We are fortunate to have so many free family-friendly festivals taking place in Ireland throughout the year. From small local festivals to larger scale festivals that last for days, we have a round up of some of the most amazing free family friendly festivals taking place in Ireland this year.

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Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular, Dublin & Cork

https://youtu.be/c9K0ns5pD4Q

Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular is going to be even bigger, better and more spectacular than ever as it takes to Dublin’s Merrion Square & Cork’s Fitzgerald Park, Cork city this July.

Featuring some of the best street theatre performers around, and with a host of exciting events, fantastic exhibitions and absorbing interactive workshops, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. And it is completely free to visit.

When: Dublin: 12th – 14th July ; Cork: 20th – 21st July 2019

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Seafest 2019, Cork

A weekend of fun and free events is just on the horizon as SeaFest 2019 takes place in Cork from 7 – 9 June.

Cork Harbour will be transformed into an ‘open air sea world’ and will be ‘awash with free family-friendly activities, entertainment and attractions both on and off the water’ for the three-day festival.

The three-day festival will cover all things marine – from seafood cookery to science, exploring the ships that transport us to discovering the creatures of the deep.

The free festival also hosts exhibits and talks on marine life and fun educational activities that bring children on a journey of discovery when it comes to the mysteries of the ocean. Foodies can get tips from seafood cookery experts and sample some tasty bites.

When: 7th – 9th June 2019

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Cruinniu na nÓg Festival, Nationwide

The Cruinniu na nÓg Festival takes place nationwide on June 15th 2019. It is a national day of creativity for children and young people to celebrate and encourage them to participate in culture and creativity. Venues nationwide will team up with their local authorities to host free events for children to participate in.

When: 15th June 2019

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Carrick Carnival, Leitrim

The Carrick Carnival is an action packed 10 day festival held in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim from 31st May to 9th June 2019. 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.

When: 31st May to 9th June 2019

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Seafood & Shanty Ballycotton, Cork

Enjoy old fashioned family fun at the Seafood & Shanty Festival Day in Ballycotton, Co Cork. There will be music, arts & crafts, dancing, cookery demonstrations, food stalls and a crab derby! All events are free and suitable for all ages.

When: June 2nd 2019

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The Irish Maritime Festival Drogheda, Louth

The Irish Maritime Festival takes place at Drogheda Port during June. There will be a brilliant line up of family friendly events taking place both on and off the water, including  kids entertainment over the 2 days with free music, theatre, comedy and dance.

When: June 2019

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Galway International Arts Festival, Galway

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. This is a great time to visit Galway. Many events and workshops are free.

When: 15th – 28th July 2019

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Bray Air Display Festival, Wicklow

The Bray Air Display Festival takes place on July 27th & 28th. They will have a full line up of events, displays and attractions for families including some amazing displays in the skies over Bray.

When: 27th & 28th July 2019

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Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, Waterford

The 2019 Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has an exciting programme of street performances including theatre, parade and music planned for this year. 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.

When: 2nd – 4th August 2019

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Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food Festival, Wexford

At the 2019 Rockin’ Food Festival in Enniscorthy you can expect an impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the FREE Food Marquee, an Artisan Food Market with over 80 of the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative International Line-up of Rock ‘n’ Roll artists for our 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 our younger festival goers!

When: August 2nd – 5th August 2019

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Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, Kerry

The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival takes place in Waterville Co Kerry from August 23rd to 25th 2019. It honours and celebrates the life and work of Charlie Chaplin with workshops, screenings, street entertainment and much more.

When: 23rd – 25th August 2019

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Discover Your Heritage at National Heritage Week, Nationwide

National Heritage Week runs from August 17th – 25th 2019. Events take place across the country, including opportunities for free guided tours of many of our heritage attractions. This year the theme is Past Times. It’s the perfect way to finish off the school holidays!

When: 17th – 25th August 2019

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Culture Night, Nationwide

Culture Night sees venues and public spaces come alive with free entertainment on September 20th 2019. From music to arts to entertainers, workshops and tours there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

When: 20th September 2019

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Over to you now. Are you planning to visit any of these free family friendly festivals? Please let us know in the comments box below.