From coast to coast, Ireland hosts some of the best festivals this side of the Atlantic, and this summer is set to be HUGE. But which one to choose? Well, your friends here at Evopass have done the hard work for you, bringing all the important info together in one place…
So here it is, your Irish Festival Guide to Summer 2018.
MAY
Life Festival *FINISHED*
Where: Belvedere House and Gardens, Co. Westmeath
When: 25–27th May
Who’s playing: Fatboy Slim, Armand Van Helden, Adam Beyer b2b Joseph Capriati, Amelie Lens, Bugsy Malone, Fatima Yamaha and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Security: Over 18s, ID Required
Probably Ireland’s number one electronic festival
JUNE
Vantastival *FINISHED*
Where: Beaulieu House, Drogheda, Co. Louth
When: 1–3rd June
Who’s playing: Le Galaxie, The Stunning, RSAG, The Hot Sprockets, Loah and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Perks: BYOB!
“A truly unique BYOB festival combining killer line-ups with a celebration of campervan culture, it’s one of Ireland’s more niche weekenders” — Hot Press
Forbidden Fruit Festival *FINISHED*
Where: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
When: 2–4th June
Who’s playing: Justice, War on Drugs, Bonobo, Vince Staples, Glass Animals, Grizzly Bear and more.
Tickets: A few tickets left!
The perfect way to start the summer: amazing artists, close to town and your own bed to sleep in. Very common to just go for one day to see your favourite artist, so it doesn’t have to break the bank and it is usually easy enough to get your tickets on the day. (Be warned, bring your jacket because it can get wet!)
EDITOR’S PICK: Body and Soul
Now if you fancy something different this summer, head to Westmeath for a weekend you’ll never forget. Wander through the forest until early in the morning, stumbling across some of the best music around whether it be performed on the main stage, on the pagoda or in a shed deep in the forest. Body and Soul really has something for everyone: with dedicated family campsites and activities throughout the day, this is an ideal family event to ignite your children’s creative spark. B&S also offers a comedy tent, sunrise/sunset yoga, mediation, live podcasts and so much more. One of the best things about B&S is the artwork: watch as the forest comes alive as the sun goes down with a neon glow and mirrors in every direction. This is something not to be missed. … Oh.. and did we mention that you can bring your drinks into the arena?
Body and Soul
Where: Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath
When: 22-24th June
Who’s playing: Fever Ray, Chronixx, Jon Hopkins (Live), Iron & Win, Arca, Baxter Dury, James Holden & The Animal Spirits and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Security: No glass
Perks: Body and Soul have a “Free flow policy” — Ie you can bring your cans into the arena! So make sure you stock up and bring a bag.
Sea Sessions
Where: Bundoran, Co. Donegal
When: 22–24th June
Who’s playing: Dizzie Rascal, Hudson Taylor, Rudimental, Hannah Wants, Walking on Cars, Everything Everything and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Perks: Sea + Sand + Music… enough said. Sea Sessions offers Surfing, Skating, Tag rugby and Soccer. Not forgetting beach Yoga and Volleyball.
JULY
BARE in the Woods
Where: Borris House, Co. Carlow
When: 6–7th July
Who’s playing: Obie Trice, God is an Astronaut, Swifty & Kuniva From D12, Rat Boy (DJ), Kila, Lost Bros, Gok Wan and more.
Tickets: Not sold out yet!
Perks: Absolute bargain! Only €100 for the whole weekend camping.!!
Groove Festival
Where: Killruddery House, Bray, Co. Wicklow
When: 7–8th July
Who’s playing: Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Stunning, Heather Small ( Voice of M People), Hamsandwich, The Riptide Movement and more.
Tickets: Not sold out, available here!
Perks: Family Friendly- The festival’s ‘Little Groovers’ program means there are tons of fun activities for kids to do.
Longitude
Where: Marlay Park, Dublin
When: 13–15th July
Who’s playing: J. Cole, Travis Scott, Solange, Migos, Post Malone, Diplo, Tyler The Creator, Sampha, Cardi B, Giggs and more.
Tickets: Only a few left!
Security: Under 16’s are only allowed if accompanied by an adult — make sure you have your ID.
Suns out, shorts on! This three-day non-camping event is an ideal way to get into the festival mindset. Unbelievable music during the day and your own bed at night, the best of both worlds! This year is set up to be Ireland’s premier rap festival with huge headlining artists from J. Cole to Tyler the Creator. Not one to miss.
Top tip: make sure to allow time to get to and from the venue and if possible book transport home or into town in advance, as it is impossible to hail down a taxi on the night! Be prepared to walk!
Townlands Carnival
Where: Macroom, Co Cork
When: 20–22nd July
Who’s playing: Sister Sledge, Leftfield (DJ set), King Kong Company, Stanton Warriors and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Perks: Kid friendly- Under 12’s go free!!!
Knockanstockan
Where: Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow
When: 28-29th July
Who’s playing: Vernon Jane, Slouch, Bantum, Roe, Jyellowl, Nava and more.
Tickets: Mostly sold out, last few tickets available here.
Perks: Children under 12 are FREE!
Having taken a year off in 2017, Knockanstockan is back to continue its ten-year legacy of putting artists first. Expect new sounds, up-and-coming artists and relaxed vibes, as you experience one of the cornerstones of the Irish music scene.
AUGUST
All Together Now
Where: Curraghmore Estate
When: 3–5th August
Who’s playing: Fleet Foxes, Underworld, Róisín Murphy, Mura Masa, Villagers, First Aid Kit, Chaka Khan and more.
Tickets: All sold out unless you have a campervan?! Sign up to ticket alerts here!
Castlepalooza
Where: Charleville Castle, Tullamore
When: 3–5th August
Who’s playing: All Tvvins, !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Detroit Swindle, Ships, New Jackson, Pins, Space Dimension Controller and more.
Tickets: Still tickets left!
Perks: A castle deep in the woods.. what’s not to love?
The Beatyard
Where: Dun Laoghaire Harbour
When: 3-5th August
Who’s playing: The Jacksons, The Wailers, Le Boom, Daphni, Django Django, Kamasi Washington (A beast on the saxophone), Orbital, King Kong Company and more.
Tickets: Tickets available here.
Perks: BARGAIN ALERT - Only €5 to take your kids.
Indiependence
Where: Deer Farm, Mitchelstown, Cork
When: 3–5th August
Who’s playing: Primal Scream, Jake Bugg, Walking on Cars, Everything Everything, Kate Nash, King Kong Company and more.
Tickets: Almost sold out! Last few left here.
Indiependence is a small-scale and intimate festival where you really can get up close to see your favourite indie artist or band. Easy access from Dublin with busses dropping you a 15 min walk from the festival.
Top tip: Save your arms and wait to buy your supplies at the Aldi nearby.
Electric Picnic
Where: Stradbally Estate, Co. Laois
When: 31st August - 2nd September
Who’s playing: HUGE LINEUP: Kendrick Lamar, Massive Attack, N.E.R.D , Ben Howard, St Vincent, King Krule, Dua Lipa, George Ezra, The Kooks and Chvrches and more.
Tickets: Sold out. Sign up for ticket alerts here.
A staple event for many Irish students, EP is Ireland’s largest festival and represents one final blowout before the end of summer. With everything from intimate silent discos, to huge international artists and raves in the wood, EP really has something for everyone. Expect copious amounts of glitter and cans, and don’t forget your jacket because chances are, it is going to rain.
OCTOBER
Metropolis
Where: RDS, Dublin
When: TBC (Usually October Bank Holiday Weekend)
Who’s playing: TBC.
Tickets: Tickets haven’t gone on sale yet, but trust us, this is gonna be huge.
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