Discover great family festivals this summer

Published: Thu 11 Jun 2015, 10:05 AM

Last updated: Thu 11 Jun 2015, 11:07 AM

Festival season is getting into full swing with lots to do and see right across the country throughout 2015. Planning a family break around a family friendly festival is the perfect way to add some added fun to your holiday.

Enjoy tasty family fun in Sligo

Get your fill on great food and culture over six tasty days in the north west during the Só Sligo Food Festival (June 10 14), incorporating Yeats Day, marking the 150th birthday of W.B Yeats. Take your pick from a packed menu with a Wild Food experience, fermentation workshops (with a pop up ferment bar), Irish craft beer and food tasting, cookery demos, and workshops for adults and children.

Go wild in Mayo

Go wild in the unspoilt and beautiful Erris region and celebrate this unique corner of Co. Mayo during the Erris Beo Festival (June 18–21). The festival, organised in conjunction with Carne Golf Links Pro Am, will feature a series of exciting events for all the family including golf, water sports, cinema, bike race, walks, a treasure hunt and a boat trip to the Iniskea Islands. The Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival, which runs from July 2 to 5, is a magnifient weekend of outdoor fun.

Make a splash in Wexford

Drop anchor in the sunny south east for the Wexford Maritime Festival (June 20-21), with free, fun family events. Hit the Wexford Quayside for lots of great kids activities including science workshops, Viking adventures and a boat stage with discos and games.

Run for your life in Waterford!

Get on the run and celebrate Waterford’s rich Viking heritage during the Waterford Viking Marathon (June 27), one of the biggest events of its type in the sunny south east. You can take your pick from a full, half or quarter marathon - so something for all levels of ability. There will also be lots of fun family activities, with entertainment along the route including live music and DJs and a party atmosphere at the finish line.

Have your fill on music in Killarney

Combine great music and sumptuous grub at the Killarney Festival of Music & Food (June 27–28). Leading out on stage will be an amazing musical line-up including Duran Duran, Walking on Cars, the Proclaimers and Jools Holland. Indulge yourself in the Killarney Gourmet Food Village, showcasing the best of local artisan food.

Celebrate the High King in Clare!

Celebrate the life and legacy of Brian Ború former High King of Ireland and the most famous son of the historic twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina at Féile Brian Ború (July 1–5) on the banks of the River Shannon. Experience what it was like to sail 1,000 years ago on Viking long boat trips, join the Brian Boru Trail and learn about the life and times of this great warrior in special Brian Boru workshops.

Find your Groove in Wicklow

Hit the high notes in the stunning surrounds of magnificent Killruddery House & Gardens in Bray, Co. Wicklow, for the chilled out, hassle free Groove Music Festival (July 4 and 5). A family friendly music and entertainment event, top billing this year goes to David Gray, Paloma Faith and Jerry Fish. You can also get into the groove with a host of other activities including the activity zone with climbing wall, tag archery and aqua sphering.

The Groove Festival at KIlruddery House,Co. Wicklow, has plenty of surprises

Make waves in Dun Laoghaire

Take to the open seas and make waves at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (July 9– 12), with 2,500 sailors and 400 boats racing in 30 classes over four magical days. The largest sailing regatta in Ireland, this family friendly maritime event has lots to keep landlubbers happy with a host of fun events on dry land overlooking the stunning harbour including street events and markets.

The Dun Laoghaire Regetta in July never fails to impress

Flip out in Dublin and Cork

See awesome street acts from all around the world and be amazed at jaw-dropping sword swallowers, back-flipping break dancers and spectacular jugglers during the Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular in Merrion Square Dublin (July 10–12) and Fitzgerald Park, Cork, (July 18–19). With guaranteed giggles, dance to bands on the music stage and graze on food from stalls in between mesmerising performances.

Have an art attack in Donegal

Tap into the wildly creative spirit along the rugged north west coast of Ireland during the Earagail Arts Festival (July 10–26) in Co. Donegal. This multidisciplinary arts festival will host inspiring events in a wide variety of venues from purpose built theatres and galleries to village halls, forests and beaches - creating a unique cultural experience in the most but magical of places.

Get creative in Galway

Head west for the Galway International Arts Festival (July 13–26), a creative collision of performance, music, visual art and discussion! Savour the all-out party atmosphere at the Festival Big Top or slow it down with quiet contemplation in the festival galleries. The programme features Sinead O Connor with special guests John Grant, Damian Rice, Kodaline and Little Green Cars.

The Galway Arts Festival always throws up the unexpected

Rock to Roscommon

Gorge on a feast of arts and culture at the Boyle Arts Festival in Co. Roscommon (July 23–August 1), a celebration of drama, film, literature, storytelling and comedy, If you ever wanted to write poetry, take up a new craft skill or if you are simply a music lover or drama devotee this is the festival for you, with more than 60 cultural events and exhibitions. There will also be a stimulating mix of workshops and programmes for children, art exhibitions, pop-up galleries and craft trails.

Party in Waterford

Be amazed and entertained in a beautiful and historic environment during the Spraoi International Festival of Street Arts in Waterford (July 31–August 2). Feast on high quality street art and hear musicians from all around the world.

A highlight is the annual parade with hundreds of costumed performers, specially created floats, fire, music and special effects transforming the streets of Ireland’s oldest city into an imaginative wonderland.