17 Festivals You Should Definitely Check Out This Summer

Ah festival season, that time of the year where we meet new people, taste new foods and freeze to death in the unpredictable Irish weather — what more could you ask for?

But while we're all familiar with the countries hottest fests, there are a tonne of great ones that you may never have encountered.

Here's a list of upcoming festivals happening around Ireland during the summer months.

1.Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival — August 7

This food festival lets sample all the goods that Enniscorthy has to offer while rocking out to tunes from the 1950s.

2. Rose of Tralee International Festival — August 16-22

The Rose of Tralee is one of Ireland's longest running festivals, with the next instalment being its 58th.

The festival celebrates Irish culture, with the Roses taking the time to visit attractions in Kerry and pop up in parades throughout the festival.

3. Kilkenny Arts Festival — August 11-20

This 10-day festival is filled with something for everyone, with activities such as theatre and dance, classical music, street, literature and visual art and crafts.

4. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 — August 13-20

This week-long event, taking place in Ennis, County Clare, is filled with traditional music, dancing and singing.

5. Strandhill Show and Craft Fair — June 25

This charming craft fair takes place in Sligo and boasts activities such as a cooking exhibition and a display of rare animals from Kiltimagh Wildlife Farm.

6. West Cork History Festival — July 28-30

Looking to immerse yourself in some history this summer? Well then, look no further as the West Cork History Festival is filled with presentations and debates that delve into the region's colourful past.

7. Dublin Maker — July 22

This festival takes place in Merrion Square and celebrates local creativity and Irish inventions.

8. Celtic Con — June 24

This event is perfect for those obsessed with the Celts, taking place in Portlaoise. Celtoc Con has a plethora of games, a geek market and allows people to cosplay as their favourite characters.

9. Galway Film Fleadh — June 11-16

This film festival attracts submissions from all over the globe, with documentaries, short films and features from a variety of genres.

10. Portarlington French Festival — July 7-10

Looking for a bit of France in Ireland? This festival is filled with French arts, theatre, street entertainment, music, dance, and sports — so there's a little something for everyone to enjoy.

11. Oughterard Trails Festival — July 23-25

Oughterard Trail is a walking festival in Connemara that's brimming with history, offering a fun-filled programme with perfect for the whole family.

12. Ballina Salmon Festival — July 9-16

Ballina in County Mayo is famous for having the best salmon in the country, which gave rise to this festival. Since its inception it has grown to include loads of events, like a fireworks display and clay modelling workshops.

13. A Taste of Donegal — August 25-26

This festival showcases the food, drink and lifestyle products for the autumn and winter.

14. The Wexford County Flower & Garden Festival — July 1-9

This festival offers plenty of activities for those blessed with a green thumb. Take a stroll through the greenery in the Kilmokea Gardens, or go to the Wexford Lavender Farm and get involved yourself.

15. Groove Festival — August 19-29

Groove is a music festival in Bray, filled with good music, workshops and some fantastic food.

16. Traidphicnic — June 30-July 2

Taking place in Spiddal, Co. Cork, Traidphicnic is possibly one of the most lively music festivals you will ever attend, filled with traditional music and singing.

17. Durrow Scarecrow Festival — July 30- August 7

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is perfect for those who are looking for something a little different to do, featuring scarecrows of endless designs and themes.

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