A long summer lies ahead, however, not all of us have the luxury of escaping on a J1 for three months or going InterRailing around Europe with friends for a couple of weeks. Whether it is a dedication to an internship, a part-time job or a very grown-up decision to save up dolla for a prospective master’s degree, there are many of us that, against our will, need to stay home this summer. While this can sound immensely dull and excitement free to some, there are plenty of events happening in Ireland this summer to stave off boredom for even a little while – namely, music festivals. Ignoring the bad weather, questionable dance moves, cringe-worthy outfits and potentially undesirable tent-mates, festivals seem to be the one event Ireland somehow manages to get right. The line-ups for festivals during past summers have impressive every year and the summer of 2016 promises to do the same.
Body and Soul (€169.50)
Much as Electric Picnic was the alternative to the mainstream of Oxegen years ago, Body and Soul has grown steadfast in popularity, with many opting for this relatively smaller, creative festival in Ballinlough Castle instead of Electric Picnic. The top acts this year include international banger merchant Santigold. The electro princess is probably best known for her huge hit “Disparate Youth”, largely boosted by being featured on the Direct Line Insurance advert on TV. Other acts include Dublin rock band Bitch Falcon, with hits such as “Syncope” and “TMJ” guaranteed to have the crowd moshing away. Meath native EMBRZ, fresh from playing his solo headline show in the Grand Social is due an electric appearance also. Body and Soul will be held in Ballinlough, Westmeath from the 17-19 June.
Electric Picnic (sold out)
Much like 2015, Electric Picnic tickets were not around for too long before they were all snapped up. If you’re willing to shell out 300-700 euro, then you can probably shop around for a ticket but only at an extortionate price. Stradbally Hall guarantees another incredible September weekend with colossal artists such as LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Rey, The Chemical Brothers, HAIM, Todd Terje, Years & Years, Wolf Alice and many, many more. It is surely not a weekend to be missed.
Knockanstockan (€115)
Back to smaller festivals, Knockanstockan will be held 22nd-24th July, boasting a whole range of exceptional Irish acts. Bands such as Overhead the Albatross, Booka Brass Band, Orchid Collective, The Hot Sprockets and many more will be playing at the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow. As a smaller festival, Knockanstockan probably has the best reputation for the craic and having a laugh and is definitely not to missed.
Castlepalooza (€134)
Castlepalooza brings a quite a diverse range of acts to Charleville Castle in Tullamore from July 29th to August 1st. Acts such as indie giants Villagers and huge synth maestro Caribou are sure to gather huge crowds alongside homegrown acts Overhead, The Albatross and Cian Nugent representing the incredible national talent that our country has produced.
Vantastival (€75)
Vantastival is among the smaller festival offerings happening this Summer however, it is not to be overlooked by any means. Main acts include Irish bands The Hot Sprockets and Saint Sister. Vantastival is due to happen on June 3rd & 4th in Beaulieu House, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Forbidden Fruit (€119)
While Forbidden Fruit is not a camping festival, it is still an event that should be at the top of your social diary. Over the course of 3 days (Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th June) many incredible international acts have been booked to play Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. These artists include Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Tame Impala, Jungle, Flume and Underworld. Dublin based DJs DJ Deece and Kormac make appearances on Friday and Saturday respectively – both huge stars in the making.
Rebecca Keane
Image Credit: The Irish Times
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