Here in Ireland, we don’t need much excuse to throw a party! Our rich heritage and captivating culture aren’t just found in ancient castles, scenic drives, and welcoming pubs. They’re alive in the festivals that fill our towns and cities with music, food, and a sense of celebration you won’t find anywhere else. For travelers from North America and beyond planning to join one of our small-group tours of Ireland, timing your visit to coincide with a local festival can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
Our small-group and custom tours of Ireland already take you to some of our country’s most iconic spots. But with a little planning, you can also catch some of Ireland’s most exciting festivals along the way. From world-class arts performances to traditional sailing regattas, here are six festivals worth building into your Ireland itinerary.
Galway International Oyster Festival – Galway, September
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. The Galway International Oyster Festival has been drawing visitors and chefs from around the world since 1954, celebrating the start of the native oyster season. While Galway is known for its colorful streets, lively pubs, and music-filled nights, this weekend in late September adds a layer of indulgence to your visit.
Think oyster-shucking competitions, tasting events, and plenty of live music spilling out across the city. It’s a perfect way to cap off a day exploring Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher. On trips like our Ultimate Ireland 10-day Tour, Galway is already a highlight — but if you time it right, you can enjoy it at its most flavorful.
The Hooker Festival, Kinvara – County Galway, August
Officially called Cruinniú na mBád, this charming festival celebrates the traditional Galway Hooker fishing boats that once carried turf (peat) from Connemara to the Burren. Held each August in the small harbor town of Kinvara, the event is part regatta, part living history lesson.
You’ll see the deep-red sails of these historic boats dotting Galway Bay, accompanied by music, dancing, and plenty of fresh seafood on the pier. It’s an authentic slice of west-of-Ireland culture that most visitors miss — and it pairs beautifully with a Connemara road trip or a stop in the Burren.
Connemara, Galway, and the Burren all feature in our 8-day Emerald Explorer Ireland Tour. But if you want to spend some time in Kinvara specifically, you may prefer finding out more about our tailor-made tours of Ireland.
Galway International Arts Festival – Galway, July
If you’d rather swap oysters for theater, July in Galway is your time. The Galway International Arts Festival is one of Europe’s leading arts events, with a mix of world-class theater, live music, street performances, and large-scale art installations. This is just one of the reasons why Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart.
What makes this festival special is the way the city itself becomes the stage. You might watch a play in a historic church one evening, stumble across a brass band parading down Shop Street the next, and end the night at an outdoor gig in Eyre Square. For travelers wanting a balance of cultural immersion and scenic exploration, this is an unbeatable combination.
Taste of Dublin – Dublin, June
If your tour begins or ends in Dublin, you might want to schedule a couple of extra days to catch Taste of Dublin. This four-day festival in June transforms the city’s Merrion Square into a gourmet playground. Top chefs from across Ireland serve tasting plates, host cooking demos, and run workshops ranging from cocktail making to chocolate tempering.
It’s a great way to dive into Ireland’s modern food scene, which has evolved far beyond the clichés of cabbage and stew. When paired with Dublin’s rich history — think Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse — it makes for an excellent start or finish to your trip.
Looking for more foodie adventures while you’re here? Don’t miss our Gastronomic Guide to Ireland! It’s filled with tips for what to eat and the best restaurants to try.
Electric Picnic – County Laois, August/September
Electric Picnic isn’t just Ireland’s biggest music festival; it’s also one of the most eclectic. Set in the countryside of County Laois, it blends big-name international acts with smaller stages dedicated to comedy, spoken word, and even wellness.
While it’s not a traditional cultural event like some of the others on this list, it’s a unique way to experience Ireland’s contemporary side. If your travels take you between Dublin and the southwest in late August or early September, you could add a stop here to enjoy a day of music before heading back to castles, coastlines, and wild landscapes.
Do note that this one requires advance planning — tickets sell out fast, and accommodation in the area is limited.
The Matchmaking Festival – Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, September
Lisdoonvarna’s Matchmaking Festival is proof that Ireland’s traditions can be both heartwarming and delightfully quirky. Originally created for farmers looking for love in the off-season, it has grown into Europe’s biggest singles event, with live music, dancing, and matchmaking sessions running for an entire month.
Even if you’re not in the market for romance, it’s a brilliant chance to experience small-town Irish hospitality at its best. The location is also a huge draw — Lisdoonvarna sits on the edge of the Burren and just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher. If you’re on one of our Wild Atlantic Way tours, like our 5-day Spectacular South and West Active Tour of Ireland, you’ll already be nearby.
Making Festivals Part of Your Overland Ireland Tour
One of the best things about traveling with Overland Ireland is flexibility. While our scheduled small-group Ireland tours cover the Emerald Isle’s must-see spots, we also offer tailor-made tours of Ireland that can be timed around specific events. Whether you want to see Galway at its most colorful during the Arts Festival or experience authentic small-town Irish hospitality as the Matchmaking Festival is in full swing, we can design an itinerary that delivers the perfect blend of sights and celebrations.
Because these events are popular with locals as well as visitors, planning ahead is essential, especially for securing tickets and accommodations. Our team can handle all of that, so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Book Your Tour of Ireland with Overland!
Are you ready to experience the real, unfiltered Ireland? We can’t wait to welcome you! Browse our range of small-group Ireland tours and see which of our trips stirs your wanderlust.
Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please just get in touch for the information you need.
