13 Irish Music Festivals Ready To Rock In 2023

If you want to go to some music festivals in Ireland in 2023, you’re in luck: there are plenty of them planned.

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And, while the larger Irish music festivals tend to get the most attention, there are a number of Indie festivals taking place this year as well!

You’ll find everything from rock ‘n’ roll and jazz to techno, country, and some very unusual music festivals in Ireland in 2023 listed below.

Ireland hosts music festivals in January, February, and March.

While there are fewer festivals during the winter months, there is still plenty to look forward to at the start of the year.

1. Temple Bar TradFest (Jan 25th – 29th)

The first is one of Ireland’s most popular music festivals. Dublin’s iconic TradFest takes place between the 25th and 29th of January in the vibrant Temple Bar neighborhood. Enjoy live music sessions in a variety of local pubs and music venues as part of this celebration of Irish music and culture.

2. TradFest in Belfast (Feb 24th – 26th)

Many of Ireland’s best traditional musicians and dancers will descend on Belfast for Belfast TradFest from the 24th to the 26th of February. Belfast’s music halls and pubs come alive for a weekend of concerts, workshops, talks, and parties over the course of two days.

3. Dublin from Country to Country (Mar 10th – 12th)

C2C will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2023, with events taking place in Dublin’s 3Arena on March 10th and 12th. C2C, Europe’s largest country music festival, features live arena performances by some of the industry’s biggest names.

In April and May, Ireland hosts music festivals.

Outdoor Irish music festivals sprout up like mushrooms after the rain as the days lengthen and the weather warms!

In 2023, April is an excellent month for discovering a diverse range of music festivals in Ireland.

1. Dublin New Music (Apr 20th – 23rd)

New Music Dublin takes place between the 20th and 23rd of April at the National Concert Hall and a number of smaller venues. The festival, Ireland’s major contemporary music festival, provides a platform for Ireland’s newest music makers.

2. Theatre Festival in Galway (Apr 29th to May 7th)

Galway Theatre Festival, which runs from April 29th to May 7th, is dedicated to providing a platform for independent theatre. Enjoy a variety of shows at Galway City’s theaters, both large and small.

3. Festival of Life (May 26th – 28th)

Life, one of Ireland’s largest electronic music festivals, takes place on May 26th and 28th. It’s set on the grounds of Mullingar’s Belvedere House and features a massive outdoor stage, boutique camping, and much more.

4. West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival (May 17th – 21st)

The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival takes place from May 17th to May 21st. Performers from all over the world travel to the beautiful Blessington Lakes for a varied program that includes a diverse mix of classical and modern music.

5. Dublin Dance Festival (Dates TBC)

Choreographers and dance troupes from all over the world descend on Dublin for Ireland’s premier dance festival. There are numerous performances, workshops, children’s events, film screenings, and discussions featuring a diverse range of emerging and established artists.

June Irish music festivals

In 2023, June may be the busiest month for Irish music festivals.

There is a fantastic selection of events available, ranging from classical to pop.

1. Festival of West Cork Chamber Music (Jun 23rd – Jul 2nd)

This eclectic event begins on the 23rd of June and runs until the 2nd of July. A variety of classical concerts and masterclasses are held in venues throughout Bantry, Cork, including open-air performances.

2. Beyond the Pale (Jun 16th – 18th)

From the 16th to the 18th of June, the Glendalough Estate in Wicklow will host the mighty Beyond the Pale, featuring an excellent lineup of talent from around the world, with three days of music, art, food, camping, and much more.

3. Festival of the Kaleidoscope (Jun 30th – Jul 2nd)

Kaleidoscope is Ireland’s premier family-friendly festival, taking place at Russborough House & Parklands in Wicklow from June 30th to July 2nd. There’s great music, camping, and a plethora of attractions for both kids and adults.

4. The Body and Soul (Jun 16th – 18th)

Body & Soul is the longest-running of Ireland’s small number of independent music festivals. It takes place between June 16th and 18th at Ballinlough Castle in Westmeath. It’s part epic party, part restorative retreat, a celebration of music, culture, and art, and it’s jam-packed with experiences.

5. Session at Sea (Jun 17th – 19th)

Sea Sessions is an incredible festival that takes place on the epic Bundoran Beach in Donegal, combining great music, sun, sea, and surfing. Between the 17th and 19th of June, the world-renowned surfing hotspot welcomes both global superstars and unsigned talent.

6. Dublin International Chamber Music Festival (Jun 7th – 12th)

The Dublin International Chamber Music Festival takes place from the 7th to the 12th of June in a variety of venues ranging from botanical gardens to Palladian country houses in and around Dublin.

7. Forbidden Fruit (Dates TBC)

The Forbidden Fruit Festival, held on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in the heart of Dublin City, is a gateway to summer! The dates and final lineup for 2023 have yet to be determined.

8. Open Ear Festival (Dates TBC)

Every June, Sherkin Island in Cork comes alive with great music as the small but thriving Open Ear Festival kicks off. With only one stage, it provides an intimate experience with no risk of missing your favorite act.

July Irish music festivals

July is another fantastic month for Irish music festivals, with some excellent options available across the country.

Although it is much quieter than the previous month, there are still several hugely popular music festivals taking place in Ireland in August.

1. Belfast Traditional Music Festival (Jul 23rd – 29th)

Belfast TradFest returns for its summer edition from the 23rd to the 29th of July, with even more workshops and spectacular concerts. There are venues all over Belfast City, including a number of open-air events.

2. Festival Forever Young (Jul 14th – 16th)

Return to the 1980s with this sensational tribute to music’s cheesiest decade! The party will be held at Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare on the 14th and 16th of July, and will feature a dazzling lineup of 80s superstars.

3. Music and Arts Festival on the Other Side (Jul 7th – 9th)

Located at Rock Farm in Slane, within the stunning Boyne Valley, this unique festival offers an incredible escape to the “Otherside”. Guests can enjoy traditional sessions, late-night raves in the woods, as well as comedy, glamping, and wellness experiences.

4. Longitude (Jul 1st – 2nd)

Longitude, Dublin’s largest outdoor festival, takes place at Marlay Park. The lineup for the 2023 edition has yet to be announced, but it will take place on July 1st and 2nd.

August Irish music festivals

August is another fantastic month for music festivals in Ireland in 2023, with glorious sunshine and long days.

It’s the second busiest month for Irish music festivals, with events ranging from the Fleadh to Independence.

1. The Festival of the Playing Fields (Aug 25th – 26th)

The Playing Fields, one of Ireland’s newest music festivals, will celebrate its third exciting edition on August 25th and 26th at Clane GAA Grounds in Co. Kildare. It’s family-friendly, with an epic lineup of Irish artists, and it’s also great value.

2. Music Weekend with Desmond O’Halloran (Aug 24th – 26th)

This folk and trad festival, held on the stunning Connemara island of Inishbofin, honors the life and music of one of the island’s most well-known musicians. It takes place from August 24th to August 26th.

3. Valentia Chamber Music (Aug 17th – 20th)

Visit Valentia Island for their annual chamber music festival, which takes place from the 17th to the 20th of August in 2023. Workshops, concerts, and seminars in stunning venues across the island are a must-see for classical music fans.

4. A Different Love Story (Aug 18th – 20th)

Another Love Story is one of Ireland’s smaller music festivals, but it packs a powerful punch and has been lovingly crafted to foster a genuine sense of community. It takes place between the 18th and 20th of August at Killyon Manor in Meath and offers an incredible mix of Irish music, camping, art, and culture.

5. Self-sufficiency (Aug 4th – 6th)

The fantastic Indiependence, complete with glamping, a beer hall, and DJ sets, showcases some of the best indie bands in Ireland and beyond. The party takes place in Mitchelstown, Cork, from August 4th to August 6th.

6. All Together Now (Aug 4th – 6th)

Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, hosts the incredible All Together Now Festival from August 4th to 6th, with an impressive lineup that includes headliner Iggy Pop. There are boutique camping options that are both safe and enjoyable for the entire family.

7. Fleadh Cheoil (Aug 6th – 14th)

The Fleadh is another of Ireland’s more popular music festivals. This lively festival, which simply means “music festival” in Irish, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town of Mullingar, Westmeath. From the 6th to the 14th of August, there will be traditional sessions, competitions, and workshops all week.

Festivals of Irish music in September, October, November, and December

Don’t be sad as summer comes to an end! There are still plenty of fantastic Irish music festivals to attend.

In fact, the largest of Ireland’s many music festivals takes place each August!

1. Electric Picnic (Sept 1st – 3rd)

Electric Picnic, a veritable rock ‘n’ roll circus, is the ultimate end-of-summer bash. Between the 1st and 3rd of September, it will be held on the grounds of Stradbally Hall in Laois and will feature a fantastic lineup of theatre, comedy, art, and much more.

2. Tipperary Dance International Festival (Oct 2nd – 15th)

This epic celebration of international dance returns for its 14th edition between the 2nd and 15th of October, boasting an impressive program of live performances, masterclasses, and workshops across the country.

3. Cork Jazz Festival (Oct 26th – 30th)

Between the 26th and 30th of October, Ireland’s largest jazz festival will take place in venues throughout Cork. There’s a fantastic mix of big performances and smaller, more intimate sessions with some of the world’s best jazz musicians.

4. Leaves Writing and Music Festival (Nov 8th – 12th)

This fantastic festival, which runs from the 8th to the 12th of November and brings the best of Irish literature, music, and film to the unassuming town of Portlaoise, Laois, celebrates both new and established writers and musicians.

Which music festivals in Ireland have we missed in 2023?

Although we’ve covered the major music festivals in Ireland (as well as many of the smaller ones), I’m sure we’ve missed some.

Please leave any recommendations for Irish music festivals in the comments section below.

2023 Irish Music Festival FAQs

We’ve received numerous inquiries over the years, ranging from ‘What Ireland music festivals have camping?’ to ‘What Ireland music festivals have live music?’ to ‘What are Ireland’s biggest music festivals in 2023?’

We’ve included the most frequently asked questions in the section below. If we haven’t answered your question, please leave it in the comments section below.

What are the best Irish music festivals scheduled for 2023?

Indiependence (August 4th – 6th), Sea Sessions (June 17th – 19th), and Body & Soul (June 16th – 18th) are the best music festivals Ireland has to offer, in our opinion.

What are Ireland’s biggest music festivals in 2023?

Electric Picnic (September 1st – 3rd), Forbidden Fruit (Dates TBC), and Body & Soul (June 16th – 18th) are three of the most important Irish music festivals in 2023.

Topic: 13 Irish Music Festivals Ready To Rock In 2023

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