There are more arts and music festivals taking place this month than you can shake a stick at
27 June – 6 July: West Cork Chamber Music Festival
Taking place over ten days of glorious music, the 30th West Cork Chamber Music Festival will see many old favourites return to Bantry as well as the featuring lots of young and emerging performers. Visitors can expect a spectacular and eclectic programme, presenting fascinating talks, masterclasses and events alongside Irish and world premieres. See westcorkmusic.ie for more details.
1 July: A Reading of Classic Winnie-The-Pooh Tales, Antrim
Jane Riordan, author of Winnie-the-Pooh Tales from the Forest, a sequel story collection written in the style of A. A. Milne, will bring the world of the Hundred Acre Wood to life in the enchanting setting of Owl’s Book Corner on Tuesday 1 July. Jane is one of ten celebrated children’s authors set to transform the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens into a storybook wonderland in a series of magical weekly storytelling sessions running from 28 June to 31 August 2025.
Throughout July and August: Cork’s Playful Culture Trail
Do you have any budding sleuths in your home? If so, get them to Cork this summer for adventure and mystery-solving! Designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration through fun, play-based learning, the fifth iteration of the Playful Culture Trail puts a spotlight on discovery. Children and families will journey through the city’s cultural gems, guided by a child-friendly trail map, completing 20 interactive activities and collecting stamps at each stop, from galleries and museums to historic landmarks and leafy outdoor spots. See playfulculturetrail.com for more.
4-6 July: Kaleidoscope Festival, Wicklow
Billed as ‘Ireland’s favourite family music festival’, this event has a fantastic lineup for all ages. Music headliners for 2025 include Texas, The Coronas, Ocean Colour Scene, Hermitage Green, and bright young Irish talent Allie Sherlock. Attendees can expect to see Dublin rock quartet The Riptide Movement, festival favourite The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow and many more acts across the three day weekend. See kaleidoscopefestival.ie for more information.
4-6 July: Hibernacle Music Festival, Dublin
Music lovers will be spoiled for choice at this new intimate 3-day music event coming to Orlagh House in Rathfarnham, Dublin. Nestled in the breathtaking Dublin Mountains, this festival brings together a powerful mix of Ireland’s rising stars and seasoned favourites for a weekend of music and connection through live music. There’s a fantastic lineup including Pillow Queens, Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Wallis Bird, Ailbhe Reddy, Gráinne Hunt, Áine Tyrrell – plus – just announced, Saturday headliner, Villagers. See hibernacle.ie for more details.
5 July: The Yoga Picnic 2025, Westmeath
Take yourself or a friend for a day that brings together movement, music, mindfulness, and connection. Crafted by three friends and enthusiastic yoga teachers, Mary Gardiner, Katy Harrison and Alice Harrison, The Yoga Picnic is a wellness experience which brings together Ireland’s leading holistic practitioners for a day of movement, therapies, discussion and music. See theyogapicnic.com for more.
9 July – 23 Aug: tour de force
Presenting 22 talks, events and live broadcasts across 11 counties, tour de force is a national tour of Ireland by visual artist Liliane Puthod and writer Ingrid Lyons. At the wheel of Liliane’s late father’s Renault 4 they will embark on a celebration of culture and creativity in the format of a mapped adventure. With pit stops ranging from a ranch in Co Laois to a vintage car show in Co Galway, the project engages with artists, musicians, mechanics, farmers, writers, archaeologists, craftspeople, academics and aficionados from all across Ireland. See tourdeforce.club for details.
10-13 July: Comeraghs Wild Festival, Waterford
Set against the backdrop of the wild and beautiful Comeragh Mountains, the festival promises ‘gentle adventure’ through an uplifting mix of wellness, exploration, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious wanderer, or simply in search of a moment of peace, you’ll find something to feed your soul — from calming yoga flows to exhilarating mountain biking, and tranquil forest walks to vibrant cultural events. See comeraghswild.com for more.
11 July: Bridgerton Candlelight Experience, Dublin
Prepare to be swept back into the world of high society and scandal as the Bridgerton Candlelight Experience returns to Dublin! Following the success of the first concert series, Bridgeton Candlelight will return to St Andrew’s Parish Church for a spectacular performance illuminated by thousands of candles. Audiences will be able to relive the best moments from the show’s three seasons through live music performed by a string quartet. Highlights include Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’, Ariana Grande’s ‘thank u, next’, and Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’, among others. Click here for more information.
11-18 July: West Cork Literary Festival
Anyone interested in literature will adore this festival. WCLF is a week-long celebration of writing and reading, with a varied and extensive programme taking place in and around the town of Bantry. A firmly established highlight of the Irish Literary calendar, famous Irish and international writers, as well as established and emerging writers, gather each year. There are master classes, readings, and workshops, as well as interviews with authors, book launches, and a myriad of other events. This year, visitors can expect to see Richard E. Grant, Eimear McBride, Graham Norton, Patricia Forde and lots more. Click here for more information.
14-27 July: Galway International Arts Festival
Galway International Arts Festival is an ever-growing multi-disciplinary event that celebrates a range of art forms. The festival programme includes Irish and international work of the highest quality, featuring theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street spectacle, dance, discussion and comedy. In addition to the celebrated annual festival, GIAF presents a major discussion platform on creativity and innovation, First Thought Talks. See giaf.ie for more details.
21-30 July: WTAF!? Westend Theatre & Arts Festival, Galway
WTAF!? Westend Theatre & Arts Festival, is the first of its kind, brought to life by Hysteria Theatre Company in partnership with Galway’s westend. It promises a ten-day programme of chaos, creativity and celebration across theatre, music, art, drag, circus, comedy and more. Featuring punk poets, DIY dramatists, rogue musicians and chaotic creators, it’s for anyone who has ever been told their work is too strange, too niche or just too much. Click here for more information.
23-24 July: Nonna’s Kitchen, Dublin
Sisters Monica and Daniela Venturi, two real Italian Nonnas and the beloved matriarchs behind Bologna’s famed “Le Sfogline” pasta shop, will bring their unique personalities, stories and handmade tortellini to Dublin for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: Nonna’s Kitchen by Birra Moretti. Hosted at The Fumbally Stables, guests will step into a warm, three-room Italian pop-up filled with laughter, tradition and the comforting smell of fresh pasta. Each session includes hands-on pasta-making, family-style dining and of course, a cold pint of Birra Moretti. Keep an eye on @BirraMorettiIrl on Instagram for the ticket link.
25 July: Land & Lore Farm to Fork Feast, Co Clare
Part of the New Heritage Programme, Land & Lore is a new seasonal series of immersive dining experiences that celebrate food, farming, and cultural traditions in the west of Ireland. The farm-to-fork dinners put local farmers and food producers at the centre – and the next one takes place on 25 July from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Click here to book tickets.
27 July – 3 Aug: Belfast Tradfest
This July, Belfast TradFest will once again transform the streets and venues of Belfast — a proud UNESCO City of Music — with the sights and sounds of world-class traditional music. At the heart of this eight-day celebration is Ireland’s fastest-growing summer school of traditional music. The Summer School welcomes learners of all levels, whether you’re brushing up on ornamentation, learning a new dance step, or simply looking to connect with others passionate about the tradition. Click here for more information.
29 July: Aoife O’Donovan Live at DeBarra’s Folk Club, Cork
For something special, check out Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Aoife O’Donovan at the legendary DeBarra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Aoife has become a celebrated artist known for her captivating vocals and heartfelt compositions. With a diverse range of influences, including folk, bluegrass, and indie rock, her distinctive sound make for an unforgettable evening of music. Click here for tickets.
29 July – 4 Aug: GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival, Dublin
GAZE festival is back for it’s 33rd edition at the Light House Cinema and Irish Film Institute this month. Founded in 1992, it has become Ireland’s largest LGBTQ film event, and the country’s biggest LGBT gathering aside from Dublin Pride. This year’s programme is packed with a selection of films from all around the world, including striking international features, eclectic Irish and international shorts, and a new strand of queer animation. See gaze.ie for more.
