With autumn/fall on the horizon, we're taking a look at some of the best festivals around the island of Ireland that you don't want to miss.
There's a different side of Ireland to see during autumn- a time when the island buzzes with an electric energy and when people are drawn together as a community during the season of crisp days and cozy nights.
What better way to experience this side of Ireland than at the many festivals held across the island?
Write by the Sea Kilmore Quay
Write By the Sea is a literary festival set in the charming fishing village of Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford taking place September 27-29. Spend a day or the whole weekend at the festival on the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Discover new Irish writers and see your old favorites in a casual and intimate setting. Dazzling interviews, inspiring stories, engaging workshops, and outstanding performances – there’s something for everyone.
Program highlights this year include the "Folklore of Wexford" event and conversations with Colin Barrett (recently nominated Booker Prize longlist "Wild Houses"), Paul Lynch (Booker Prize winner 2023 "Prophet Song), and many more.
Spooky season in Ireland's historic cities
Discover the origins of the ancient Irish celebration of Halloween at the many festivals taking place across the island. According to Irish folklore, Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain.
In Co Meath, the Púca Festival (October 31 - November 3) casts its magical glow. The mischievous Púca spirit is brought to life through music, comedy, heritage tours, and performance events. As the sun sets on October 31, visitors will gather at the Fair Green in Athboy to join the Lighting of the Samhain Fire to honor their ancestors.
At Derry Halloween (October 28-31) be part of Europe's largest Halloween festival as the Walled City of Derry in Northern Ireland welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates. For four nights the worlds of past and present collide to bring you a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky.
The Bram Stoker Festival (October 25-28) in Dublin is a thrilling celebration of one of Ireland’s most beloved authors and writer of the legendary 1897 novel Dracula. Over the years, the festival has presented a wide variety of Gothic-inspired productions, from outdoor spectacles and choral performances in darkened libraries to opulent banquets in sacred crypts to award-winning plays.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
Head to the oldest oyster festival in the world! The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival on the Wild Atlantic Way was launched in 1954 and this year they are celebrating their 70th birthday from September 27-29.
Immerse yourself in Galway's rich annual oyster harvest and enjoy live music, a variety of the freshest seafood you will ever taste, oyster opening competitions, family fun, and cookery demos with national and local chefs.
Carlow Walking Festival
Grab your walking boots and join the Carlow Walking Festival (October 4-6) for a weekend full of nature, culture, and unforgettable trails in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.
With three national long-distance walking routes and a range of stunning looped walks dotted throughout the county, Carlow is incredibly rich in the quality of its walking experiences, with the opportunity to experience some stunning landscapes including The Blackstairs Mountains, Mount Leinster, Altamont Gardens, Kilbrannish Forest Trails, the South Leinster Way, Barrow Way and Clogrennan Wood.
How will you Fill your Heart with Ireland? Whether you decide to wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East, discover Ireland’s breathtaking west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace a giant spirit in Northern Ireland, feel the buzz of Dublin and Belfast, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands – an experience of a lifetime awaits you.
This article is presented proudly in partnership with Tourism Ireland. To learn more about Tourism Ireland and get inspired for your next visit to Ireland, check out their website at www.ireland.com.
