We are lucky to have a great range of fun family events during the summer months in Ireland. And with all our lovely beaches, harbours, rivers and lakes to enjoy there are plenty of festivals taking place around water.
We have picked out some of our favourite fun family events by the water for Summer 2023
Fun Family Events By The Water 2023
You can enjoy everything from pirate days by the sea and fireworks & fun on Ireland’s rivers to storytelling on islands and aerobatic performances in the skies!
Riverfest, Limerick
The award winning Riverfest Limerick is set to return for the May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May 2023 with an array of free activities to amuse families of all ages. Highlights of the festival include:
- Riverfest Fireworks
- Riverfestival village in Arthur’s Quay Park
- Ireland’s largest BBQ cook-off
- Great Limerick Run
Most of the activities are completely free to keep you and your family entertained.
Events take place from 28th April to 1st May 2023.
Fastnet Film Festival 2023
The Fastnet Film Festival takes place in the seaside town of Schull and showcases Irish and international short films for audiences of all ages to enjoy. In addition there will be masterclasses, workshops for both children and adults, casting auditions for children and adults, live music and much more.
Events take place from May 24th to 28th 2023.
National Sandcastle & Sculpturing Competition, Meath
The annual National Sandcastle Competition takes place on Bettystown Beach in Meath. This year will be the 20th anniversary. There is a sand sculpture competition, sandcastle competition and fun for all the family.
When: Saturday July 29th 2023.
Baltimore Pirate Festival, Cork
Ahoy me hearties! All pirates (past and present) are invited to celebrate and commemorate the demise of 108 settlers taken away as slaves by Algerian Pirates on 20 June 1631 at the Baltimore Pirate Festival.
Highlights includes visits to the thirteenth century fully restored O’Driscoll Castle, pirate dress competition, pirate boat trips, a family treasure hunt, and pirate bouncy castles and games.
When: 2023 dates tbc
Ballina Salmon & Street Festival, Mayo
The Ballina Salmon & Street Festival is a celebration of summer, this year it’s celebrating its 30th anniversary. 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.
The River Moy features in the festival with a Moy Swim and stand up paddle boarding and sail on the Moy. There will be a Teddy Bears picnic on Sunday, July 9, followed by the unforgettable National Heritage Day planned for Wednesday, July 12 featuring a feast for your senses on the sights, sounds and smells of a market day 100 years ago.
When: July 8th to 15th 2023
Féile Brian Ború, Clare
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.
When: 2023 dates tbc
Bray Air Display, Wicklow
Enjoy a spectacular air display over the water in Bray, Co Wicklow this July with flyovers, aerobatic performances, and gravity-defying manoeuvres alongside live music, markets with food and crafts for sale and a fun fair for all ages to enjoy.
When: July 29th & 30th 2023
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival, Cork
Running since 1994, the Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival takes place on Cape Clear island just off the coast of Baltimore in West Cork. Audiences can enjoy hearing tales, stories and music from international artists while relaxing and enjoying the dramatic scenery the island has to offer.
When: September 2023 dates tbc
About the Author: Michelle
