Events on in Ireland this summer | 2026

Summer Exhibition: My Father's Dragon
Dublin | Until 1st August, 2026

Step into the magical world of My Father’s Dragon at this free family exhibition in The Ark, Temple Bar. Children and adults can explore original artwork, character designs and behind-the-scenes sketches from Cartoon Saloon’s acclaimed animated film, making it a creative and inspiring day out for young artists, dragon fans and animation lovers.

Cairde Arts Festival
Sligo | 4th - 11th July, 2026

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival returns this July with a vibrant programme of music, theatre, circus, dance, visual art and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy colourful street performances, interactive workshops, live music and creative events across venues and public spaces throughout Sligo.

Flavours of Fingal County Show
Dublin | 4th & 5th July, 2026

Flavours of Fingal returns to Newbridge House and Farm for a reimagined family-focused weekend celebrating food, farming, music and community. Visitors can enjoy free family entertainment, equestrian displays, local food producers, live music, farming demonstrations, sports activities and plenty of attractions for all ages across the beautiful parkland setting.

Dundalk Comic Con
Dublin | 5th July, 2026

Comic book, movie and gaming fans can enjoy a fun-filled day at Dundalk Comic Con, featuring special guests from the worlds of film and television, cosplay competitions, gaming, workshops, trading cards, comics and collectibles. With activities for children and adults alike, it’s a great family event for pop culture fans of all ages.

Clonmel Show
Tipperary | 5th July, 2026

The Clonmel Show returns on Sunday 5th July with a packed day of agricultural competitions, family entertainment and community fun. Visitors can enjoy livestock and equestrian classes, live music, a pet show, donkey derby, tractor driving competitions, food stalls, craft displays and a dedicated children’s entertainment area with bouncy castles and animal attractions.

Inspireland Art & Animation Camps
Ireland | Various dates & locations throughout summer

Young artists can unleash their imagination at Inspireland’s Art & Animation Camps, taking place at venues across Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Kildare, Louth and Athlone. Led by professional artists and animators, the camps introduce children and teenagers to illustration, character design, comics, animation, watercolours and mixed media through fun, hands-on projects.

Designed as a welcoming space where young people can express themselves, every camp helps children build confidence, develop new artistic skills and make new friends while bringing their own ideas to life.

Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
Wexford | 9th - 12th July, 2026

The 41st Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival returns for four days of fresh seafood, live music, family entertainment and community celebrations. Set in one of Ireland’s most picturesque fishing villages, visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations, traditional dance, local food and a lively festival atmosphere along the beautiful Wexford coast.

Earagail Arts Festival
Donegal | 10th - 25th July, 2026

Earagail Arts Festival returns to venues across Donegal from 10th to 25th July with two weeks of music, theatre, circus, dance, visual arts and family entertainment. Families can enjoy Party in the Park, Funny Business with Fraser Hooper, Clown Workshops, the Fanzini Brothers’ Risky Business, street performances, interactive workshops, outdoor art and free family activities in towns and villages across the county.

Brick Féile
Meath | 11th & 12th July, 2026

Brick Féile returns for a weekend packed with incredible LEGO® creations, hands-on building activities and family fun. Visitors can explore spectacular custom models from Irish and international builders, see Ireland’s largest Great Ball Contraption, dive into giant brick pits, take part in interactive building challenges and browse LEGO® traders, making it a must-visit event for LEGO® fans of all ages.

Ballina Salmon Festival
Mayo | 12th - 19h July, 2026

The Ballina Salmon Festival returns for eight days of family fun, live music, heritage celebrations and community events. Highlights include the Teddy Bear Picnic, National Heritage Day, the historic Moy Swim, cultural performances, sporting events and a spectacular fireworks finale, all celebrating Ballina’s proud connection to the River Moy and its reputation as the Salmon Capital of Ireland.

Galway International Arts Festival
Galway | 13th - 25th July, 2026

Galway comes alive each summer as the Galway International Arts Festival returns. One of Ireland’s biggest cultural events, the festival fills the city with theatre, live music, circus, visual arts, street performances, talks and spectacular outdoor entertainment, creating an exciting atmosphere throughout Galway. Families can enjoy free outdoor events, colourful performances, art exhibitions and the lively Festival Garden in Eyre Square, while music fans can catch headline concerts and visitors can explore exhibitions, theatre and performances taking place across the city.

Boyle Arts Festival
Roscommon | 16th - 25th July, 2026

The Boyle Arts Festival returns this summer with more than two weeks of live music, theatre, visual art, exhibitions, talks, workshops and family-friendly events across the town. Highlights include the colourful opening parade, the annual Art Trail, concerts, comedy, literary events and exhibitions, alongside hands-on creative workshops and activities for children. Whether you’re interested in the arts, live entertainment or simply exploring one of Ireland’s most welcoming festival towns, Boyle Arts Festival offers something for all ages.

Fairy Festival
Meath | 18th - 19th July, 2026

The Fairy Festival returns to Loughcrew Gardens for a magical weekend of family entertainment. Meet fairies, mermaids and unicorns, enjoy bubble shows, puppet performances, wand and mandala making, aerial displays, stilt walkers, live music, food stalls and craft vendors, all set within the beautiful surroundings of Loughcrew Gardens.

Sligo Agricultural Show
Sligo | 18th July, 2026

The Sligo County Agricultural Show returns to Riverstown on Saturday 18th July for a fantastic family day out celebrating farming, food and rural life. Visitors can enjoy livestock competitions, equestrian events, local crafts, home produce, family entertainment, trade stands and plenty of attractions for all ages.

Rose Festival
Dublin | 18th & 19th, July TBC

The annual Rose Festival returns to St Anne’s Park for a free family day out in the beautiful surroundings of the park’s famous Rose Garden. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, arts and crafts, plant and flower displays, food vendors and a wide range of activities for all ages throughout the weekend.

Barretstown Big Picnic
Kildare | 20th, July TBC

Brick Based Play Session
Leitrim | 24th, July

Join the Midlands Brickx Club for a special Brick Based Play Session at Fenagh Community Centre. Designed for babies and toddlers up to 4 years old, the session includes hands-on building activities, imaginative play and refreshments afterwards. Booking is essential and places are limited.

Castlerea Rose Festival
Roscommon | 25th July - 2nd August, 2026

The Castlerea Rose Festival returns with another packed programme of family fun, live music and community celebrations. Expect children’s entertainment, parades, outdoor activities, family events and headline concerts, including performances from Jimmy Buckley, Qween and Chasing Abbey, making it one of Roscommon’s biggest summer festivals.

Mary From Dungloe International Festival
Donegal | 25th July - 3rd August, 2026

The Mary From Dungloe International Festival returns for ten days of family fun, live music and community celebrations. Visitors can enjoy children’s workshops, carnival parades, live entertainment, craft markets, vintage vehicle displays, sporting events, baking demonstrations, concerts and the much-loved selection of the 2026 Mary, making it one of Donegal’s biggest summer festivals.

Kilmihil Festival of Fun
Clare | 31st July - 3rd August, 2026

The Kilmihil Festival of Fun returns for a packed August Bank Holiday weekend of family entertainment, live music, sport and community celebrations. From children’s activities and vintage displays to duck races, traditional music sessions, fireworks and family games, there’s plenty happening throughout the festival for all ages to enjoy.

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
Offaly | 31st July - 7th August, 2026

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival returns for eight days of arts, culture and community celebrations in the heart of Birr. One of Ireland’s longest-running festivals, the programme features visual art, theatre, music, exhibitions, family activities and the popular Vintage Parade, bringing visitors together for a lively summer festival atmosphere.

Spraoi Waterford
Waterford | 31st July - 2nd August, 2026

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival returns to Waterford City for three days of free street theatre, music, circus performances, dance and spectacular entertainment. Visitors can enjoy world-class performers, colourful street shows and the famous Spraoi Parade, which concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Suir on Sunday night.

Bray Air Display
Wicklow | Saturday 1st August, 2026

The Bray Air Display returns to the Wicklow coast on 1st August, bringing an afternoon of thrilling aerial displays and family entertainment. Watch fast jets, vintage aircraft, aerobatic teams and formation flying demonstrations above Bray Seafront, while enjoying a funfair, food and craft village, military displays and family activities throughout the day. A highlight of the summer calendar, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year and is free to attend.

Stradbally Steam Rally
Laois | 1st - 3th August, 2026

The Steam Rally returns to Stradbally Hall for three days celebrating Ireland’s steam and vintage heritage. Visitors can enjoy working steam engines, vintage tractors, classic vehicles, traditional crafts, demonstrations and family entertainment, with the popular Steam & Vintage Parade taking place in Stradbally on Saturday afternoon.

Dublin Horse Show
Dublin | 6th-10th August, 2026

The Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS for five days of world-class show jumping, family entertainment and Irish culture. Alongside more than 160 equestrian competitions, including the prestigious Aga Khan Nations Cup, visitors can enjoy artisan food and drink, shopping, live entertainment, fashion events and the popular Best Dressed competition, making it one of Ireland’s biggest and most celebrated summer events.

Howth Roots & Blues Festival
Dublin | 7th - 9th, August, 2026

The Howth Roots & Blues Festival returns this August with more than 40 free live performances across pubs and venues throughout the picturesque fishing village. Visitors can also enjoy headline concerts from Hothouse Flowers, Crow Black Chicken, The Rob Strong Band and Zoé Basha, alongside a weekend of blues, rock, country, bluegrass and Americana set against Howth’s stunning harbour and coastal scenery.

Donabate Portrane Summer Festival
Dublin | 7th - 9th, August, 2026

The Donabate Portrane Summer Festival returns for three days of family entertainment, community fun and live performances. Visitors can enjoy a funfair, street entertainment, live music, craft stalls, family activities, a sensory-friendly opening evening and a spectacular fireworks finale on Sunday night.

Moynalty Steam Threshing
Meath | 9th August, 2026

The Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival returns for its 51st year celebrating Ireland’s rural heritage, traditional crafts and vintage machinery. Visitors can enjoy steam engines, horse-powered farming demonstrations, vintage vehicle displays, live music, craft stalls, family entertainment, a dog show and a headline performance from Nathan Carter and Band.

Puck Fair
Kerry | 10th - 12th August, 2026

One of Ireland’s oldest and most famous festivals, Puck Fair returns to Killorglin for three days of tradition, music and family entertainment. Expect the famous crowning of King Puck, lively street performances, funfair rides, markets, live music, parades, food stalls and free entertainment throughout the town, with a spectacular fireworks display bringing the festival to a close.

Kilkenny Arts Festival
Kilkenny | 6th - 16th August, 2026

Kilkenny Arts Festival returns from 6th to 16th August 2026, transforming Ireland’s medieval city into a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, visual art, literature and family entertainment. Alongside world-class concerts and performances, families can enjoy productions such as The Dig, The Fisher and His Wife, Penny and the Far Thing, interactive art installations, Secret Garden concerts and creative events set against the city’s historic streets, castles and gardens.

Belmullet Festival
Mayo | 9th - 16th August, 2026

Belmullet Festival returns to the heart of Erris for a week of community celebrations, culture, entertainment and family fun along the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming festival atmosphere, with highlights including Heritage Day and the popular Lá an Logha (Fair Day), alongside a variety of activities and events throughout the week.

The Big Grill Festival
Dublin | 13th - 16th August, 2026

Europe’s biggest BBQ and food festival returns to Herbert Park from 13th to 16th August 2026 for four days of incredible food, live fire cooking and family fun. Watch top Irish and international chefs in action, sample barbecue from leading restaurants, enjoy live music, craft drinks and cooking demonstrations, while younger visitors can enjoy Little Grillers with kids’ cooking, arts and crafts, puppet theatre, circus skills, face painting and family entertainment.

Rose of Tralee Festival
Kerry | 14th - 18th August, 2026

The Rose of Tralee International Festival returns to Tralee for five days of entertainment, culture and celebration. Alongside the famous Rose Selection nights on 17th and 18th August, visitors can enjoy live music, parades, street performances, markets, family activities, a funfair and fireworks as the town welcomes Roses from around the world.

National Heritage Week
Ireland | 15th - 23rd August, 2026

National Heritage Week returns from 15th to 23rd August with hundreds of free events taking place across Ireland. Families can enjoy guided walks, storytelling, craft workshops, castle tours, wildlife activities, archaeological experiences and hands-on heritage events, making it one of the best opportunities of the year to discover Ireland’s history, culture and natural heritage.

Tullow Show
Carlow | 16th August, 2026

The Tullow Agricultural Show returns on Sunday 16th August 2026 for one of County Carlow’s biggest family days out. Expect livestock and equestrian competitions, vintage machinery, celebrity chef cookery demonstrations, live music, children’s entertainment, craft displays, food stalls and hundreds of trade stands, making it a great day out for all ages.

Ould Lammas Fair
Antrim | 22nd - 25th August, 2026

Ireland’s oldest fair returns to Ballycastle for four days of tradition, entertainment and family fun. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of market stalls, artisan food and craft markets, horse trading, street performances, funfair attractions and the famous local treats, Yellow Man and dulse, as the seaside town comes alive for one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic events.

Oughterard Show
Galway | 30th August, 2026

The 61st Oughterard Show returns on Sunday 30th August with a full day of agricultural competitions, livestock classes and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy horse, pony, cattle, sheep, dog and poultry competitions, alongside domestic arts displays, children’s activities and plenty of attractions for all ages.