Kerry and Dublin renew their rivalry in the All Ireland semi-finals, the Irish rugby team are touring New Zealand and the politicians in Leinster House are about to go on six weeks holidays.
If it is not starting to feel like summer yet, then a reading of our list of events and things to do in Ireland July and August will get you in the mood.
And if that doesn't help, once the Primary schools close this week, your children will give you a daily reminder!
This summer sees the return of lots of our favourite local events, fundraisers, festivals that have not taken place in person since 2019.
Whatever you decide to do, please remember to support local businesses and event organisers.
Have fun!
1) Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival
June 25th - 26th
This festival captures the imagination of boys and girls of all ages. The festival opens on Saturday 25th June at 6.30pm with a parade, street and on stage entertainment. The fun continues on Sunday morning, along a fairy trail, entertainment throughout the day with lots of your favourite characters.
June 25th - 26th
The Old Fort Quarter will come alive with traditional medieval activities while the historic streets will be a hive of activity with live street theatre, artisanal food markets and live music along with lots of activities for young children and a live performance by Aslan.
July 1st - 10th
Retuning with a fully live affair featuring new work, exclusive commissions and events spanning music, theatre, dance, visual art, street theatre and more. The family friendly Cairde in the Park this weekend promises a feast of fun with a packed programme featuring live music, circus, theatre, dance, family yoga, DJ’s, interactive play and delicious locally sourced food
4) Clonmel Junction Festival, Tipperary
July 1st - July 10th
Over the course of ten days Clonmel Junction Festival presents a programme of events including live music, theatre, street performance, comedy, visual art and food.
July 2nd - July 3rd
Plenty of free family fun including bouncy castles, face painting, archaeological digs, magicians, story telling, music and lots more. The two-day event offers real value for money, unbeatable food and the ultimate farming experience for the whole family to enjoy set in the wonderful Newbridge House.
6) Kit Con Éire
July 2nd
Like football? Love kit? Kit Con Eire - Ireland's very first Kit Conference - is coming to the Imperial Hotel, Dundalk on Saturday July 2nd.
There will be spectacular displays of football shirts, retro and new, from all over the World and indeed some closer to home. Ireland soccer shirts will be the main attraction with an exhibition of iconic shirts from some of Ireland’s most famous matches. Tickets cost €12 and the price includes entry fee, walking tour with Aodhan O’Riordan and Gary Cooke, entry to kit discussions and a raffle ticket.
7) Summer Garden Festival | Claregalway Castle
2nd– 3rd July
Meet the experts featuring rare and native plants, seeds, trees, garden furniture, tools, pots, sculptures and craft work as your family enjoys live music and freshly cooked food.
3rd July
The Barretstown Big Picnic is back!
The gates of Barretstown Camp will open to the public for a magical open day. Throughout the day they will be running all the usual activities including games, zipline, mini golf, face painting, Fossets Circus and a bunch of special guests helping us to make the day extra special.
9) Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
7th – 10th July
The annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival takes place in a charming and picturesque fishing village celebrating the start of summer with delicious seafood platters, fishing and lots of fun activities for all the family. The weekend starts with Grand Parade on Thursday. from the Coast Hotel through the village and events over the weekend include a Family Fun Day on Friday afternoon a Teddy Bears' Picnic on Saturday, the Nutty Scientist on Sunday and lots, lots more.
Various during Summer holidays
Not only are the kids guaranteed to have fun but you will have a week off making lunches! There are a variety of different camps to choose from in Rathfarnham or Rathcoole throughout the summer with discounts for siblings and multiple bookings.
9th – 24th July
With a family-orientated programme from the Gaeltacht islands off the West Donegal coast to Ireland’s most northern village Malin, Earagail Arts Festival has something for all ages. The festival features an expanded programme of circus and street arts performances, masterclasses and camps, with weekend circus hubs in Inishowen and East Donegal.
10th July
There will be fun, education and nautical adventure for families across the whole village of Crosshaven from the Royal Cork Yacht Club to Camden Fort Meagher and everywhere in between for Cork Week Family Day from 12-5pm. The Royal Cork is putting a focus on sustainability at this year’s event with a new coastal market at the yacht club, coastal walks, boat trips from Hugh Coveney Pier on the Cailin Or, competitions and games.
The Family Day kicks off a week full of activity for Volvo Cork Week 2022.
13) The Wells House 10th Birthday Party
July 10th
Love Birthday Parties? Then come to the biggest and best Birthday Party in Wells this July as they celebrate 10 years of Wells House and Gardens!
There is a super line up of entertainment acts planned for the day including magicians, puppet shows, live music, face painting and some more surprises too! All events are included in your gate entry for the day too!
Daily during summer
Sitting in the shadow of Newgrange, the farm is perfect for a fun, family day out with lots to entertain the whole family. with plenty of space to enjoy a safe and fun day out including a visit to the new arrivals, walk around the large paddock, play in the sandpit, hide in the straw maze, go karts and enjoy a family picnic.
15) Aquazone | National Aquatic Centre
Daily during summer
Aquazone Waterpark in the National Sports Campus reopens again this summer. With raging waterpark adventures for the bigger kids and pirate play areas for the younger ones. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
Sessions must be booked in advance; there is limited capacity so there will be less queues for the slides!
16) Experience Glasnevin - O'Connell Tower
Daily during the summer
Visitors can now climb all 198 steps to the summit of the tallest round tower in Ireland and enjoy panoramic views across the city from one of its highest vantage points. Your visit also includes the Experience Glasnevin Exhibition.
17) Feile Brian Boru
July 6th - July 10th
Féile Brian Ború is an annual five day festival held in the twin towns of Killaloe, Co. Clare & Ballina, Co. Tipperary with a fun filled programme of events with something to suit everyone!
July 7th - 10th
This year’s action-packed, four day programme includes legendary blues, jazz and Irish soul singer, Mary Coughlan and her live band for a not to be missed open air concert at Crotty’s Lake, Away with the Fairies in Crough Wood, The Gap Walk, Comeragh Mountain Lamb Feast, Cinderella Outdoor Theatre Performance and lots more.
19) Galway International Arts Festival
July 11th - 24th
The jam-packed 2022 festival brings artists from across the globe to Ireland including the return of Chicago’s world-renowned Steppenwolf with Sam Shepard’s True West, from New York a breath–taking spectacle of illusion, choreography, music and storytelling from Geoff Sobelle with HOME, extraordinary theatre and opera awaits from Druid, Landmark Productions and Irish National Opera, the Gate Theatre and Theatre Lovett, live music featuring The Frames, Mary Coughlin, The Flaming Lips and lots more.
20) Summer Camps | Brigit's Garden
Various
Brigit’s Garden is looking forward to a summer of woodland adventures with forest school inspired summer camps. The gardens will open be open daily with plenty to see and do for all the family including the new Lookout rope tower in the play area.
21) Bug Detectives | Castlecomer Discovery Park
July 12th, July 19th, July 26th, August 2nd
A Summer Bug Detective workshop that will provide a chance for kids to get close to the little things that scurry in the park!
An on-site ecologist will be on hand to guide the mini-beast fans in your life to find the species that live in our natural habitats, and learn all about their adaptations. 11am - 12pm, €5 child.
22) Boyle Festival
July 14th - 23rd
A wonderful programme of events and live music over ten days in Boyle with fun workshops for children and adults, exhibitions and live music from Soda Blonde, Swing Cats, The Celtic Tenors, Something Happens and lots more.
July 16th
The annual show returns on Saturday 16th July with farmers and families from the region showcasing their animals, homegrown vegetables, home baking and craft alongside popular entertainment as well as Bonny Baby, Little Miss Riverstown, Little Master Riverstown, Glamorous Granny, Greatest Grandad, Best Dressed Lady and Dashing Dude and lots of family fun.
24) Tearaways Pet Farm, Tipperary
Daily during summer
Tearaway is a fantastic venue for a family day out with games, activities, outdoor playground, games area, pet farm and outdoor dining. Daily entry is staggered with bookings online now open.
25) Rose Festival | St. Anne's Park
July 16th - 17th
The annual Rose Festival is a fantastic free day out for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of St Anne’s Park with its Rose Garden and scenic walks. The festival is a mix of live music, arts and crafts stalls, plant sales and hot and cold food vendors and lots of fun activities.
Daily during summer
Since opening late 2019, Wild Ireland has become one of the top visitor attractions in Ireland where guests can view animals that used to roam wild in Ireland including brown bears, wolves, artic foxes, lynx, wild boar and more. Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to animals that have been exploited and abused in circuses, roadside zoos, illegal pet trade and laboratories so you are helping support a wonderful cause. Open daily all summer. Bookings online, in advance.
July 20th - 24th
A five day event filled with the grandeur of the Tall Ships, the exhilaration of the Clipper Race and a generous schedule of interactive, outdoor, and truly memorable experiences.
28) Dublin Maker
July 23rd
Dublin Maker is a family friendly showcase of invention and creativity in the form of a “show and tell” with Makers including tech enthusiasts, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs and students.
29) Bray Air Display
July 23rd - July 24th
The Bray Air Display is returning to the County Wicklow seaside town this summer with some of the biggest names in the aviation world lined up to impress with their aerial acrobatics including the world-famous Red Arrows.
There will be a food and craft village featuring artisan food and specialist craft stalls as well as musical entertainment, a family fun fair and more over the weekend with the main airshow display on Sunday, 24th from 2pm.
30) Splash Valley Aqua Park, Wicklow
Daily during summer
Hidden Valley Holiday Resort is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor family fun including the popular Splash Valley Aqua Park. The Lakehouse will be open for takeaway food, drinks and treats to help you warm up and you can camp on-site and make a weekend of it.
31) Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival
July 23rd - August 1st
This year's highlights include Country Sunday, Fergal Flaherty, Family Wednesday , Lá Gaelach, Jake Carter, Gala Ball, Carnival Parade and the Crowning of the 2022 Mary from Dungloe.
July 24th - August 1st
The Durrow Scarecrow Festival returns after a two-year break with nine full days of family friendly fun, scarecrows galore and all the barmy brilliance that goes with it! With two years to plan, I cannot even imagine the creativity that will be on display!
33) Big Beautiful Vintage Picnic | Birr Castle Gardens
July 29th
Start off Birr Vintage Week in style at Birr Castle Demesne on Friday on the 29th of July from 12.30 to 15.00. An opening event to the 54th Annual Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival, what better way to get into the spirt of things than dusting off your picnic blanket and enjoying your own vintage style picnic.
34) Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
July 29th - August 7th
After two years of lockdown, 2022 will see a return to Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival with the use of the Courthouse Yard as an Arts venue. There will be visual art, music and theatre and it will be a place to drop by and soak up the atmosphere, take part in a workshop or enjoy a performance.
The traditional festival favourites will also be back incuding the Vintage Sunday Parade, pub competitions, Kid’s Pavement Art, Kids and Car Treasure Hunts, Vintage Luminaries and the Visual Arts Trail, Crinkill Soapbox Derby and the amazing Birr Air Display.
35) Sproai Street Festival, Waterford
July 29th - July 31st
The Spraoi International Street Arts Festival returns on August Bank Holiday weekend featuring street artists from around the globe, presenting a thrilling selection of world class street theatre.
36) The Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival
July 29th - August 1st
The Rockin' Food Festival returns as The Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival in 2022 incorporating all the best elements of the Rockin' Food Festival & The Strawberry Festival with a brand-new, schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the free Food Marquee, an impressive Artisan Food Market, an International Line-up of Rock 'n' Roll artists for free outdoor gigs, a jam-packed program of food and drink workshops, events and classes and lot more.
July 30th - August 1st
The popular Kilmihil Festival of Fun will celebrate its 20th anniversary this August Bank holiday with an impressive lineup of fun activities including Monster Prize Draw Launch, Pig Racing, Fittest family event, Dan O Halloran Run, Vintage and Street parade and the Monday Field Day.
August 4th - 14th
The festival runs for eleven days featuring live music, exciting theatre, dance, opera and literary events which includes a number of festival commissions and co-productions. 11 days, over 100 performances in Kilkenny’s most iconic and beautiful spaces across the Marble City.
39) Howth Roots & Blues Festival
August 5th - 7th
Featuring over thirty free performances in six different venues, the festival is the perfect excuse to make another visit to the popular north Dublin fishing village. Acts include Dom Matin, Dublin Blues Cartel, The Mary Stokes Band, Stone Cold Hobos and many more.
40) Heart of the Glens Festival
August 6th - 14th
The Heart of the Glens Festival is one of the largest community festivals in Northern Ireland and hosts a range of cultural events. The main events include Sheepdog Trials, Community Opening Parade, the famous Lurig Challenge Run, Food Festival night, 'Theme' fancy dress night and of course the Grand Finale which includes a street Ceili and live entertainment.
41) Puck Fair
August 10th - 12th
The fair in Killorglin is one of Ireland’s oldest and longest celebrated and is held on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August every year with 12 hours of free family street entertainment daily.
August 11th - 14th
The Big Grill will allow you to discover and learn about all kinds of BBQing grilling, smoking, meats and delicacies from around the globe, all washed down with a choice craft beer or cider. There will be demos and workshops from well-known chefs, children's play area with entertainment, Long Table Feasts, DJs, Brass Bands, Live Acts, Chilli Eating Challenges and lots more.
August 12th - 14th
Celebrating the 42nd anniversary with another celebration of the traditional Galway Hookers in the village of Kinvara with great music acts, kids disco, a fancy dress party, circus skills workshops and a series of races for the four types of Galway Hookers.
August 13th - 21st
Many national and local community organisations participate by organising events throughout the country that highlight the abundance of great work that is carried out to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.
August 15th
Lá an Logha translates as ‘Day of Indulgence’ and is arguably one of the busiest days in the Erris region. A traditional fair day has been held in Belmullet on this day – August 15 – for as long as the locals can remember. This fair day involves stalls and markets all over the town with other events including the popular Doolough Beach Horse Racing in Geesala and the annual pilgrimage to St. Deirbhile’s Well in Fál Mór.
August 17th - 21st
The Dublin Horse Show has something for everyone. With an array of national and international show jumping competitions and world class equestrian entertainment, great shopping, delicious food, music and fantastic daily entertainment
47) Rose of Tralee International Festival
August 19th - August 23rd
The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee but it is also a week long programme of activities and events including street entertainment, concerts, fireworks and more.
48) Tullow Show
August 21st
Tullow Agricultural Show is County Carlow’s only agricultural show and boasts attractions for all the family from livestock & equestrian classes, cookery demonstrations, vintage & farm machinery, amusements for the kids and much, much more
49) Mad Hatters Tea Party at Wells House
August 21st
Bedlam, chaos and mayhem return to Wells House as the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and more fun characters return for The Mad Hatter Tea Party. Start preparing your homemade hat creation & take part in a fashion show with the Mad Hatter as the judge! Enjoy live music and a BBQ as part of the fun!
August 26th - 28th
A taste of Donegal returns with a new name but will once again host local food producers in a tented village on the pier in Donegal Town, celebrating and promoting great local food and drink from Ireland as well as some circus fun with The North-West’s leading Circus & Street Theatre Company, In Your Space Circus, Fire Eaters, the Green Fairy, Circus Workshop, Phil’s Mobile Farm and lots more.
51) Ould Lammas Fair
August 27th - 30th
The Ould Lammas Fair has taken place annually in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, since the seventeenth century. Celebrated on the last Monday and Tuesday in August, the fair marks the end of summer and beginning of harvest and returns in 2022 for another year of trading, bargaining and a programme packed with entertainment!
Sample the famous local favourite Yellow Man or Dulce and wonder around the Naturally North Coast and Glen's Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art.
August 26th - 28th
Three days of films for children featuring a great programme of choices to suit all ages and interests.
53) Oughterard Show
August 28th
The Oughterard Show takes place at Corribdale Grounds and Oughterard Community Centre with numerous animal and domestic classes while the Road Safety Authority (RSA) interactive unit known as the Shuttle will also be there.
Originally published on Lifestyle on RTE.ie
