From swashbuckling pirates in Baltimore, to an exciting marine festival in Cork, to curiosities in Dublin, here are 18 fun family festivals and events in Ireland for Summer 2023. Who knows, maybe the sun will even shine!
The weather may not always be predictable in Ireland during the summer but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, and enjoy the many great family events taking place around the country during the holidays.
Family Festivals in Ireland for Summer 2023
Riverfest, Limerick
When: April 28th to May 1st 2023
The award-winning Riverfest Limerick is set to return for the May Bank Holiday, offering a dazzling array of free activities to amuse families of all ages. Highlights of the festival will include:
- Riverfest Fireworks
- Fashion Friday
- Riverfestival village in Arthur’s Quay Park
- Ireland’s largest BBQ cook-off
- Free tours of one of Ireland’s Navy Vessels
- Regeneron Great Limerick Run
Best of all, most of the activities are completely free to keep you and your family entertained.
Bord Bia Bloom, Dublin
When: June 1st to 5th 2023
Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event, Bord Bia Bloom is back this year at Dublin’s Phoenix Park in Dublin City this June Bank Holiday weekend.
Families visiting the event this year will once again be entertained by the outdoor entertainment stage and highly enjoyable and educational Kids Zone.
Don’t miss our top tips for visiting Bloom with kids to make sure everyone enjoys their day.
Carrick Carnival, Leitrim
When: June 5-9th 2023
The Carrick Carnival is an action-packed festival held in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim from June Bank Holiday Monday. You will be entertained by amazing street entertainers, live music, shows, amusements, ridiculous races including raft races on the river Shannon, pig racing with teddy bear jockeys, balls racing down the street, fireworks, street parades water antics and much more.
Almost all the events taking place are free of charge and suitable for all ages.
Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork
When: June 14-25th 2023
Cork Midsummer Festival is Cork’s largest annual multi-disciplinary arts festival for all ages along the banks of the river Lee, with many national and international theatre and music events, and the return of family favourite, Picnic in the Park.
Exhilarating theatre, electrifying music, joyful spectacle, and so much more!
Trim Haymaking Festival, Meath
When: 3rd Sunday in June
Find your inner farmer and try your hand at some sheaf tossing at the National Hay Making Festival in Trim, Co. Meath mid June. Just a stone’s throw from Dublin, this is a fun day for all the family with working horses, vintage tractors, a pets’ corner, kids play area, and folklore and tales.
Kaleidoscope Festival, Wicklow
When: June 30th to July 2nd 2023
A completely inclusive family camping festival, Kaleidoscope will take place at Russborough House in Blessington, Co. Wicklow with three days of high energy, full colour, multi-stage entertainment over 15 stages, designed to entice and enthrall all, from babes in arms to those eligible for a bus pass!
Féile Brian Ború, Clare
When: July 5-9th 2023
Féile Brian Ború celebrates the life and legacy of Brian Ború (founder of the O’Briens) – the most famous son of the historic twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.
Fun activities include historical guided tours on lake and land, fireworks display over the River Shannon, traditional street games, garden party, children’s art competition, street theatre and much more! There really is something for everyone in the family at this fun event.
Ballina Salmon Festival, Mayo
When: July 8-15th 2023
The Ballina Salmon Festival is a celebration of summer. With music, heritage, teddy bear picnic, fireworks, street parties, treasure hunts and a full line up of events for children, visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy this fun packed 7 day festival.
Earagail Arts Festival, Donegal
When: July 8th to 23rd 2023
The Earagail Arts Festival which runs in July in Donegal is a unique bilingual cultural festival with events from music to outdoor events to theatre and visual arts, taking place in a mix of venues. Every year the festival includes family friendly events.
Galway International Arts Festival, Galway
When: July 17-30th 2023
See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival this July. Showcasing street performers music and theatre, there are events for all ages, and surprises around every corner.
Confirmed acts for 2023 include Kaiser Chiefs, Tones and I, and Bell X1
The Festival of Curiosity, Dublin
When: July 2023 (TBC)
The Festival of Curiosity is back in Dublin this summer for a four-day cultural feast of science, arts, design, and technology for all the family.
Take your friends and your family on a play date with Dublin City this July during the Playful Days and Curious Nights festival programme.
Boyle Arts Festival, Roscommon
When: July 20-29th 2023
The Boyle Arts Festival is a celebration of music, arts and culture and takes place in the beautiful town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon in the middle of July. Children can avail of workshops and families can enjoy music, theatre and visual arts.
Bray Air Display, Wicklow
When: July 29-30th 2023
The Bray Air Display Festival will have a full line up of events, displays and attractions for families including some amazing displays in the skies over Bray.
Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Laois
When: July 30th to August 7th 2023
The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a fun family event for young and old, with over 300 scarecrows to see around the village, in many different designs and themes. There’s plenty more on offer too including live music, craft workshops, country market, adult, teen and children’s entertainment, and scarecrow treasure hunt.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, Waterford
When: August 4-6th 2023
The annual Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has an exciting programme of street performances including theatre, parade and music. And specially for kids, Garter Lane Arts Centre presents SprÓg Childrens Festival, during Spraoi Weekend, with workshops all week and over the Spraoi festival weekend. Many events are free, so pre-booking is essential.
Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food Festival, Wexford
When: August 4-7th 2023
At the Rockin’ Food Festival in Enniscorthy you can expect an impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the Food Marquee, an Artisan Food Market with the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative international line-up of Rock ‘n’ Roll artists for free outdoor gigs, a jam-packed program of food and drink workshops, events and classes as well as lots of free and exceptional value packages for younger festival goers.
Waterford Walls Street Art Festival
When: August 11-20th 2023
Waterford Walls, Ireland’s largest International Street Art Festival will take place in August. Artists have created large scale mural artworks around Waterford City and the surrounding areas. The Festival will see 10 days of live art, music, workshops, guided tours and much more.
Wexford Maritime Festival, Wexford
When: September 2023
At the Wexford Maritime Festival you’ll find a celebration of Wexford’s rich maritime heritage, and can enjoy maritime activities, family fun, artisan food and music.
Children can enjoy dance and musical activities, arts and crafts, science workshops, circus workshops and shows at the Children’s Village. Discover Wexford’s Viking past in the Viking tent where children can try their hand at brass rubbing and sword making.
About the Author: Jill Holtz
