Making a list of the best annual music festivals in Ireland is no small feat. The Emerald Isle hosts many exceptional and unique music festivals every year with something for everyone to enjoy.
Music has always played a huge role in Irish culture. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that Ireland hosts a wide variety of music festivals that attract huge crowds every year.
From music festivals on the islands to sessions by the sea, there is undoubtedly a music festival for everyone.
In this article, we rank the ten best annual music festivals in Ireland for your enjoyment.
10. Vantastival, County Louth – an all-inclusive festival
Vantastival Festival is an all-inclusive music festival aimed at “van liferswho are happy to attend the festival and use their van as accommodation.
The festival is known for its laid back vibe and original and interesting workshops, events, activities, live music and delicious artisan food.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Bellurgan Park, Bellurgan, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 FP86, Ireland
9. Sea Sessions, County Donegal – enjoy surfing and a song
Another music festival full of good summer vibes is the Sea Sessions festival in Bundoran, County Donegal.
Sea Sessions is unique as it is both a surf and music festival where festival goers will have the opportunity to enjoy both the surf and the music available.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Sea Rd, Drumacrin, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Ireland
8. Belsonic, County Antrim – a big music festival
Belsonic is a massive festival that takes place every summer in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The festival runs for a month and has been known to host many top artists such as The Killers and George Ezra in recent years.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Ormeau Quay, Belfast BT6 8LT
7. KnockanStockan Festival, County Wicklow – an alternative music festival
The KnockanStockan Festival is an independent music and arts festival held annually in County Wicklow. It is reputed to be the best alternative festival in Ireland.
This three-day festival is perfect for those looking for something a little different from the norm of a music festival experience.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Blessington, County Wicklow, Ireland
6. All Together Now, County Waterford – one of Ireland’s newest and best annual music festivals
The All Together Now festival is one of Ireland’s newest festivals. It was originally founded in 2018 and quickly became one of the most popular festivals of the year.
Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, the All Together Now music festival has already proven capable of attracting world-class line-ups such as Patti Smith and The National.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Curraghmore, Portlaw, County Waterford, Ireland
5. Open Ear, Co. Cork – a music festival on an island
The Open Ear Music Festival is a small-scale, independent festival taking place on Sherkin Island, located off the west coast of Ireland.
The Open Ear Music Festival is intimate and set in stunning scenic surroundings. It’s perfect for campers who want to set up on the beach and sleep under the stars while listening to some really great music.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Sherkin Island, County Cork, Ireland
4. Another Love Story, County Meath – an independent arts and music festival
This is another independent alternative arts and music festival, which although small in size is certainly rich in atmosphere.
Festival-goers will be entertained with poetry readings, delicious artisan food, fancy dress and even disco dancing in the nearby woods.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Killyon Manor, Ballyadams, Hill of Down, Co. Meath, Ireland
3. Forbidden Fruit, County Dublin – big acts and a big festival
The Forbidden Fruit festival takes place over three days and attracts many mega-acts that are sure to impress all attendees.
Headliners in the past have included Elbow, Skepta and Maribou State, to name a few.
Tickets: HERE
Address: 8 N Circular Rd, Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland
2. Electric Picnic, Co. Laois – a fan-favorite festival
Electric Picnic is Ireland’s biggest music festival and also one of its most popular. Taking place in Stradbally, County Laois, over a weekend in September, Electric Picnic hosts some of the biggest and best music acts from around the world.
This is a festival that everyone in the music festival scene must experience at least once!
Tickets: HERE
Address: Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland
1. Body and soul – a perfect summer festival
Body&Soul takes the top spot on our list of the top ten annual music festivals in Ireland.
It’s the perfect summer festival full of installations, art, costumes, wonderland thrills and the best of alternative and indie musicians.
The Body&Soul festival is the perfect mix of arts and music that thrills all spectators.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Kilrush Upper, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
This concludes our article on the best annual music festivals in Ireland, how many of them have you been to?
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