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.
Free Family Friendly Festivals in Ireland
It’s great to see so many events being made available for no ticket cost to families, it lets people get together and enjoy events together across the country.
National Drawing Day, Nationwide

When: May 2023
National Drawing Day is an annual event initiated by the National Gallery of Ireland involving venues across Ireland and encouraging people to get involved and draw!
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.
Cruinniu na nÓg Festival, Nationwide

When: June 2023
The Cruinniu na nÓg Festival takes place nationwide in June. 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.
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. This is a great time to visit Galway. Many events and workshops are free.
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.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, Waterford

When: August 4-6th 2023
The 2023 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.
Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival

When: August 4-7th 2023
The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend bringing the very best in local food and fruit producers, family entertainment and as always, the best of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The 2023 festival will have lots of new events running throughout the weekend as well as welcoming back some festival favourites. The Artisan Food, Drink and Crafts Market brings over 50 vendors taking over the market streets.
For families, there are a variety of free and low cost events, fun fair with Big Wheel, kids dance classes in the Market Square and some opportunities to get involved in Kids Food Demonstrations. Enniscorthy Castle plays host to a variety of kids activities with a host of enjoyable and interactive sessions for the whole family.
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.
National Heritage Week, Nationwide

When: August 12-20th 2023
For National Heritage Week, events take place across the country to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Events include opportunities for free guided tours of many of our heritage attractions. It’s the perfect way to finish off the school holidays!
Culture Night 2023, Nationwide
When: September 22nd 2023
Culture Night sees venues and public spaces come alive with free entertainment. From music to arts to entertainers, workshops and tours there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
