7 festivals that you can’t miss this summer in Ireland

The good weather has arrived and with it the season of summer festivals. In 2015 you will find all across Ireland exticing music festivals and entertainment for all ages and tastes.  It all seems so far away now but we recommend that you book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Booking early has another advantage, you can avail of early bird discounts.  Below we will show you what the most outstanding festivals are for the craic this summer.  If  I could I would go to all of them. How about you? ^^

THE RAINBOW RUN

This isn’t a festival but it is Ireland’s most fun 5k run!
The first of its kind in Ireland, this unique run involves participants of all abilities and ages being doused from head to toe with coloured powder paint while they run, jog or walk our 5km route on Dún Laoghaire west pier.

You don’t need to be a fit runner! You can run, walk, crawl or even skip over the finish line!

Everybody should try to start the race dressed in as much white as possible (although not essential) and at intervals along the route you will be bombarded with different colours until you cross the finish line!

Don’t worry though, the powder is non-toxic. Make sure you cool off after the 5k run and take on the “Rainbow Slide”, a slippery slide that will lead into the Irish Sea! How refreshing!

Saturday 20th June, Dun Laoghaire. The race starts at 3.00pm, but the entertainment at 1.30pm
Never run out of tickets! All information here: www.rainbowrun.ie

1. LIFE FESTIVAL

Life Festival 2015 is about forward thinking music. It’s about showcasing the finest electronic artists over a three day open-air weekender and once again, Belvedere House will act as the backdrop for this celebration of talent. Relax in the sun by the lakeside stage, chill out in the shade of the wooded areas or bask in the glory of the main arena, whatever your musical preference, Life Festival has the line-up and the setting for you.

Had enough  music?  Then try massages, climbing, kayak, reggae yoga, a big wheel, taste street, hammocks, and even hot tubs to relax!
Where to sleep? You can bring your own tent, and if you want a little extra comfort and service, you can book a luxury bell tent, teepee or yurt that will be fully set up for you when you arrive, furnished with a table, lantern, bin and door mat.

When?
Friday. 29 May 2015, at 5.00pm
Saturday, 30th May 2015, from 2.00pm
Sunday, 31^st May2015, from 2.00pm
Where?  Belvedere House Gardens and Park Mullingar Co.Westmeath
Tickets: from €99.
All information for this event in this link: www.life-festival.com

2. BODY&SOUL 2015

Body & Soul  is an arts & music festival where like-minded people come together for three days on the grounds of Ballinlough Castle in Co. Westmeath to explore and discover new music, interact with visual and performance art outside a traditional setting, and celebrate life in all its shapes and colours.

Across the bright canvas of Ballinlough’s Walled Gardens and Woodlands is a twisting labyrinth of cubby-holes and curious corners coloured with hanging pictures and a glittering collection of art pieces and installations. Wander to the dreamscape that is the Zen gardens, relax, stretch and unwind in the chilled, lakeside cocoon.
Meet acrobats, troubadours, belly dancers and drummers – all appearing and disappearing when you least expect it.

Placed in an amazing setting with a 15 century walled garden, it showcases a brilliant line up, secret hideaways and glittering late night discos in the woodlands, an inspirational art trail, spoken word and debate, a magnificent masquerade ball, culinary feasts, steaming hot tubs and seaweed baths and much much more…

It appeals to both fans of electronic music as to nature lovers, to families with young kids as to the 30 somethings that like the finer things in life, to foodies as to folkies, funksters as to late night revellers. There is something at Body&Soul for everyone.

 19, 20 and 21 of June, 2015
Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath
More information here: www.bodyandsoul.ie

3. SEA SESSION

The 19, 20 and June 21 is celebrated in Donegal byhosting the beach party of the year!

Good weather is ideal for beach sports such as rugby, beach soccer, handball, volleyball, Frisbee, and of course, surfing! All this to the rhythm of music of:

Seasick Steve, Example & DJ Wire, Maverick Sabre, Sigma, Le Galaxie, Klingande, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Gavin James, Jape, Krystal Klear, Kormacs Big Band, The Minutes, Al
ex Adair, R.S.A.G, DJ Food, Wyvern Lingo, The Academic, Amazing Apples, The Eskies, New Valley Wolves, Columbia Mills, 5 Dollar Shakes, Rollin’ Empire, Anthony Collins, DJ Ferg

Tickets for three days from: €89,50
Tickets Day: from 45,50€
More details about the event: www.seasessions.com

4. KILLARNEY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND FOOD

This year, the festival of music and food made famous in Wexford moves  to Killarney, County Kerry.

The Killarney Festival of Music & Food 2015 promises to be a fun filled festival weekend to remember with international and Irish acts performing across 7 stages.

Over 70  international and Irish artists, comedians, Michelin star chefs, country house cooks & chefs, activities and entertaiment for all the family… Discover the line up in the official website of the event:  www.killarneyfestival.ie

27 and 28 June, from 2.00pm
Adult Day tickets cost €76 and weekend tickets cost €142. Teen concessions are available and under 12’s go free.

5. LONGITUDE FESTIVAL

From 17th to 19th June, in Marlay Park, Dublin.

This is its third year in Dublin.
 Longitude has been nominated at the Irish Festival Awards for Best Medium Festival for the second year running as well as receiving nominations in the Best Line Up and Family Festival awards categories.
Over 40 incredible acts performing across the weekend!

Tickets 3 days: €149.50
Tickets day: €59.50
Check all the information about the festival here:  www.longitude.ie

6. GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 

The Galway International Arts Festival is a creative collision of performance, music, visual arts and discussion. It is one of Ireland’s most vibrant and exciting Festivals offering a wide range of experiences from world-class theatre to impromptu musical performances on Galway’s winding streets.

The Festival is special. Worlds, cultures and dreams collide inspiring passion, creativity and new ways of thinking. Strolling along the cobbled streets, every turn offers the possibility for new adventure; surreal giant puppets snaking through the streets, enchanting music, enthralling musicians and awe-inspiring street theatre.

From the all-out party atmosphere at the Festival Big Top to the quiet contemplation in the Festival galleries…the Festival transforms the city through the arts in an engaging, fun and authentic way. If you happen to visit Galway during the arts festival, expect to be transformed too.  In 2014, there were 180,000 attendances at 213 performances, talks and exhibitions in 29 venues over 14 days.

DATE: From 13 to 26th July, 2015
Information:  www.giaf.ie

7. ELECTRIC PICNIC 2015

Each September Electric Picnic returns!  This year it will be the 4th, 5th and 6th of September.
Electric Picnic has become a truly unique Irish festival set amid the meadows of the beautiful estate  Stradbally Hall, just 50 minutes from Dublin.
Good music, art, theatre, comedy, pantomime, and fine food … and a few magic tricks.
Tickets and more information: www.electricpicnic.ie

ARE YOU READY?

Florence + The MachineUnderworld
Manic Street Preachers – Róisín Murphy – Tame Impala – Hot Chip
Belle & Sebastian – The War On Drugs – George Ezra – Future Islands Jurassic 5 – Chvrches – Ride – Jon Hopkins – Battles – My Morning Jacket  Jessie Ware – Django Django – Low – Pond – Tourist – Metz – Girl Band  Kwabs – Låpsley – Alvvays – Marika Hackman – Jack Garratt – Wvyern Lingo – Circa Waves – Hinds – Shura – Ben Khan – Curtis Harding – Aquilo  Little May

You may not have thought of being in Ireland this Summer … but maybe after reading this post you’ve changed your mind!
How about two weeks travelling around Ireland while learning English?
Book now and get a third week in Dublin English course and accommodation with half board!
Study English while you’re on vacation is possible with Travelling Languages!
See you next week! 🙂