DUST OFF YOUR tents, spruce up your sleeping bag and stock up on glitter; music festival season is upon us.
Now that Winter is well and truly behind us, it’s time to embrace the warm weather and get outside with the impending arrival of festival season. Nothing quite says Summer like dancing in a field with friends to international and homegrown musical acts. Festivals are a great way to expand your taste and see artists in extraordinary outdoor settings. In Ireland, we’re fortunate to have so many beautiful estates and woodlands to build magical worlds to inhabit for a weekend of fun and frolicking.
As well as discovering new artists, the majority of Ireland’s festivals include something for everyone from comedy, theatre, panel discussions and great food. Not only are these weekends a great way to escape from reality, but they present an opportunity to support the arts.
Here’s a look at some of Ireland’s best music festivals taking place this Summer to pencil into your diary.
What: At the core of Body & Soul is, as described on the festival’s website, a focus on “creativity and community.” This spans the many different experiences on offer in the magical surrounds of Ballinlough Castle which include the promotion of sustainability, wellbeing (a festival where you can get a massage? Yes, please!) and, of course, the arts. Performing at the 2023 edition of this award-winning festival are a number of Ireland’s most talked about acts such as Denise Chaila, Kneecap, Gemma Dunleavy, Junior Brother, Ailbhe Ready and Thumper amongst many others.
When: June 16 – 18
Where: Ballinlough Castle, Co Westmeath
What: Beyond The Pale held its inaugural weekend of music last year and received rave reviews from both attendees and the acts, notably Orbital who claimed it was one of the “best festivals [they’d] ever played.” High praise, indeed! This year’s line-up boasts incredible names like Grace Jones, Jon Hopkins and Hot Chip but Beyond The Pale 2023 is also a stopping point for Candi Staton’s Farewell Tour and will have the 2021 winner of the Choice Music Prize, For Those I Love take to the stage. All of these acts, and many more on their impressive bill, are not to be missed.
When: June 16 – 18
Where: Glendalough Estate, Co Wicklow
What: One of the many great music festivals based in Dublin’s city centre, the Summer Series at Trinity College has hosted legendary musical innovators such as Grace Jones, New Order and Beck and also given the stage to artists releasing big radio hits like Haim, Vampire Weekend and Foals. This year is no exception as audiences are given an opportunity to experience Interpol, The War on Drugs, Róisín Murphy, Kraftwerk, Bastille, Texas and Madness over the course of the week.
When: June 26 – July 2
Where: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2
What: Returning for its fourth year, All Together Now has quickly become one of Ireland’s most exciting and popular music festivals taking place over the Summer months. The family-friendly event, based on the stunning grounds of Curraghmore House in Co Waterford, has something for everyone of all ages and musical tastes. With over 18 different stages showcasing the best in spoken word, theatre, music, comedy and beyond, you’ll come away enriched by the arts. This year’s line-up includes musical legend Iggy Pop, Sugababes, Billy Bragg, and Caribou as well as some of Ireland’s most exciting live acts such as Lankum, The Scratch and Saint Sister.
When: August 4 – 8
Where: Curraghmore House, Co Waterford
What: Set in the idyllic surrounds of Killyon Manor, Another Love Story exudes a homely warmth from the moment you step on its stunning site. Enjoy fascinating culture-based conversations in the drawing room of the Manor and dance the night away with invigorating dj sets in the neighbouring woodland and live music across a number of outdoor tents and magical indoor stages. Furthermore, Another Love Story’s line-up always brings together an incredible array of musical acts and this year is no exception with Martin Hayes, Theon Cross and Rachel Lavelle announced to perform over the weekend.
When: August 18 – 20
Where: Killyon Manor, Co Meath
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