Nothing screams summer more than basking in the sunshine, but you’ve all of May, June, July and August to do that (God willing).
Instead of lounging out in your back garden for the next 16 weeks, why not make a weekend out of it and check out a festival you’ve always wanted to go to?
There’s plenty going on for foodies, but there’s also something out there for bookworms, fitness lovers, and those with a keen ear for music.
MAY
Wellfest – May 8 and 9
Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
Wellfest is back for 2026 and once again promises a weekend of fun, fitness, wellness, and inspiration.
This year’s line-up is stacked, with Maeve Madden, Joe and Rosie Wicks, Spencer Matthews, and Kellie Harrington leading the way. Other big names among headliners include The Coronas’ Danny O’Reilly, Caroline O’Mahony, Blindboy, and Mr Motivator.
Where? Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
Admission: Individual day tickets are priced at €65.90 (€60 + €5.90 booking fee).
See more here.
International Literature Festival – May 15 to 24
The International Literature Festival is a fantastic day out for the bookworm in your life.
Whatever genre you prefer to sink your teeth into, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, there’s something for everyone during this 10-day extravaganza. Irish actress Fionnuala Flanagan will be in attendance, as will thriller writers Ardal O’Hanlon and Liz Nugent, and Finding Joy author Dearbhla Mescal.
Where? Merrion Square Park, Dublin
Admission: Prices vary by event.
See more here.
Bord Bia Bloom – May 28 to June 1
Pic: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
If you’ve got green fingers, or someone in your life loves to tend to their garden, then you’ll need to whisk yourself on down to Bord Bia Bloom this June bank holiday weekend.
From vibrant show gardens and delicious Irish food to inspiring talks and hands-on workshops, there’s nothing like it. There’s live entertainment, interactive experiences, shopping, dining, and endless opportunities for fun.
Where? Phoenix Park, Dublin
Admission: Adult tickets are priced at €39.40 each.
See more here.
Night and Day – May 29 to June 1
The Saw Doctors lead a star-studded line-up for this year’s Night and Day.
If you are hoping to take a break from the music in between sets, you will also be able to take advantage of the on-site activities, such as zip-lining courses and tree-top walks.
Where? Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon.
Admission: Ticket prices vary.
See more here.
Forbidden Fruit – May 30 and 31
Forbidden Fruit is Dublin’s longest-running city centre festival, and it signifies the start of a summer of fun.
Bringing its blend of alternative, electronic, and hip-hop, Forbidden Fruit is now in its 14th year, and has a great line-up for music lovers, including Kettama, one of the world’s biggest DJs, and Nia Archives.
Where? Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
Admission: Tickets are unfortunately sold out, but keep refreshing that feed with your fingers crossed!
See more here.
JUNE
Dalkey Book Festival – June 12 to June 15
If you missed out on the International Literature Festival, or you’re just that big of a bookworm that you want more, the Dalkey Book Festival is for you.
There’s a cool line-up across your favourite non-fiction and fiction writers this year.
Where? Dalkey, Dublin
Admission: General admission is priced at €15.
See more here.
Beyond the Pale – June 12 to 14
Beyond the Pale comprises three days of music, arts, and food in the wild woodlands and beautiful surroundings of Glendalough Estate in Wicklow. What more could you want?
Of Monsters and Men, Primal Scream, Father John Misty, Biird, and Sister Sledge have been listed amongst a pretty epic line-up.
Where? Glendalough Estate, Wicklow
Admission: Weekend camping costs €287.75 per ticket.
See more here.
JULY
Kaleidoscope – July 3 to 5
Kaleidoscope is ‘Ireland’s favourite family music festival’, and there’s a solid line-up behind it this year.
Natasha Bedingfield, The Saw Doctors, Mark McCabe, and Dustin the Turkey are all set to take to the stage this July.
Where? Russborough House and Gardens, Wicklow
Admission: Weekend tickets are individually priced at €126.75.
See more here.
All Together Now – July 30 to August 2
Where better to spend the August bank holiday weekend than at All Together Now?
It’s a weekend packed with music, great food, arts, comedy, wellness, literature, crafts, and there’s lots for the family to do as well!
Where? Curraghmore Estate, Waterford
Admission: Tickets for All Together Now 2026 are unfortunately sold out, but keep an eye out for any resale.
See more here.
AUGUST
Electric Picnic – August 28 to 30
Music lovers are going wild for Electric Picnic’s 2026 line-up.
There’s a lot of homegrown talent in the form of Fontaines D.C., CMAT, The Saw Doctors and The Mary Wallopers, as well as a whole host of international talent in the form of Djo, Sombr, Duke Dumont, Gorillaz, Zara Larsson, Skepta and Role Model.
Where? Stradbally, Laois
Admission: Tickets for Electric Picnic are sold out, but keep an eye out for any resale tickets floating around; if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on them!
See more here.
