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Irish Times

Festivals: The best Irish events in August, from music and comedy to literature and science

Who needs to travel abroad this summer when there is so much culture and fun to be had at home? August is jam-packed with events to meet all tastes all across the country; from music to food to art . This list will bring you right up to September so you'll have no excuse for missing anything. Belfast TradFest July 27th – August 3rd This year brings the seventh annual Belfast TradFest , a week-long celebration of traditional music, song and dance at various venues around the city. You'll be spoiled for choice with 17 concerts, 105 pub music sessions, a Highland piping competition and much more. All Together Now July 31st – August 4th Kiasmos at last year's All Together Now. Photograph: Aiesha Wong The line-up at Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford this year includes CMAT, Wet Leg, Fontaines DC, London Grammar, Blindboy and Primal Scream alongside talks and live podcast recordings by the likes of Tommy Tiernan and Moth stories. READ MORE Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival July 31st – August 4th The oldest folk and traditional music festival is celebrating its 48th year this year with a weekend of live performances at venues across Ballyshannon, Co Donegal . Birr Vintage Week & Arts Week August 1st – 9th Birr Vintage Week Arts Festival in 2023. The 56th edition of this annual community arts festival in Birr, Co Offaly , offers a week of plays, concerts, workshops, exhibitions and other community events. Great festival for whole the family to enjoy. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival August 1st – 3rd The organisers of this festival say it will transform Waterford city into a giant stage where artists around the world giving free performances. There will be music, dance, comedy, fireworks, circuses and other spectacles. Fleadh Cheoil August 3rd – 10th Eilish (5) and brother Senan (8) McCormack from Athlone at last year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw This celebration of traditional music is set to attract some 500,000 visitors to Wexford town for a week of unforgettable dance and music performances and competitions. There will also be a number of exhibitions, walking tours, film screenings, food markets and children's story times on offer. Kilkenny Arts Festival August 7th – 17th Martin Hayes performing at last year's Kilkenny Arts Festival. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Now in its 51st year, the Kilkenny Arts Festival will once again fill its city's historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens with performances by renowned musicians, performers, writers and artists. There will also be talks from world famous journalists, poets and filmmakers. Howth Roots and Blues Festival August 8th – 10th Over three days, the Howth Roots and Blues Festival in the north Dublin seaside village will put on more than 40 roots and blues gigs, with the majority at no charge. There's something for everyone as the festival promises to cater for fans of country, bluegrass, americana, blues and, for the first time, afrobeat. Waterford Walls Festival August 8th – 17th For nine days, more than 40 Irish and international artists will create large-scale mural artworks around Waterford city. There will also be music, workshops, talks, guided tours and other activities on offer. Puck Fair August 10th – 12th King Puck, a wild mountain goat, on his throne overlooking the Killorglin town square following his 'coronation' ceremony last year. Photograph: Don MacMonagle One of Ireland's oldest fairs, this three-day festival in Killorglin, Co Kerry , is centred around a goat known as the King Puck. Every year a local goat is taken from the nearby mountains, crowned and then paraded through the streets. Cork on a Fork Fest August 13th – 17th A children's food trail at Cork on a Fork in 2023. Photograph: Chani Anderson The fourth edition of Cork on a Fork Fest promises five days of food, talks, tastings, demos, kids' events and more, celebrating Cork's incredible food scene and local produce. cork-on-a-fork-fest/what-s-on/ Chamber Music on Valentia August 14th – 17th Now in its 12th year, this chamber music festival takes place on the beautiful Valentia Island off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry. Love is a Stranger August 16th The team behind the Another Love Story festival, which has been running for the past 11 years, are hosting a day festival in Ballyvolane House, Co Cork. The organisers promise a carefully selected line-up of contemporary Irish and international artists performing in intimate and atmospheric settings. Wider Than Pictures 2025 August 16th– 24th This annual open-air summer concert series held at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, is back for a six-day run. This year's edition includes performances by Sharon Van Etten, Human League, Kaiser Chiefs and more. Masters of Tradition August 20th – 24th Over four days in Bantry, west Cork, acclaimed fiddle player Martin Hayes curates a celebration of Irish musicianship, dance and other, international traditions. A great place to see emerging talent in the trad music scene. Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival August 22nd – 24th Now in its 30th year, this bluegrass music festival is held annually in Dunmore East, Co Waterford . Over three days, the village teems with live performances and jams at all hours of the day and night. Another Love Story August 23rd – 24th The idyllic grounds of Kilyon Manor in Co Meath provide the setting for this bespoke festival of music, art, conversation, food and fun. Electric Picnic August 29th – 31st Kneecap fans at last year's Electric Picnic. Photograph: Alan Betson Ireland's largest yearly gathering of music and artists held in the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois , this year includes Hozier, Chappell Roan, Sam Fender, Conan Gray, The Kooks, Fatboy Slim and Suki Waterhouse in its stellar line up. Desmond O'Halloran Music Weekend 29th August – 31st August Every year, this trad music festival takes over the small island of Inishbofin, Co Galway for a weekend of live performances in intimate venues. desmond-ohalloran-music-weekend-3