It’s not far off summer (finally!) and one of the best things we love about those glorious few months is the abundance of festivals that cater for every person’s taste whether it is food, literature, fashion or food. Ireland is full of culture and excitement during this time of year and you won’t even have to wait until July or August, there are plenty of events to choose from beginning at the end of April.
Music
If you haven’t managed to secure tickets to festival giants such as Coachella and Glastonbury then Ireland has world-class music festivals that will appeal to all music lovers.
Electric Picnic
Following the declining standards of Oxygen over the last few years, EP has increasingly become Ireland’s most popular music festival, winning three awards at this year’s Irish Festival awards. With its big name performers and sensational atmosphere, the Stradbally event looks set to be top billing for music revellers. The festival takes place from August 29-31 with headliners including Outkast, Beck, Foals, Lilly Allen and Paolo Nutini. Tickets are priced at €145.
Body and Soul
With a stellar line-up such as Goldfrapp, Darkside, John Grant and Mount Kimbie, the Westmeath festival continues to stay true to its dance and electro pop roots. A quirky event filled with delightful surprises, three day tickets start €139.50 while a day pass is €55. The three-day event is on from the 20-22 June.
Longitude
One of the more commercial events on the festival circuit, Longitude enjoyed massive success in its first year in 2013, with Marlay Park being the perfect venue for the music spectacle. Boasting an incredibly impressive headliners like Massive Attack, Disclosure, Haim, Bastille, indie pop singer Ben Howard and the ever rising 1975’s, the festival will no doubt pull in a crowd. From July 18-20, tickets range from €60-€150.
Dance
Dublin Dance Festival
Now in its 10th year and spread out over the last two weeks in May, the Dublin Dance Festival will include workshops with some of Ireland’s and the world’s most respected chorographers, film screenings, discussions and numerous live performances of different types of dances and movements across the city. A perfect opportunity for the city to embrace its inner dancer. Venues will vary across the two weeks with ticket prices under €40.
Comedy
Sky Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
When you have a gig that brings Dará Ó Briaín, Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’Hanlon and Des Bishop together then you know you are onto a winner. Running for over 20 years in Kilkenny, the festival allows up-and-coming new comedians rub shoulders and share the stage with the Gods of Irish comedy. With a special appearance by Après Match , this is one laugh you do not want to miss. Running from May 30th-June 3rd, tickets are at the affordable price between €9-€30.
Food
Taste of Dublin
A highlight for any food lover: just picture endless amount of food stands filled with dishes from every country imaginable such as Thailand, France, Italy and India. Kick back with beer or wine and watch as some of Ireland’s best chefs and restaurants demonstrate enviable culinary skills and impress with sweet and savoury delights. Last year they even had a table dedicated to chorizo (if that doesn’t make you want to go then nothing will). Taking place at the heart of June in the Iveagh Gardens, this is one event that should have compulsory attendance.
Emily Bodkin
image: visitdublin.com
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