Festivals, live music and…Ireland
In Ireland music is everywhere, from live sessions in the pubs to busking in the streets, but, while the days are getting longer and the weather warmer, our island offers even more! In Ireland during springtime and summertime a huge variety of gigs and festivals will take place. There will be exciting festivals and entertainment for every taste, from electronic music to folk festivals and from blues sessions to chamber music. Basically you can jump from one festival to another every single week in summertime (yes, even though we’re a small island, we know how to enjoy ourselves!) So, why not travel around Ireland and take advantage of the many music festivals? Below is a list of the most outstanding festivals where you can have some for the craic this summer…
TRANMORE SKA AND REGGAE FESTIVAL
This three day festival will run on Easter weekend from 25th of March until the 27th with a line up that boasts musicians of the reggae and ska genre, such as Skabretta, Susan Cadigan and King Zepha. It will take place in the amazing seaside town of Tranmore, county Waterford.
Galway early music will take place from the 12th to the 15th of March with an international programme that will explore renaissance and baroque music. The festival program includes workshops, exhibitions, instrument makers’ showcases and family events while the fascinating scenario of Galway will surround the audience.
Dublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on the Irish arts calendar. From the 17th to the 28th of May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland.
Clonmel Junction Festival is an annual celebration of theatre, music, performings arts, street performance and visual arts that will take place from the 10th of july in Clonmel. This festival mixes different kind of arts, creating a challenging context for artists and audience, bringing together Irish and International artists and involving the local artistic groups in the festival.
BALLYSHANNON FOLK AND TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL
One of Ireland’s longest running festival is ready for the 40th edition with a top class line up that will make the audience enjoy the best of folk music and traditional Irish theatre. It will run from the 29th of July until the 31st in Ballyshannon, County Donegal.
DUNMORE EAST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
If you’re a fan of Bluegrass, Honky-tonk and rhythm and blues, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival is the right one for you. The line-up includes internationals and local musicians to enjoy an authentic musical experience. From the 25th to 28th of August Dunmore will be the home of bluegrass.
Bray Jazz Festival is the longest established jazz festival weekend taking place within the Dublin Area, each year. The festival has earned a reputation for staging fresh, innovative jazz, with performers drawn from both Ireland and abroad, presenting a large programme of concerts, recitals and jazz trails gigs. It will take place in Bray from the 29th of April until the 1st of May.
If you like alternative music, out of the influence of the major, and at the same time live the atmosphere of a festival, Indiependence is perfect for you. You will discover new bands in an environment that mix music, arts, cinema and theatre. It’s also possible to sleep in the official camp site of the festival. It will take place in Mitchelstown, County Cork, from the 29th to the 31st of July.
It is actually one of the most famous festivals in Ireland. Over the years it has hosted musicians such as Blur, Manic Street Preachers, Beck, the Portishead, Blondie and many more. The typical atmosphere of the festival, with different stages, food, camping and different kind of entertainment will surround the audience from the 2nd to the 4th of September in Stradbally, County Laois.
