Carnival of colour in Tipp
Clonmel Summerfest 2025 is one of Ireland’s largest Indian Irish cultural festivals, and is set to unleash a carnival of music, colour and unstoppable energy at Moyle Rovers GAA Sports Complex on 2 August.
Organised by the Tipp Indian Community, the event boasts live shows, cultural performances, a kids carnival, a food festival, an All-Ireland tug of war competition and a 7s football fiesta.
Special guests include star performer Rimi Tomy, football legend IM Vijayan and Irish rockers Big Generator, who will light up proceedings with their lively live music experience.
Admission to the daylong festival is free. clonmelsummerfest.com
Old Fair Day: Tubbercurry
Experience the vibrant sights and sounds of market day of yesteryear in Co Sligo from 9-13 August as the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival returns to celebrate 40 years. They have a packed five-day programme of events, promising a range of immersive experiences and family-friendly activities.
The centrepiece of the festival is the Old Fair Day on Wednesday, 13 August, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere with over 100 exhibitors lining the streets. There will be craft and heritage villages, artisan food, an award winning animal display, and vintage cars and tractors. Harking back to traditions of the past, there will also be demonstrations from spinning to thatching and butter making.
Tubbercurry Trail Run kicks off the festivities on 9 August followed by a Teddy Bear Picnic and ‘I’m A Culchie, Get Me Out of Here!’ event later that night. Other highlights to watch out for include family fun days at Kilcoyne Park and the Family Resource Centre, free dance classes and a new children’s area.
oldfairday.ie
Highland cattle Hamish and Henry enjoying Tubbercurry Old Fair Day last year.
Basketmaker Padraig Larkin pictured at the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival.
Memories: Arranmore Island
The wild beauty of Arranmore, an island off the coast of Donegal, is the setting for a festival about fun, connection and creating memories from 8-10 August.
The Féile Árainn Mhór - Rose of Arranmore Festival has a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy, from traditional games to tug of war, rowing, music, food and family fun as the whole island, with a population just shy of 500 people, gets involved.
A sea angling competition takes centre stage on the first day of the festival prior to a family fun day on Saturday, 9 August, which will include a farmers’ market, car boot sale, traditional music, ‘The Great Arranmore Bake-Off’ and much more.
Water-based activities are the focus on Sunday, 10 August, as spectators and participants alike will enjoy a Regatta Day with skiff rowing, beach tug of war, a lifeboat open day, blessing of the boats and music.
See Féile Árainn Mhór on Facebook
A rowing scene from Féile Árainn Mhór - Rose of Arranmore Festival last year. \ Paul McCambridge/MAC Visual Media
Organisers of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival in Co Offaly are promising a thrilling blend of tradition and innovation as the popular event returns to the heritage town for its 57th edition from 1-9 August.
Long-running favourites such as the vintage Sunday parade and the fireworks night and gig rig are back as usual, although the latter is taking place in Crinkill this year. New additions will shine a spotlight on Birr’s rich artistic life, with a full visual arts trail, live performances, and community-led installations.
Birr Castle Courtyard will host two evenings of open-air performances on 2 and 4 August. The first event, Metamorphosis, will celebrate Ireland’s rewilding boglands with a magical spectacle that combines original music by Fiona Linane (inspired by Eileen Casey’s poetry), street theatre by Cal Y Canto, soprano Maria Matthews, fire artist Eddie Bulfin and Birr Youth Theatre. Then on 4 August, PASOS Theatre Company presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), a madcap romp through all 37 of the bard’s plays in one wildly entertaining show.
birrvintageweek.com
Pictured at the recent launch of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival is from left to right, Cllr Seán Maher; Ramakrishnan (aka Bubble Lock); Terri Dale-Kearney; Emma Nee Haslam; Karen Gray; Cllr Eleanor Clendennen; Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, Fine Gael TD John Clendennen.
From Church Square to the Diamond, the area will be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of flavours, aromas and community spirit for Monaghan Street Food Festival on 23 August.
The event will see chefs and artisan producers showcase the finest local produce and culinary fare the county can offer from 11am-6pm.
Wander through the bustling stalls and sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, succulent meats, and delectable desserts. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, where you can pick up tips and tricks from top chefs.
Attendees can savour the festival’s unique atmosphere with live music and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. Local artisans and crafters will display their handmade goods, from intricate jewellery to beautiful pottery. A perfect opportunity to pick up unique memento.Admission is free.
tasteofmonaghan.com
The Farmer’s Bash is back
The Farmer’s Bash is set to return this summer across two days and four stages at Boucher Playing Fields – Northern Ireland’s largest concert venue.
And it’s an impressive line-up for The Farmer’s Bash Weekender on 9 and 10 August, with headliners like The Kaiser Chiefs and The 2 Johnnies joined by The Coronas, B*Witched, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, The Tumbling Paddies, DJ Mark McCabe, country stars Derek Ryan and Nathan Carter and more.
Aside from the retro/country/folk influenced music programme, there are activities galore to enjoy at the Belfast venue, including Bingo Loco Country, The Big Tractor Showdown, pig racing, and more.
farmersbash.com
Trad music fans flock to Feakle
While the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford (3-10 August) is the mecca for trad fans, there are a whole host of other summer festivals taking place nationwide to keep the music momentum going.
One that dovetails with the Fleadh is the 38th International Feakle Festival of Traditional in Co Clare, from 6-11 August, promising lively concerts, workshops led by world-renowned musicians, singers, and dancers, céilís, a pop up Gaeltacht, several CD launches, and talks in a packed programme.
The opening night of the festival kicks off with a very special tribute to the legendary Charlie Harris in the local community hall, recognising his outstanding contribution to Irish traditional music.
Another highlight this year is the Saturday night concert featuring the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band performing in St Mary’s Church, Feakle for the first time in a concert setting.
feaklefestival.ie and glor.ie
In Cork, 99 events will happen at 12 different venues in the city and county during August as Cork Craft Month celebrates 20 years.
Organised by Cork Craft & Design, the milestone campaign opens in style on 1 August at Fota House with Echoes of the Makers, a special showcase exhibition celebrating two decades of the social enterprise, representing over 110 professional makers and artists.
Workshop highlights include seaweed pressing with Samuel Arnold Keane (23 August), and basketry with Sonia Caldwell (4 and 17 August). For something quite unique, Jade Hogan will lead lampshade-making workshops on 15 August.
corkcraftanddesign.ie
Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Festival Director, pictured at back centre, with Michael Healey (MISH), furniture maker; Charlie Mahon, ceramicist; Jade Hogan, lampshade maker; Operations Manager, Cork Craft & Design; Cian O'Driscoll, woodworker, and Chris Tuohy, woodworker, at Fota House, Co Cork, for the launch of Cork Craft Month taking place during August.\ Michael O'Sullivan/OSM PHOTO
Carnival of colour in Tipp
Clonmel Summerfest 2025 is one of Ireland’s largest Indian Irish cultural festivals, and is set to unleash a carnival of music, colour and unstoppable energy at Moyle Rovers GAA Sports Complex on 2 August.
Organised by the Tipp Indian Community, the event boasts live shows, cultural performances, a kids carnival, a food festival, an All-Ireland tug of war competition and a 7s football fiesta.
Special guests include star performer Rimi Tomy, football legend IM Vijayan and Irish rockers Big Generator, who will light up proceedings with their lively live music experience.
Admission to the daylong festival is free. clonmelsummerfest.com
Old Fair Day: Tubbercurry
Experience the vibrant sights and sounds of market day of yesteryear in Co Sligo from 9-13 August as the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival returns to celebrate 40 years. They have a packed five-day programme of events, promising a range of immersive experiences and family-friendly activities.
The centrepiece of the festival is the Old Fair Day on Wednesday, 13 August, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere with over 100 exhibitors lining the streets. There will be craft and heritage villages, artisan food, an award winning animal display, and vintage cars and tractors. Harking back to traditions of the past, there will also be demonstrations from spinning to thatching and butter making.
Tubbercurry Trail Run kicks off the festivities on 9 August followed by a Teddy Bear Picnic and ‘I’m A Culchie, Get Me Out of Here!’ event later that night. Other highlights to watch out for include family fun days at Kilcoyne Park and the Family Resource Centre, free dance classes and a new children’s area.
oldfairday.ie
Highland cattle Hamish and Henry enjoying Tubbercurry Old Fair Day last year.
Basketmaker Padraig Larkin pictured at the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival.
Memories: Arranmore Island
The wild beauty of Arranmore, an island off the coast of Donegal, is the setting for a festival about fun, connection and creating memories from 8-10 August.
The Féile Árainn Mhór - Rose of Arranmore Festival has a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy, from traditional games to tug of war, rowing, music, food and family fun as the whole island, with a population just shy of 500 people, gets involved.
A sea angling competition takes centre stage on the first day of the festival prior to a family fun day on Saturday, 9 August, which will include a farmers’ market, car boot sale, traditional music, ‘The Great Arranmore Bake-Off’ and much more.
Water-based activities are the focus on Sunday, 10 August, as spectators and participants alike will enjoy a Regatta Day with skiff rowing, beach tug of war, a lifeboat open day, blessing of the boats and music.
See Féile Árainn Mhór on Facebook
A rowing scene from Féile Árainn Mhór - Rose of Arranmore Festival last year. \ Paul McCambridge/MAC Visual Media
Organisers of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival in Co Offaly are promising a thrilling blend of tradition and innovation as the popular event returns to the heritage town for its 57th edition from 1-9 August.
Long-running favourites such as the vintage Sunday parade and the fireworks night and gig rig are back as usual, although the latter is taking place in Crinkill this year. New additions will shine a spotlight on Birr’s rich artistic life, with a full visual arts trail, live performances, and community-led installations.
Birr Castle Courtyard will host two evenings of open-air performances on 2 and 4 August. The first event, Metamorphosis, will celebrate Ireland’s rewilding boglands with a magical spectacle that combines original music by Fiona Linane (inspired by Eileen Casey’s poetry), street theatre by Cal Y Canto, soprano Maria Matthews, fire artist Eddie Bulfin and Birr Youth Theatre. Then on 4 August, PASOS Theatre Company presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), a madcap romp through all 37 of the bard’s plays in one wildly entertaining show.
birrvintageweek.com
Pictured at the recent launch of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival is from left to right, Cllr Seán Maher; Ramakrishnan (aka Bubble Lock); Terri Dale-Kearney; Emma Nee Haslam; Karen Gray; Cllr Eleanor Clendennen; Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, Fine Gael TD John Clendennen.
From Church Square to the Diamond, the area will be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of flavours, aromas and community spirit for Monaghan Street Food Festival on 23 August.
The event will see chefs and artisan producers showcase the finest local produce and culinary fare the county can offer from 11am-6pm.
Wander through the bustling stalls and sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, succulent meats, and delectable desserts. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, where you can pick up tips and tricks from top chefs.
Attendees can savour the festival’s unique atmosphere with live music and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. Local artisans and crafters will display their handmade goods, from intricate jewellery to beautiful pottery. A perfect opportunity to pick up unique memento.Admission is free.
tasteofmonaghan.com
The Farmer’s Bash is back
The Farmer’s Bash is set to return this summer across two days and four stages at Boucher Playing Fields – Northern Ireland’s largest concert venue.
And it’s an impressive line-up for The Farmer’s Bash Weekender on 9 and 10 August, with headliners like The Kaiser Chiefs and The 2 Johnnies joined by The Coronas, B*Witched, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, The Tumbling Paddies, DJ Mark McCabe, country stars Derek Ryan and Nathan Carter and more.
Aside from the retro/country/folk influenced music programme, there are activities galore to enjoy at the Belfast venue, including Bingo Loco Country, The Big Tractor Showdown, pig racing, and more.
farmersbash.com
Trad music fans flock to Feakle
While the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford (3-10 August) is the mecca for trad fans, there are a whole host of other summer festivals taking place nationwide to keep the music momentum going.
One that dovetails with the Fleadh is the 38th International Feakle Festival of Traditional in Co Clare, from 6-11 August, promising lively concerts, workshops led by world-renowned musicians, singers, and dancers, céilís, a pop up Gaeltacht, several CD launches, and talks in a packed programme.
The opening night of the festival kicks off with a very special tribute to the legendary Charlie Harris in the local community hall, recognising his outstanding contribution to Irish traditional music.
Another highlight this year is the Saturday night concert featuring the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band performing in St Mary’s Church, Feakle for the first time in a concert setting.
feaklefestival.ie and glor.ie
In Cork, 99 events will happen at 12 different venues in the city and county during August as Cork Craft Month celebrates 20 years.
Organised by Cork Craft & Design, the milestone campaign opens in style on 1 August at Fota House with Echoes of the Makers, a special showcase exhibition celebrating two decades of the social enterprise, representing over 110 professional makers and artists.
Workshop highlights include seaweed pressing with Samuel Arnold Keane (23 August), and basketry with Sonia Caldwell (4 and 17 August). For something quite unique, Jade Hogan will lead lampshade-making workshops on 15 August.
corkcraftanddesign.ie
Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Festival Director, pictured at back centre, with Michael Healey (MISH), furniture maker; Charlie Mahon, ceramicist; Jade Hogan, lampshade maker; Operations Manager, Cork Craft & Design; Cian O'Driscoll, woodworker, and Chris Tuohy, woodworker, at Fota House, Co Cork, for the launch of Cork Craft Month taking place during August.\ Michael O'Sullivan/OSM PHOTO
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