Unmissable Festivals in Ireland, 2025

It's a new year, which means it's a perfect chance to start planning new experiences. Ireland is brimming with exciting events throughout this year. From music and the arts, to heritage and Halloween, the country offers a new experience on an almost weekly basis through the country's many events. Whether you're looking to attend a festival as someone over 60 or under 16, most of the country's celebrations have become much more age friendly and accessible to all. Choose from our midweek B&B deal or midweek B&B deals with dinner and avail of some of our exclusive senior hotel deals across a number of counties and experience something different this year. 

We've taken some time to look at some of the more popular events and festivals in 2025 that are sure to excite! 

• Tradfest, Dublin (January 22-26)

  • Kicking of this month, TradFest celebrate traditional Irish music and culture across the city and county of Dublin. With over 100 events taking place this is an ideal event for any music lover. For more info: www.tradfest.com
  • Where to stay in Dublin: With events taking place across the whole county you choose from a number of hotels in Dublin. Alternatively you can avail or public transport in and out of the city and book a hotel in Kildare or Wicklow. 
• Finding a Voice, Clonmel, Tipperary (March 6 - 9) 
  • The Finding a Voice festival is a celebration of Irish and International women composers through time, in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March. This year will feature the likes of Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Youth Choir, Evlana, Ora and Solas Quartets. For more info: https://www.findingavoice.ie/
  • Where to Stay in Tipperary: Offering both B&B and Dinner B&B deal, the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel is not only offering great value packages for this period, but also offering a very convenient location to enjoy the festival.

• St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin (March 15-17)

  • Join the nationwide festivities with parades, music, and cultural events. One of the largest festivals each year see's events taking place for 3 days around the county. For more info: www.stpatricksfestival.ie

  • Where to stay Dublin: While it is an extremely busy period for visitors into the capital, we recommend a stay at Whites Sands Hotel in Portmarnock on the 16th - 18th of March. You can enjoy events in the city and locally during your stay in Dublin.

• Cork Whiskey Fest, Cork City (March 21-23)

  • Indulge in expert-led tastings and explore the world of Irish whiskey. While the festival may not be to everyone's "taste" it can be great learning experience for any whiskey fan. For more info: www.corkwhiskeyfest.com/
  • Where to stay in Cork: Book yourself a stay at The Address in Cork City on March 23rd and enjoy the final day of the festival while staying at one of Cork City's more stylish hotels.

• Wander Wild Festival, Killarney, Kerry (April 4-6)

  • Embrace adventure and wellness in the stunning Killarney National Park. A great festival for those who are fans of the outdoors, hiking, mental health, yoga or running. For more info: www.wanderwildfestival.com

• Galway Oyster Festival, Galway (September 26 - 28)

  • A mix of seafood, music, competition and good old craic! This is the worlds longest running seafood festival and offers a great time over the 3 days. Definitely one to consider whether you're a fan of Oyster's or not. For more info: www.galwayoysterfestival.com

• Listowel Writers’ Week, County Kerry (May 28-June 1)

  • Running for over 50 years, Listowel Writer's Week celebrates literature with readings, workshops, and discussions over the course of the week. The festival's mission is to "support writers and to encourage and challenge readers". For more info: www.writersweek.ie/
  • Where to stay in Kerry: The wonderful Rose Hotel in Tralee is a short 30min drive from Listowel and offers a real taste of luxury for your getaway. 

• Galway International Arts Festival (July 14-27)

  • One of the biggest and best arts festivals in the country takes place each year in Galway. Experience a spectacular showcase of theatre, music, and visual arts over a 2 week period where the county really comes into its own. For more info: www.giaf.ie/
  • Where to stay in Galway: Hotels in Galway will be at a premium during the Galway Arts Festival due to it's popularity, however booking a place to stay early may be the best approach or alternatively find somewhere to stay just outside Galway city. Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe offers some great midweek B&B deals with Dinner and is an ideal location to stay if you're willing to travel into the city. Alternatively you can search all our Galway hotels here.

• Puck Fair, Killorglin, County Kerry (August Dates TBC)

  • Join Ireland’s oldest festival with parades, live music, and a crowned goat king. Although dates are not yet confirmed, you can expect August 9th - 11th the most likely dates. A huge array of music and entertainment takes place across 3 days and people come from far and wide to attend. For more info: www.puckfair.ie
  • Where to Stay in Kerry: With the choice of hotels in the town slim, we again recommend staying within driving distance and travelling to the festival. Killorglin is approximately 20mins drive west of Killarney where finding accommodation will be a lot easier. Hotel Killarney is currently offering availability for the 10th - 12th of August, allowing you a chance to enjoy the Puck Fair while also having a day to yourself to explore Killarney

• Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Wexford (August 3-10)

  • The Fleadh Cheoil (or simply The Fleadh) continues to grow in popularity year on year. You can expect large sections of Wexford closed to traffic as music and dancing takes place in the streets. There are few festivals where you will see such a mix of ages mingling, performing and celebrating. For more info: wwwfleadhcheoil.ie
  • Where to stay in Wexford: Golden Ireland has three high quality and affordable hotels in Wexford. While we are currently waiting on availability for the summer period to be extended for two of these properties, we can recommend a luxury stay in timeless Brandon House Hotel. The hotel is located in New Ross but with easy access to public transport to Wexford town by bus every hour.

• Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, County Clare (August 30-September 29)

  • Participate in this unique festival with live music and dancing every day. 

• Cork Jazz Festival (October 24-27)

  • Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of one of Ireland's top jazz festivals. For more info: www.guinnesscorkjazz.com

• Wexford Festival Opera (Oct 17 - Nov 1st)

  • The Wexford Festival Opera is a renowned event held annually in Wexford, celebrating lesser-known operatic works. This prestigious festival attracts opera enthusiasts from around the world, offering a unique and enriching cultural experience in a charming coastal town. For more info: www.wexfordopera.com
  • Where to stay in Wexford: The Talbot Hotel in the heart of Wexford town offers the perfect accommodation solution in terms of location, value and amenities. This 4-star hotel is perfectly located to enjoy this amazing festival in Autumn 2025 . You can search all our Wexford Hotel deals here.

These events offer a wonderful mix of culture, music, literature, and adventure, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and make the most of 2025 with these fantastic events!