Making a list of the best annual music festivals in Ireland is no easy feat. The Emerald Isle hosts many great and unique music festivals every year with something for everyone to enjoy.
Music has always played a huge role in Irish culture. So, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Ireland plays host to a wide variety of music festivals that draw huge crowds every year.
From music festivals on islands to sessions by the sea, there is undoubtedly a music festival for everyone of all tastes to enjoy.
In this article, we are ranking the ten best annual music festivals in Ireland for you to enjoy.
10. Vantastival, Co. Louth – an all-inclusive festival
The Vantastival festival is an all-inclusive music festival aimed at “van lifers” who are happy to attend the festival and use their van as accommodation.
The festival is known for its laidback chilled vibes and its quirky 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, Co. Donegal – enjoy the surf and a song
Another music festival full of great 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, Co. Antrim – a massive music festival
Belsonic is a massive festival taking place every summer in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The festival takes place over a month and has been known to play host to many great acts such as The Killers and George Ezra in recent years.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Ormeau Embankment, Belfast BT6 8LT
7. KnockanStockan Festival, Co. Wicklow – an alternative music festival
The KnockanStockan Festival is an Indie music and arts festival taking place every year in County Wicklow. It is renowned for being the ultimate and best alternative festival in Ireland.
This three-day festival is perfect for those looking for something a little different from the norm from a music festival experience.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
6. All Together Now, Co. Waterford – one of the newest and best annual music festivals in Ireland
The All Together Now festival is one of the newest festivals in Ireland. It was originally founded in 2018 and has quickly become one of the most popular festivals of the year.
Taking place on the August bank holiday weekend, the All Together Now music festival has already proved capable of attracting world-class line-ups such as Patti Smith and The National.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co. 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 located in stunning scenic surroundings. It is perfect for campers to pitch up on the beach and sleep under the stars while enjoying some truly great music acts.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
4. Another Love Story, Co. Meath – an Indie festival of arts and music
This is another alternative indie festival of arts and music, which, while small in size, is certainly rich in atmosphere.
Festival-goers will be entertained with poetry readings, delicious artisanal food, fancy dress, and even disco dancing in the nearby woodlands.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Killyon Manor, Ballyadams, Hill of Down, Co. Meath, Ireland
3. Forbidden Fruit, Co. Dublin – great acts and a great festival
The Forbidden Fruit festival takes place over three days and draws in many mega-acts that are bound to impress all in attendance.
Headliners in the past have included Elbow, Skepta and Maribou State, to name but a few.
Tickets: HERE
Address: 8 N Circular Rd, Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland
2. Electric Picnic, Co. Laois – a fan favourite festival
Electric Picnic is the biggest music festival in Ireland and also one of the most popular. Taking place in Stradbally, County Laois, over a weekend in September, Electric Picnic plays host to some of the biggest and best music acts from across the world.
This is one festival that everyone in the music festival scene has to experience at least once!
Tickets: HERE
Address: Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland
1. Body&Soul – a perfect summer festival
In first place on our list of the ten best annual music festivals in Ireland is Body&Soul.
This is the perfect summer festival full of installations, art, fancy dress, wonderland feels, and the best of alternative and indie musicians.
The Body&Soul Festival is the perfect mix of arts and music and one which thrills all those in attendance.
Tickets: HERE
Address: Kilrush Upper, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
That concludes our article on the best annual music festivals in Ireland, how many of them have you experienced?
