Top Events in Ireland: August & September 2025 Guide

Posted by Ewelina Wu on July 31, 2025 in Activities, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Inspiration

Events in Ireland – August & September 2025

Late summer is one of the most exciting times to explore Ireland. From historic fairs and food festivals to large-scale music events and cultural showcases, August and September bring a vibrant mix of tradition and celebration to towns and cities across the country. If you’re planning a family break, a food-focused getaway, or a short stay with live entertainment, there’s plenty to discover.

Here’s our round-up of some of the most anticipated festivals and events happening throughout Ireland in August and September 2025.

August 2025 Highlights

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Wexford
3–10 August 2025
Ireland’s largest traditional music festival returns to Wexford for a week of live performances, street sessions, workshops, and competitions. The atmosphere is electric, with musicians and visitors travelling from around the world to celebrate Irish culture.

Holiday homes in Co. Wexford

Ballyshannon Folk Festival – Donegal
31 July – 3 August 2025
Ireland’s longest-running folk festival continues into August with a strong line-up of traditional and contemporary musicians, intimate pub sessions, and open-air performances.

Holiday homes in Donegal

Puck Fair – Killorglin, County Kerry
10–12 August 2025
A wild mountain goat is crowned “King Puck” in one of Ireland’s oldest and most unusual festivals. The town hosts parades, markets, music, and a range of family-friendly events throughout the three-day celebration.

Holiday homes in Kerry

National Heritage Week – Nationwide
17–25 August 2025
This national programme includes hundreds of free events celebrating Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage. From guided walks and historical talks to craft demonstrations and open houses, it’s a great time to dig into local stories.

Holiday homes in Ireland

Rose of Tralee & Féile Thrá Lí – Tralee, County Kerry
15–20 August 2025
Tralee hosts a full week of celebration as part of Féile Thrá Lí. Expect live music, fireworks, street performances, and parades. The Rose of Tralee selection nights take place on 18 and 19 August and are televised nationwide.

Holiday homes in Kerry

Electric Picnic – Stradbally, County Laois
29–31 August 2025
Ireland’s biggest music and arts festival returns with headline performances from Kings of Leon, Hozier, Sam Fender, and Chappell Roan. Beyond the music, Electric Picnic features comedy, theatre, wellness areas, and creative spaces.

September 2025 Highlights

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival – County Clare
1–30 September 2025
This long-running festival turns the town into a hub of dancing, country music, and socialising. With roots in rural matchmaking traditions, it now attracts visitors from across the world.

Holiday homes in Clare

Dublin Fringe Festival – Dublin City
6–21 September 2025
A vibrant, city-wide showcase of new and experimental arts. The festival brings cutting-edge theatre, dance, and spoken word performances to venues of all shapes and sizes across the capital.

Holiday homes in Dublin

Saltwater Festival – Bundoran, County Donegal
5–6 September 2025 (music), with surf events running 4–7 September
Blending surf culture and electronic music, this weekend festival also coincides with the WSL Junior Pro surf competition. It’s an ideal mix of sport, coastal scenery, and open-air entertainment.

Holiday homes in Donegal

Sounds from a Safe Harbour – Cork City
11–14 September 2025
A multidisciplinary arts festival featuring music, theatre, and visual art. Hosted across Cork city and the harbour area, the 2025 edition celebrates ten years of creative collaboration and international programming.

Holiday homes in Cork

Clifden Arts Festival – County Galway
17–28 September 2025
This long-established festival in Connemara includes music, theatre, literature, visual arts, and lectures. The town comes alive with visiting artists, writers, and performers, making it an ideal time to explore the region.

Holiday homes in Galway

Culture Night – Nationwide
19 September 2025
Cultural venues across the country stay open late and host free events, performances, and exhibitions. It’s an ideal opportunity to try something new, visit a museum, or enjoy a live show in your local area or while travelling.

Holiday homes in Ireland

Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival – Galway City
26–28 September 2025
The world’s longest-running oyster festival features seafood tastings, live music, and the famous World Oyster Opening Championships, held on Saturday 27 September. A lively and delicious weekend by the coast.

Holiday homes in Galway

Dublin Theatre Festival – Dublin City
25 September – 12 October 2025
One of the most significant cultural events in Ireland, this festival presents a wide range of Irish and international theatre across venues in Dublin. The programme often includes world premieres, contemporary drama, and revived classics.

Holiday homes in Dublin

Planning a Late Summer Getaway?

August and September are ideal months to visit Ireland. The days are still long, the scenery is spectacular, and there’s something happening in nearly every corner of the country. Many of these events pair perfectly with a holiday home stay, giving you the flexibility to attend local festivals and explore at your own pace.

If you’re looking for self-catering accommodation near any of these locations, browse our selection of holiday homes across Ireland. From coastal retreats to countryside escapes, we offer the space, comfort, and location to make your festival season unforgettable.