10 Must See Festivals in May & June

The Irish festival season is drawing near, and as the weather heats up with a grand stretch in the evenings, it’s time to start preparing for what’s on offer.

For such a small island, you’re not stuck for choice. There’s something for everyone with electronic music festivals to Irish grass roots festivals, live art to comedy festivals, food & drink festivals to woodland getaways. The Emerald Isle is renowned for its festival lifestyle in the summertime, and you should take the opportunity to embrace it.

Check out our 10 must see festivals coming up in May & June, around Ireland.

Dublin Dance Festival (2-20 May)

The 2018 Dublin Dance Festival brings 3 weeks of inspiring, uplifting and breath-taking dance to Dublin. Running from 2-20 May, the Festival presents a wide range of performances by ground-breaking local and international artists. Check out what they have to offer, right here.

International Literature Festival (19-27 May)

Ireland’s premier literary event gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. As students of English, this is one not be missed! But don’t just take our word for it, have a look at their line-up here, and see for yourself.

Fastnet Film Festival (23-27 May)

This Cork based independent film festival is dedicated to bringing together established and first-time filmmakers, in a forum celebrating short films. Films will be screened in the village hall, pubs, restaurants, shops, galleries and on the sides of buildings – for film fans this is an exciting insight into the rapidly developing Irish Film Industry. Check out what’s on offer, here.

Life Festival (26-28 May)

Life Festival originated from the Glade Arena at Glastonbury before becoming a full on festival in its own right in 2004 – & has grown every year since to become Ireland’s biggest & best festival for electronic music. This year’s line-up is sure to be their biggest yet, with Fatboy Slim, Armand Van Helden, and more, taking the stage. Have a look at the festival, here.

Forbidden Fruit Festival (2-4 June)

The June Bank Holiday weekend never disappoints, especially when you’ve got one of the most popular Dublin festivals buzzing in the stunning grounds of the Irish Modern Art Museum. This year’s line-up sees Justice, The War on Drugs, and Glass Animals take centre stage. Check out more information right here.

Dublin Yoga & Vegan Festival (10 June)

Join Dublin’s first-ever Yoga and Vegan Festival in the heart of the city at Trinity College, Dublin. You can participate in Yoga and meditation sessions, treat your taste buds, and end the day with fun Bollywood dancing. Check out this unique event here.

Taste of Dublin (14-17 June)

Over four indulgent days the city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants each fashioned together exquisite signature dishes, allowing visitors to create their dream tasting menu at the ultimate foodie festival. Never been to a food & drink festival before? Well this video should get you excited. For further information on tickets, check out the website here.

Body & Soul (22-24 June)

Things don’t get much more magical than Body and Soul. Taking place over the Summer Solstice weekend at Ballinlough Castle, the grounds and woods are transformed to create a mystical atmosphere. This has grown into one of Ireland’s most popular festivals in recent years, and you can see why right here.

Sea Sessions (22-24 June)

Sea, surfing, tunes and hopefully sunshine – Sea Sessions has got it all. One of Ireland’s most highly respected small festivals and is widely recognised as being the country’s premier music, camping and surfing lifestyle event. Check out what’s on offer this year, right here.

B.A.R.E. In The Woods (6-7 July)

B.A.R.E. stands for Bringing Another Righteous Event, and they’ve certainly got that right. So it’s not exactly in May or June, but this music & art’s festival is one of our best kept secrets! Nestled in the woods of Garryhinch on the former Warburton Estate, experience a weekend like no other. Visit their website here, for more information.

Make the most of your experience in Ireland, and get involved in our rich, festival culture this Summer.