inhabited island hosts a celebration of this peculiarly Irish artform at the end of August each year.
đȘ FĂ©ile an Phobail / Festival of the People
Born in 1988 to showcase the vibrant talent of Belfastâs communities, FĂ©ile an Phobail has grown into Irelandâs largest community arts festival.
Born in 1988 to showcase the vibrant talent of Belfastâs communities, FĂ©ile an Phobail has grown into Irelandâs largest community arts festival.
Every August, the city bursts into life with ten days of music, art, comedy, and lively political discussions.
Expect colourful parades, international acts, and a true celebration of local creativity.
Beyond the summer festival, FĂ©ile also hosts events throughout the year from the traditional FĂ©ile an Earraigh in spring to spooky Halloween festivities, keeping Belfastâs cultural spirit shining bright all year round.
When? August 2026
Where? West Belfast, Northern Ireland
What? One of the biggest community festivals in Ireland is definitely a good news story to emerge from Belfast's troubled past.
đ Kilkenny Arts Festival
Each summer, the medieval streets of Kilkenny transform into a living stage for the Kilkenny Arts Festival, one of Irelandâs oldest and most beloved cultural events.
From music and theatre to literature and visual art, the city comes alive with creativity in every corner.
Expect world-class performances in historic venues, open-air installations, and a vibrant atmosphere that blends tradition with contemporary flair.
Itâs the perfect excuse to lose yourself in art, history and the magic of Kilkenny.
When? August 2026
Where? Kilkenny
What? The Marble City in Ireland's Ancient East lights up each August with parades, street performers, live music, comedy, opera and theatre.
đŽ Connemara Pony Show
Every August, the lively town of Clifden in County Galway plays host to the legendary Connemara Pony Festival, a week-long celebration of Irelandâs most iconic native breed.
Picture the scene: sleek, spirited ponies showing off their strength and grace against the wild Connemara backdrop.
Dating back to 1924, this world-famous event draws visitors from near and far to witness over 400 ponies compete in everything from show jumping to in-hand classes.
Itâs not all about the ponies, though. The festival buzzes with Irish dancing, dog shows and that unmistakable West of Ireland craic.
A true slice of Connemara magic!
When? August 2026
Where? Clifden, Galway
What? Dating back to 1924, this is a thoroughbred festival! It's all about Ireland's native horse breed. But Clifden is mighty craic too.
đŹ Spraoi
Each summer, the streets of Waterford burst into colour for the Spraoi Festival. a free, family friendly celebration of creativity and play.
True to its name (Spraoi means fun or play in Irish), this vibrant weekend transforms Irelandâs oldest city into one big stage.
Expect spectacular street theatre, live music, circus acts and dance performances around every corner.
The grand finale? The famous Spraoi Parade, a dazzling mix of floats, lights, and music that fills the medieval streets with pure magic.
Itâs the kind of joyful, uniquely Irish experience youâll never forget.
When? August 2026
Where? Waterford
What? Street performers. Street buskers. Street parades. One of the biggest arts festivals in Ireland happens each August in Waterford.
â” Galway Hooker Festival / CruinniĂș na mBĂĄd
The harbour town of Kinvara in County Galway comes alive for the Galway Hooker Festival, or CruinniĂș na mBĂĄ, a spectacular celebration of Irelandâs maritime heritage.
Against the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay, traditional Galway Hooker boats, with their deep red sails race across the water just as they did generations ago while carrying turf and trade goods.
The weekend is steeped in culture, with lively traditional music, sean-nĂłs singing and a reenactment of the famous turf delivery from Connemara.
Itâs a true west coast experience full of history, heart and salty sea air.
When? August 2026
Where? Kinvara, Galway
What? Hookers are traditional sailing boats associated with Galway Bay. This festival celebrates these iconic craft in the picturesque harbour village of Kinvara, on the edge of The Burren.
đ Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Looking for love, laughter, and a good dose of craic?
Head for the hills of Clare this September, where the legendary Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival transforms a sleepy village into Europeâs biggest singles celebration.
For over 165 years, people from around the world have flocked to Lisdoonvarna for music, dancing and maybe a match made in heaven.
All under the watchful eye of Irelandâs famous matchmaker, Willie Daly.
From midday jigs to late night singalongs, every pub in town buzzes with music and laughter.
Whether youâre after romance, rhythm or just a mighty good time, Lisdoonvarna has it all.
When? September 2026
Where? Lisdoonvarna, Clare
What? Romantic hopefuls descend on this tiny Clare town for the world's largest matchmaking festival. Great craic - even if you're hitched!
đ Puck Fair
The town of Killorglin in County Kerry goes a little wild for Puck Fair, one of Irelandâs oldest and quirkiest traditions.
For three unforgettable days, the streets come alive with music, markets, parades and laughter as a wild mountain goat is crowned King Puck.
His reign begins when a local schoolgirl, the Queen of Puck, places a crown upon his head, a sight you wonât see anywhere else in the world!
From lively street performances to traditional fairs and late-night sessions, itâs pure Kerry craic from start to finish.
And when the King is finally âdethronedâ and set free on Scattering Day, youâll already be planning your next visit.
When? August 2026
Where? Killorglin, Kerry
What? 400 year old Puck Fair is one of Irelandâs oldest festivals. Aside from live traditional music, storytelling, dancing and fireworks, Killorglin crowns a wild mountain goat - the 'puck' - to reign over the town.
âïž National Heritage Week
Ireland celebrates its stories, landmarks, and local legends during National Heritage Week
A nine day festival dedicated to our cultural, natural, and built heritage.
Communities across the country open their doors to share what makes their corner of Ireland special.
Most events are free, making it the perfect time to connect with Irelandâs past and maybe discover something new along the way.
When? August 2026
Where? Everywhere!
What? More a collection of festivals in Ireland than a single event. Heritage Week sees cultural and historical shenanigans happen all across the country.
How? No matter where you're touring with us across Ireland, there'll be a Heritage Week event happening.
Read more about summer in Ireland
