Ireland’s Summer Festival Guide 2026: From Boutique Gatherings to Electric Lineups

As the days lengthen, festival season is fast approaching. Ireland’s vibrant music scene offers a diverse range of events, from large-scale celebrations to intimate gatherings. Here’s a guide to ten of the best festivals taking place across the country this summer, catering to a variety of tastes.

1. Forest Fest

July 24th – 26th | Emo, Co. Laois. Forest Fest caters to those seeking a nostalgic experience, featuring established acts like Echo and the Bunnymen, James, and Madness. The lineup likewise includes The Undertones, Lloyd Cole, The Wedding Present, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, Paul Brady, The Boomtown Rats, and The Sultans of Ping Irish Times.

2. When Next We Meet

May 29th – 31st | Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel. This boutique festival champions alternative and independent Irish music, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. The 2026 lineup features The Waterboys, Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill, The Wran, and Moxie. Irish Times.

3. Another Love Story

August 21st – 23rd | Killyon Manor, Co. Meath. Held at Killyon Manor since 2014, Another Love Story is known for its intimate atmosphere and showcases talent from the Irish independent music scene. Tickets for the 2026 edition are already on sale. Irish Times.

4. Night & Day

May 29th – 31st | Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Celebrating the best of the Irish rock scene, Night & Day’s 2026 lineup includes The Boomtown Rats, Hothouse Flowers, and The Saw Doctors, alongside newer acts like Cardinals, Soda Blonde, Thumper, George Houston, and Richard Thompson. Irish Times.

5. Beyond the Pale

June 12th – 14th | Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow. Having quickly become a summer highlight, Beyond the Pale returns with a strong lineup including Caribou, Primal Scream, Father John Misty, Soulwax, and Sister Sledge, with Irish representation from Kojaque, Bricknasty, and Róis. Irish Times.

6. AVA

May 29th – 30th | Belfast. Belfast’s AVA festival, Northern Ireland’s largest electronic music and visual arts event, will feature Kneecap, Kettama, Or:la, Annie Mac, Yousuke Yukimatsu, Honey Dijon, Blawan, and Interplanetary Criminal in 2026. Irish Times.

7. Rory Gallagher International Festival

May 28th – 31st | Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Celebrating the legacy of Irish blues rock icon Rory Gallagher, the 22nd edition of this festival will host ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons, Johnny Gallagher & Boxty, The Zac Schulze Gang, and Nine Below Zero. Irish Times.

8. Éalu Le Grá

May 29th – June 1st | Kilconnell, Co. Galway. Set within the grounds of Ballinderry Park, Éalu Le Grá (meaning “escape with love”) offers an intimate music and arts experience, featuring Axel Boman (B2B with Mano Le Tough), Anna Wall, Aphrodite, Zoe Basha, Josh O’Keeffe, and Ronan Ó Snódaigh. Irish Times.

9. Kaleidoscope

July 3rd – 5th | Russborough House, Co. Wicklow. Kaleidoscope is a family-friendly festival with a diverse lineup including Natasha Bedingfield, The Saw Doctors, and Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, alongside science experiments, circus workshops, and arts and crafts. Irish Times.

10. Greenfields

May 2nd & 3rd | Ballykilcavan Estate, Co. Laois. Moving to a recent location in 2026, Greenfields boasts an eclectic lineup featuring Dec Pierce’s Block Rockin’ Beats, The Human League, Vengaboys, Level 42, Aslan, Cry Before Dawn, The Fureys, and Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones. Irish Times.