APRIL

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Belfast
When: April 28–May 8
Who: Echo And The Bunnymen, Mogwai, Declan O’Rourke, Bell X1 with Dowry Strings, John Shuttleworth, Kae Tempest, Shaparak Khorsandi, Richard Hawley, Bonnie Greer, John Cooper Clarke, Armando Iannucci and more.
What: One of the North’s premier festivals, the always unmissable Cathedral Arts Quarter is back with another superb line-up this year, with a treasure trove of delights covering music, film, comedy, art and literature.
Make sure to: Check out some of the excellent film screenings, including two must-sees for music fans, The Nowhere Inn – St. Vincent and Freakscene: The Story Of Dinosaur Jr.
cqaf.com

Riverfest Limerick

Where: Various venues and locations throughout Limerick city
When: April 29–May 2
Who: Riverfest Village, Fashion Friday, Scavenger Hunt, BBQ On The Boardwalk, Party In The Park and more.
What: Taking place on the banks of the Shannon, Riverfest boasts a brilliant array of events, activities and family friendly fun, all of which is sure to make for a memorable May bank holiday weekend in the Treaty city.
Make sure to: Fully savour the fun and frolics.
limerick.ie 

Kilkenny Roots Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Kilkenny city
When: April 29–May 2
Who: The Remedy Club, Joana Serrat, The Hanging Stars, His Lordship, Margo Cilker, Ronan Hession and Willy Vlautin, The Delines, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Jesse Dayton, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, Smithwick’s Music Trail with over 60 free shows, and more.
What: Bringing some of the finest acts in Americana and Roots to the Marble City since 1998, the event is back this year with another raft of top-notch artists, performing in a selection of Kilkenny’s most atmospheric venues. All styles are catered for from swing, bluegrass and rockabilly to Cajun, folk, blues and beyond.
Make sure to: Check out the conversation between Ronan Hession and cult US musician and author Willy Vlautin.
kilkennyroots.com

Derry Jazz Festival

Where: Various venues across Derry City
When: April 30–May 2
Who: Imelda May, Hyde Park Brass Park, Jumpin’ Up!, Linley Hamilton Quartet, Randy Ingram Trio, Tom Ollendorf, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and more.
What: Northern Ireland’s biggest jazz festival makes a welcome return after a two-year absence, offering a brilliant array of acts in a lively atmosphere throughout Derry city, with intimate club performances, large-scale shows and everything in between.
Make sure to: Check out headliner Imelda May at the Millennium Forum on May 2 – the Irish star is renowned for her rip-roaring live performances.
cityofderryjazzfestival.com

Claremorris Folk Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Claremorris
When: April 30–May 1
Who: Villagers, Ye Vagabonds, The Stunning, Katherine Priddy, Sive, Cinder Well, Patricia Lalor, David Munnelly Duo and more.
What: Described as “a lovingly crafted folk festival in the heart of the west”, it showcases a wide array of folk performers in a choice range of venues, against the scenic backdrop of Mayo – and all underpinned by a fantastic feelgood atmosphere, of course.
Make sure to: Check out out the performance by indie maestros Villagers, one of the country’s foremost live acts.
claremorrisfolkfestival.com

Sligo Live

Where: Various venues across Sligo
When: In April and October
Who: Tommy Tiernan, Gavin James, The Coronas and more.
What: Taking place against the scenic backdrop of the Yeats County, Sligo Live offers a brilliant line-up of music and comedy acts, with many different concerts, club sessions, café gigs, street entertainment and market events also in the mix.
Make sure to: Check out the performance of Tommy Tiernan at IT Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena – the Navan comic’s RTÉ chat-show has become appointment viewing, and he remains one of the best stand-ups around.
sligolive.ie

Drogheda Arts Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Drogheda
When: April 28–May 2
Who: Behind Closed Doors: Quintessence Theatre, T Go Maith, Paramount Styles, Goodnight Egg, Brici Spraoi, Cycle Circus, Out Of The Deep Blue and more.
What: The four-day event offers in-door, outdoor and site-specific performances, along with a wonderful range of visual arts exhibitions, music, spoken word, theatre, literature, circus, family shows and workshops.
Make sure to: To soak up the brilliant atmosphere in the town throughout the weekend.
droghedaartsfestival.ie

MAY

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Dublin
When: May 2-15
Who: 333, Take Desire Away, Gala Awards Night, Who’ll Be The Mammy?, The Death Of Me, The Silver Bell and more.
What: Celebrating the contribution of gay people to theatre past and present, the festival is back with 150 performances of 24 productions. Once again, there’s something for everyone, with drama, comedy short plays and more all on offer.
Make sure to: Check out James Hindman’s one-man comedy, What Doesn’t Kill You.
gaytheatre.ie

Dublin Dance Festival

Where: Various venues throughout Dublin
When: May 17-19
Who: Lia Rodrigues, Rocio Molina, Jan Martens / GRIP & Dance On Ensemble, Amala Dianor, Silvia Gribaldi and more.
What: The 2022 edition of the Dublin Dance Festival promises “world-class flamenco, cutting-edge contemporary premieres, dazzling street dance, joyous work for younger audiences, and a vibrant programme of outdoor performances”.
Make sure to: Get into the groove!
dublindancefestival.ie

West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival

Where: Russborough House & St. Mary’s Church, Blessington
When: May 18-22
Who: Adam Walker, Hanna Hipp, Fiachra Garvey and Emma Abbate, Trio Gaspard, Quatuor Arod, Eblana String Trio and Gerald Barry and Sebastian Adams.
What: Recently hailed by BBC Music Magazine as “one of the best classical music festivals in Europe”, the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival returns to the heart Blessington in May for five days of performances featuring international and Irish artists. There will also be day of indoor and outdoor, family-friendly events, presented in partnership with the National Concert Hall’s Learning & Participation Programme.
Make sure to: Leave time to enjoy Russborough’s parklands and world-class private art collection.
westwicklowfestival.com

International Literature Festival Dublin

Where: Various venues throughout Dublin
When: May 19-29
Who: Derek Landy, Colm Tóibín, Richard Dawkins, Emma Dabiri, Ardal O’Hanlon, Onjali Q. Rauf, Cecilia Ahern, Louise O’Neill, Emilie Pine, Jenny Pearson, Peter Bunzl, Francesca Simon and more.
What: An absolute must for book-lovers, the International Literature Festival Dublin offers readers a chance to get up close and personal with some of their favourite authors, courtesy of an exciting range of interviews, events, readings and panel discussions.
Make sure to: Improve your Kafka, Proust and Dostoyevsky game!
ilfdublin.com

Life Festival

Where: Belvedere House & Gardens, Co. Westmeath
When: May 27-29
Who: Camelphat, Nina Kraviz, Sonny Fodera, The Blessed Madonna, Cailin, Sunil Sharpe, BLK, Tommy Holohan, Fjaak and more.
What: The celebrated electronica and dance festival returns to the gorgeous surrounds of Belvedere House for another early summer celebration.
Make sure to: Catch the set by the brilliant Nina Kraviz.
life-festival.com

Eastbound

Where: Various venues throughout Dublin
When: Various dates from May to September
Who: Daisy Brain, Etta Marcus, The Backseat Lovers, Sam Wickens, Reevah, Odd Morris, The Goa Express, The Brother Brothers, bdrmm
What: Eastbound is about “capturing the spirit of new and breaking artists and capturing the imagination of a devoted, music-hungry city like Dublin” – and 2022 promises to be the most exciting edition yet.
Make sure to: Check out acclaimed Dublin four-piece Odd Morris.
ticketmaster.ie

Live At The Marquee

Where: Docklands, Cork
When: Various dates through May & June
Who: The Coronas, Olivia Rodrigo, Sinéad O’Connor, The 2 Johnnies Podcast, John Bishop, Pet Shop Boys, Tommy Tiernan, Joanne McNally, Crowded House, Riverdance and many more.
What: The celebrated Cork event returns with an incredible line-up of music and comedy acts from home and abroad.
Make sure to: See global phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo bring her Sour 2022 tour to the festival’s grand finale on June 29.
aikenpromotions.com

JUNE

Rory Gallagher Festival

Where: Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
When: June 2-5
Who: The Eric Gales Band, Crow Black Chicken, The Pat McManus Band, Walter Trout, The Eric Bell Band, Bernie Marsden Band, Fresh Evidence and more.
What: This special gathering of loyal fans celebrates the famed Irish guitarist in the town of his birth, with free open air concerts and pub gigs across several days.
Make sure to: Visit the life-sized bronze statue of the great Rory Gallagher.
rorygallagherfestival.com

Listowel Writers’ Week

Where: Listowel, Co Kerry
When: June 2-6
Who: Catherine Dunne, Paul McVeigh, Bernie McGill, Olivia Hope, Emma Langford and more.
What: Ireland’s oldest literary arts festivals features panel discussions, moderated talks, poetry readings, interviews, cultural tours, walks and more.
Make sure to: Explore Irish heritage at the Kerry Writers’ Museum.
writersweek.ie

AVA Festival

Where: Titanic Slipways, Belfast
When: June 3-4
Who: Bicep, Mura Masa, Biig Piig, Gemma Dunleavy, Enola Gay, Floorplan, VTSS, I Hate Models, Tsha, Ewan McVicor, LSDXOXO, Logic1000 and more.
What: A heavyweight lineup of Brit and Grammy-nominated artists will converge on the brand new Titanic Quarter waterfront site for two full days of amazing performances.
Make sure to: Catch some of AVA's spectacular laser light shows.
avafestival.com

Wild Roots Festival

Where: Hazelwood Forest, Sligo
When: June 3-5
Who: Razorlight, James Bay, Damien Dempsey, James Morrison, King Kong Company, Soda Blonde, Jenny Greene, Violet Skies, Mark Blair, The Sherlocks, Hermitage Green, David McSavage, Emma Doran, Joe Rooney and more.
What: Enjoy phenomenal music, tasty food and side-splitting comedy in the midst of the magical Hazelwood Forest.
Make sure to: Take a kayak or paddleboard through the region’s beautiful waterways.
wildroots.ie

Open Ear Festival

Where: Sherkin Island, Cork
When: June 3-5
Who: Acid Granny, Baby Nits, Chris Chapman, Dechord, Diamond Dagger, Dechord, Jane Deasy, Josh Warry, Kerrie, Maeve O’Neill and more.
What: For three days this electronic/experimental music festival takes over the beautiful Sherkin Island to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Make sure to: Take in the breathtaking views of the
surrounding island landscapes.
openear.ie

Sofft Nights

Where: Dunderry Park, Co. Meath
When: June 4-5
Who: Tolü Makay, Elaine Mai, May Kay, Sinéad White, Pastiche, Lisa O’Neill, Moxie, Kira, Séan Fitzgerald & Daragh Lynch
What: An exciting two day festival at the beautiful Dunderry Park. In addition to the packed programme of outstanding Irish acts, Sofft Nights – an exciting two-day festival at at the beautiful Dunderry Park – will also feature holistic workshops and wellness activities like astronomy talks, reggae yoga, and imagination workshops.
Make sure to: Find yourself some handcrafted jewellery at one of the many unique pop-up shops.
sofftproductions.com

Forbidden Fruit

Where: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
When: June 4-5
Who: Lorde, The Avalanches, Bicep, Biig Piig, Malaki, Gemma Dunleavy, Floating Points, Peggy Gou, Hot Chip, Folamour, For Those I Love, Kojaque, Chet Faker and many others
What: Celebrating its 10th year, Forbidden Fruit is Dublin’s longest running city-centre music festival. After three long years of waiting, the bash returns to the stunning grounds of IMMA to celebrate summer in the capital.   Make sure to: See New Zealand sensation Lorde make her Ireland debut.
forbiddenfruit.ie

Doolin Folk Festival

Where: Hotel Doolin, Co. Clare
When: June 10-12
Who: Damien Dempsey, Mary Black, Ye Vagabonds, Peggy Seeger, Calum MacColl, Skipper’s Alley, Matt Molloy, John Spillane, This Is How We Fly, The Olllam and Wyvern Lingo.
What: Listen to top class trad and folk at this intimate celebration of Doolin’s unique music heritage.
Make sure to: Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the festival’s West Clare surroundings.
doolinfestivals.ie

Beyond The Pale

Where: Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow
When: June 10-12
Who: Bonobo, Four Tet, Orbital, Lisa Hannigan, The Mary Wallopers, Elder Island, Soda Blonde, Soulé, Shygirl, HAAI, Portico Quartet, Stereo MCs, Irvine Welsh, John Francis Flynn, Leon Vynehall and more.
What: An extensive three-day festival of bands, DJs, craft beers and delicious foods – and only 45 minutes from Dublin!
Make sure to: Enjoy the posh camping facilities with showers, hot tubs, saunas and massages.
itsbeyondthepale.ie

The Great Gathering

Where: Russborough House, Co. Wicklow
When: June 10-12
Who: Yotam Ottolenghi, Rachel Allen, Jon Ronson, Anton Savage, Bobby Kerr, Conor Pope, Blindboy Boatclub, David McWilliams, Tom Parker Bowles, Waterford Whispers News, Róisín Ingle and more.
What: This festival offers a coming together of music, workshops, live debates, art displays and delicious food, which is sure to satiate both your stomach and your mind.
Make sure to: Embrace the festival’s strong goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
thegreatgathering.ie

The Festival of Writing and Ideas

Where: Borris House, Co Carlow
When: June 10-12
Who: The full line-up has yet to be announced, but past guests have included Bruce Robinson, Sally Rooney, Neil Jordan, Colm Toibin and Cillian Murphy.
What: Over the past decade or so, Borris House has become one of the country’s foremost festivals, hosting a glittering array of literary and musical legends, including Donna Tartt, Martin Amis, Jeffrey Eugenides, Margaret Atwood, Anne Enright, PJ Harvey and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, to name just a few. Taking place in the splendour of Borris House amidst the backdrop of Carlow’s rolling green fields, it’s a always an occasion to savour.
Make sure to: Take some time to have an invigorating conversation with festival-goers, who travel from around the world.
festivalofwritingandideas.com

West Waterford Festival of Food

Where: Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
When: June 11-12
Who: Restaurateurs and chefs from throughout the country.
What: A mouthwatering culinary showcase for the region’s best food, with cooking demos, a farmers market, and local tours of the beautiful harbour town of Dungarvan.
Make sure to: Check out the festival market on Sunday featuring over 100 stalls bringing you the best of Irish artisan foods.
westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

Cork Midsummer Festival

Where: Multiple Locations throughout Cork City
When: June 15-26
Who: A large collection of local and international artists.
What: A multi-disciplinary arts festival that uses the city of Cork as a larger-than-life canvas for inspirational works of art, by both up-and-coming and established artists.
Make sure to: Check out installations from BE PART – a three-year participatory art project from a diverse team of Irish and international artists.
corkmidsummer.com

Taste of Dublin

Where: Iveagh Gardens, Dublin
When: June 16-19
Who: Word class chefs, artisan bakers and Dublin’s most exciting restaurants.
What: Taste of Dublin is the place to be for foodies this summer. Watch live demonstrations from top chefs and sample a mouthwatering array of gourmet food and drink.
Make sure to: Come away with plenty of great recipes, so you can make these delicious dishes for yourself at home.
tasteofdublin.ie

Sea Sessions

Where: Bundoran, Donegal
When: June 17-19
Who: Tinie Tempah, Kodaline, Joel Corry, Paul Woolford, Lyra, The Scratch, Basement Jaxx, Wyvern Lingo, 49th and Main, Block Rockin beats, Gemma Dunleavy, Malaki, Thumper, N.O.A.H, Dart, Houseplants, Bobbi Arlo and more.
What: Situated right on the beach in Bundoran, this unique event mixes great music with surfing, skateboarding, BMX and graffiti.
Make sure to: Watch the best surfers in the country compete in the Best Moves competition with a €2,500 grand prize!
seasessions.com

Body & Soul

Where: Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath
When: June 17th to 19th
Who: Róisín Murphy, Mogwai, CMAT, Sampa The Great, Yves Turner, Pillow Queens, Kelly Lee Owens, Lee Fields, Soda Blonde, Sofia Kourtesis, Yard Act, The Altered Hours, Remi Wolf and more.
What: This decadent and meticulously crafted festival offers a series of intimate performances from top-of-the-line act, as well as immersive art experiences and artisan foods.
Make sure to: Check out legendary post-rockers Mogwai – one of the most powerful live acts around.
bodyandsoul.ie

The Mother Pride Opening Party

Where: The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin
When: June 24
Who: Years & Years, Cat Burns, Bobbi Arlo and Mother DJs.
What: A wild weekend of Pride celebrations starts off with a performance from trailblazing pop artist Years & Years.
Make sure to: Look fabulous as you dance the night away!
motherclub.ie

Kaleidoscope

Where: Russborough House, Co. Wicklow
When: June 24-26
Who: Feeder, James Morrison, LYRA, King Kong Company, Camille O’Sullivan, Ryan McMullan, Dublin Gospel Choir, Bird On The Wire, Bobbi Arlo, Ryan Sheridan, HamsandwicH, Lisa McHugh, N.O.A.H and more.
What: One of the premier family friendly festivals of the summer, this colourful weekend offers live music, creative workshops, artisan foods and a vintage carnival.
Make sure to: Take a trip to the festival’s newest party spaces, Colourville and Boompaloompa!
kaleidoscopefestival.ie

Stendhal Festival

Where: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, Co. Derry
When: June 30-July 2
Who: Sister Sledge, Simon and Oscar (Ocean Colour Scene), Hayseed Dixie, Lisa McHugh, Grainne Duffy, The Wood Burning Savages, Travi The Native, Tebi Rex and more
What: Following a successful 2021 edition, which heralded the gradual return of live music, Northern Ireland’s lauded festival is back with music, poetry, comedy, arts, craft, a family programme and more.
Make sure to: Check out the Family Programme – including the StrongWoman Science Show and Drag Storytime.
stendhalfestival.com

Belsonic

Where: Ormeau Park, Belfast
When: Various dates throughout June
Who: Iron Maiden, Gerry Cinnamon, Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Picture This, Dermot Kennedy, Liam Gallagher, Scooter and Lewis Capaldi.
What: Belsonic brings a stellar line-up of international acts to the heart of Belfast.
Make sure to: See two-time BRIT Award-winning Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, whose hit single ‘Someone You Loved’ spent seven consecutive weeks atop the UK charts.
belsonic.com

JULY

Longitude Festival

Where: Marlay Park, Dublin
When: July 1-3
Who: Megan Thee Stallion, Dave, Tyler the Creator, A$AP Rocky, Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, The Kid Laroi, Playboi Carti, Denise Chaila, Offica, Polo G and more.
What: Ireland’s biggest festival of the summer returns to Marlay Park.
Make sure to: See Longitude favourite Dave, whose album We’re All Alone In This Together dominated the charts last summer.
longitude.ie

Live At The Iveagh Gardens Gardens

Where: July 3-17
When: Iveagh Gardens, Dublin
Who: Fontaines D.C., Mick Flannery, Caribou, Damien Dempsey, James Blunt, Villagers, Pixies, and Sinéad O’ Connor.
What: This outdoor music series will be bringing some of the biggest names in Irish music to Dublin’s beautiful Iveagh Gardens.
Make sure to: See recent Hot Press cover stars Fontaines D.C.!
aikenpromotions.com

Galway Film Fleadh

Where: Galway, Co. Galway
When: July 5-10
Who: Filmmakers and film lovers from all over the world.
What: This exciting film festival offers masterclasses, case studies, conferences and a pitching competition.
Make sure to: Enjoy the diverse slate of Irish and international feature films and shorts.
galwayfilmfleadh.com

Galway International Arts Festival

Where: Heineken Big Top, Galway
When: July 11-24
Who: Pixies, The Flaming Lips, The Stunning, The Academic, Kaiser Chiefs, Jon Hopkins and Sinéad O’Connor.
What: The pinnacle of summer entertainment in Galway, the renowned festival features a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance and literary events.
Make sure to: Enjoy huge concerts in the specially commissioned Festival Big Top.
giaf.ie

Forever Young

Where: Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare
When: July 15-17
Who: Marti Pellow, Holly Johnson, OMD, The Boomtown Rats, Paul Carrack, Alphaville, The Undertones, Nick Heyward, Tiffany, Bad Manners, Hot Chocolate, Wendy James and more.
What: Get your leg warmers, shoulder pads, and jean jackets ready for Ireland’s premier ’80s festival.
Make sure to: Enjoy the nostalgia!
foreveryoungfestival.ie

Foyle Maritime Festival

Where: Derry
When: July 20–24
Who: A majestic fleet of clippers, tall ships, yachts, catamarans and naval vessels.
What: The Foyle Maritime Festival will be making its long-awaited return as one of the largest and most ambitious maritime events in Europe with live performances, ship tours, boat viewings, water activities, food trails and much more.
Make sure to: Visit the city that is a Host Port Partner for the spectacular Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
foylemaritime.com

Forest Fest

Where: Emo, Co. Laois
When: July 22–24
Who: The Stunning, The 4 Of Us, Damien Dempsey, King Kong Company, Something Happens, Hermitage Green, Thumper, Hothouse Flowers, Jack L, The Riptide Movement and more.
What: This event offers an intimate musical performance in the picturesque village of Emo.
Make sure to: Get your tickets nice and early – numbers are strictly limited to preserve the small-scale feel.
forestfest.ie

All Together Now

Where: Curraghmore House, Co. Waterford
When: July 29–31
Who: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sinéad O’Connor, Groove Armada, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Gilla Band, DIIV, Underworld, Jungle, Self Esteem, CMAT, Denise Chaila, Pillow Queens, shame, The Murder Capital and more.
What: Originally setting off on its maiden voyage in 2018, ATN has rapidly grown into one of the country’s favourite festivals. This year you can look forward to 18 stages of music, art, theatre, spoken word, comedy, food and plenty of hidden gems – all based on the 3,000 acres of the historic home of the 9th Marquis of
Waterford.
Make sure to: Watch the upcoming film about Nick Cave and his collaborator Warren Ellis, This Much I Know To Be True.
alltogethernow.ie

Indiependence

Where: Mitchelstown, Cork
When: July 29–31
Who: Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Rudimental, The Academic, Dai Freyr, LYRA, Becky Hill, Declan McKenna, Jenny Greene & more.
What: Located less than an hour’s drive from Cork City, the acclaimed festival returns this year with arguably its strongest line-up to date. Since starting off with a handful of music lovers in Mitchelstown in 2006, INDIE has grown into a constantly evolving festival, with a hugely loyal fan base.
Make sure to: Catch Cork’s own Lyra on the Friday
indiependencefestival.com

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival

Where: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
When: July 29–31
Who: Artists from Ireland and around the world.
What: This enormous three-day festival brings over 200 free theatre, dance, circus, acrobatic and musical performances to Tipp at the height of summer.
Make sure to: Watch the spectacular Spraoi Parade.
spraoi.com

Trinity Summer Series

Where: Trinity College, Dublin
When: Various dates throughout June and July.
Who: HAIM, Crowded House, Keane, The Coronas and Micheal Kiwanuka.
What: Rescheduled from 2021, this incredible line-up will be coming to Trinity through the summer.
Make sure to: See English rockers Keane, who’ll be returning to Dublin after a sold-out show at the Olympia Theatre last October.
ticketmaster.ie

AUGUST

Kilkenny Arts Festival

Where: Various venues, Kilkenny
When: August 4–14
Who: To be announced.
What: For almost 50 years, this festival has been celebrated for its powerful blend of tradition and innovation, bringing some of the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers and artists to Ireland’s medieval city. Its impressive range of events are staged in some of the area’s most spectacular venues – including cathedrals, castles, galleries and gardens.
Make sure to: Take a step back in time and read the festival’s first ever programme brochure, from 1974, on their website
kilkennyarts.ie

Revival Festival

Where: The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry
When: August 12-13
Who: Gavin James, The Waterboys, The Stunning, Hudson Taylor, Power of Dreams and Stephanie Rainey.
What: The Listowel festival makes its highly anticipated return this August – bringing some of the biggest names in Irish music to the Kerry town. Revival first came about back in 2016, when a group of local publicans joined forces to create a festival. Since then, it’s become one of the highlights on the Irish circuit, featuring a dazzling array of talent over the years. Although the last two years were called off due to the pandemic, tickets from 2020 and 2021 remain valid for this year’s festival.
Make sure to: Listen to The Waterboys’ new album, All Souls Hill.
revivalfestival.ie

Another Love Story

Where: Killyon Manor, Co. Meath
When: August 19–21
Who: Niamh Regan, The Altered Hours, Rachael Lavelle, Luke Una, Barker and map.ache
What: This bespoke festival offers a weekend of music, art, conversation, food and fun, all nestled amongst the charm of its 18th-century manor home. If you’re a fan of small, intimate festivals, this one’s for you – with a strong emphasis on community and attention to detail.
Make sure to: Explore all the history and natural charm the incredible setting has to offer
anotherlovestory.ie

Emerge

Where: Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast
When: August 27-28
Who: Eric Prydz, Disclosure, Peggy Gou, Patrick Topping, Michael Bibi, Mall Grab, Kettama and more
What: This brand new multi-stage festival is bringing over 40 acts to Belfast this August Bank Holiday Weekend with a combination of world-class electronic artists and some of the brightest emerging talents from the Irish scene. Presented by the teams behind Belsonic and Shine, you can look forward to bespoke sound & lighting and AV installations across all three stages.
Make sure to: Listen to Peggy Gou’s ‘I Go’ (Remixes) project, released last month
ticketmaster.ie

SEPTEMBER

Electric Picnic

Where: Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois
When: September 2–4
Who: Dermot Kennedy, Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys, Megan Thee Stallion, Picture This, Snow Patrol, Fontaines D.C., Pixies, Wolf Alice and more
What: It’s absence during these last two years of the pandemic has been felt heavily by musicians and festival-goers alike – which means the triumphant return of Electric Picnic is set to be one of the biggest highlights of the festival season. The wooded 600-acre estate of Stradbally Hall will play host to 70,000 devoted picnickers this year, as well as some of the biggest names in international music. By cleverly reconfiguring the position of the stage in the newly created larger arena, this space will increase in size by 60%, giving revellers unrivalled views of the stage. And of course, easy access to see your favourite headliner is key – so the Jimi Hendrix Arena entrance has doubled in size. While the phenomenal Main Stage line-up is a major draw, there are countless magical surprises waiting around every corner. So, get ready for another unforgettable weekend at Electric Picnic!
Make sure to: Listen to Hot Press’ Electric Picnic playlist on Spotify
electricpicnic.ie

Dublin Fringe Festival

Where: Various venues, Dublin
When: September 10–25
Who: To be announced
What: A curated, multi-disciplinary festival, Dublin Fringe provides a unique home for bold ideas, fearless performing arts, and adventurous audiences. It draws more than 30,000 spectators for 16 days and nights each September – providing Dublin with a brilliant showcase of creative talent from around the globe.
Make sure to: Keep an eye on their social media platforms for updates about the year-round arts organisation.
fringefest.com

Write By The Sea Literary Festival

Where: Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford
When: September 23–25
Who: To be announced
What: Set in the intimate fishing village of Kilmore Quay, this is a literary festival with a difference – offering a platform for established and emerging authors alike to explore the process of writing. The programme includes a combination of talks, readings, interviews and workshops.
Make sure to: Explore the local area, which is steeped in history and folklore.
writebythesea.ie

OCTOBER

Belfast International Arts Festival

Where: Various venues and locations across Belfast
When: Core festival runs from October 19-November 6 with other events during the year as part of its extended 60th anniversary celebrations.
Who: Paul Carrack, Conor Mitchell, Ulster Orchestra, Oona Doherty, Jan Martens, Noé Soulier, Nick Power, Transe Express, Said Mouhssine, Buddies In Bad Times, Teiya Kasahara, Riham Isaac, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and many more to be announced.
What: This contemporary multi-artform festival opens on April 23 and 24 with Cristal Palace, which will transform the Titanic Slipway into an open air ballroom. The “core” festival season in October/November has a focus on contemporary performing arts from the Middle East; a selection of Queer artists and events from Canada; leading stars of dance Oona Doherty, Jan Martens and Noé Soulier; and new works and premieres from home and abroad.
Make sure to: See Nick Power’s hip hop-infused Between Tiny Cities dance extravaganza at The MAC on May 6 and 7.
belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

Galway Comedy Festival

Where: Various venues, Galway
When: October 25–31
Who: Tommy Tiernan, Garry Delaney, Daniel Sloss and more
What: After a successful 2021 edition, Galway Comedy Festival returns this October – taking over a dozen venues in the city for the week, as well as Eyre Square. Since its first year in 2006, it’s now Ireland’s biggest comedy festival, featuring over 70 shows over seven days and nights. Recent years have featured the likes of Bill Bailey, Josh Bishop, Dylan Moran, Sean Lock, Aisling Bea, Russell Howard, Dara Ó Briain and more.
Make sure to: Take a look at their YouTube channel for hilarious content from previous years
galwaycomedyfestival.ie

Derry Halloween

Where: Various venues, Derry
When: October 28–31
Who: To be announced
What: Growing from humble beginnings as a fancy dress party over 35 years ago, to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, attracting around 90,000 visitors each year, Derry Halloween is a Samhain gathering like no other. Experience the Walled City coming alive with ancient spirits – inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in folklore, feasting and festivities.
Make sure to: Check out the fireworks display over the iconic city
derryhalloween.com

Cork Jazz Festival

Where: Various venues, Cork
When: October (exact dates to be announced).
Who: To be announced
What: The acclaimed Leeside festival is back this year, after a phenomenal 2021 edition. In addition to the brilliant buzz generated around the city over the course of the weekend, you can look forward to a thrilling range of international and local acts from a variety of genres and styles. Previous years have featured the likes of Damon Albarn, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck and more.
Make sure to: Book your accommodation early
guinnessjazzfestival.com

Read the full Summer Festival Special in the current issue of Hot Press: