Top Festival & events taking place in Ireland throughout August

August the perfect time to holiday in Ireland.

We are in the middle of holiday season and many of us will be heading off for a few days or longer during August.  There is so much to see and do in Ireland, no matter what the weather is like.  Sunny days can bring us to the beach or forest walks and rainy days can bring us indoors to the many great visitor attractions.  There is also some top class festival and events taking place this month suitable for all the family to enjoy.  Book a few nights in one of the top quality approved caravan & camping parks around the country and take in one of these highly entertaining events.  Check out detals on over 100 quality approved caravan & camping sites throughout Ireland on our website Camping Ireland.

Here is our guide to some of the top festivals and events going on in August.  Get out there and enjoy.

Let’s start in the beautiful South West of the Country and specifically if you are holidaying in Kerry, here are some great festivals taking place

Puck Fair is Ireland’s oldest festival and features family-friendly street entertainment, music, a fun fair, market stalls and street food. Taking place in Killorglin, the geographical heart of County Kerry the street festival has roots in the Gaelic calendar and is held without fail on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August every year.  Puck Fair has free, family-friendly street entertainment daily as well as night-time concerts in the Square and fireworks on the final night.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival now in its 62nd takes place from 18 – 22 August in Tralee. With cultural events, Circus, funfair, street performers and exhibitions, there are events for all ages to enjoy.  It is one of Ireland’s oldest and largest festivals located in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry and features live concerts, street entertainment, circus, markets, a funfair, fireworks and their internationally renowned Rose Parade.

In the Rebel County of Cork you will find Festivals in North Cork, West Cork and the city with something to suit everyone.  With a host of top quality caravan & camping sites to pitch up in Cork you will be spoilt for choice.

The West Cork History Festival (11^th – 13^th August) explores local, national & international history, this year focusing on the Irish Civil War and Decade of Centenaries as well as Ireland’s 18th century trade links particularly through wine.  This year it takes place on the Inis Beag Estate between Skibbereen and Baltimore.  The festival will relay local, national and international history with a full programme across two separate venues, as well as our Festival concert and Festival field trips.

Just up the road the Bandon Walled Town Festival runs from 14^th to 20^th August.  Join in the daily talk or guided tour of historical interest. The weekend brings musical artists to the area and the Family Fun Day on Sunday showcases past skills and heritage crafts and fun and games for all ages.

CORK on a Fork Festival will run from August 16-20 in Cork City and promises to be “bigger and tastier”.  The flavour-packed festival programme includes more than 100 food events, including tasting trails throughout the city, cooking demos, masterclasses, street events, bite size talks, symposiums, unique dining experiences and specials to appeal to all tastes, interests and ages.  Events include the Cork Oyster Shucking Championship, A BYO Teddy Bears Picnic at Fitzgerald Park, Irish celebrity chef and teacher at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rachel Allen, Make and Taste 3 unique coffee roasts, Cork on a Fork Vegan Trail, Cocktail-Making Demo with superstar mixologist Cal Byrne and a FREE Authentic Italian Pizza Making & Tasting Masterclass for Adults.

Dublin is not just a capital city it is also a great spot to spend a few nights and take a tour of some of the great attractions and museums in the city.

The RDS Dublin Horse Show takes place from August 9^th to 13^th at the RDS.  It offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.  Families can enjoy the Kids’ Zone, ensuring plenty of entertainment for everyone.  The event provides a vibrant atmosphere with lively bars, great food, stylish shopping, and the opportunity to meet up with friends and family. Ladies’ Day, held on August 10th, offers a chance to dress up and enjoy the show in elegant fashion.  The Dublin Horse Show showcases the world’s best show jumping, featuring over 168 equestrian classes and competitions, including national and international show jumping events.

Have you plans to pitch up in the Sunny South East?  Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny have loads of great festivals and events during August.  There are a number of great festivals taking place in the area.

The Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival takes place from 11th to 20 August. The festival will run for 10 days with live art, music, workshops, guided tours and so much more! Come see over 25 national and international artists create large scale mural artworks across Waterford City and County.

Just up the road the Kilkenny Arts Festival runs from 10^th to 20th August, presenting the best in theatre, music, dance, spoken word, visual art, design and much more.  For eleven days the city’s historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens offer a magical setting for unique collaborations and intimate encounters between audiences and artists.

Ireland’s most unique community arts festival Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival featuring visual arts, theatre, music, workshops, exhibitions and lots more across the town’s stunning venues takes place from 4^th to 12th August in Birr, Co. Offaly.  This year’s festival has lots for everyone to enjoy including the much-loved Vintage Sunday Parade, Birr Air Display, Crinkill Soapbox Derby, Fireworks Night & Gig, exciting events at Birr Castle and Birr Theatre & Arts Centre along with a huge range of community events, visual arts, music, sport/wellbeing and children’s events.

The world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, is returning to Mullingar from 06^th to 14th August and promises to be epic.  It promises to be an unforgettable visitor experience with the biggest ever celebration of Irish culture. From street performers, concerts and over 150 competitions showcasing the very best of traditional music talent Mullingar will be alive with the sound of music and craic during August.

For anyone travelling to the Northern part of Ireland, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some great festivals during August.

The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival 29^th July to 7^th August brings together music, culture, and community in a vibrant celebration of tradition and talent. It is family friendly with a wide variety of musical, cultural, child, sporting, artistic and novelty events as well as the crowning of ‘Mary From Dungloe’.

Féile an Phobail – The Festival of the People is Ireland’s biggest Arts Community Festival which takes place throughout the year in Belfast and the August Féile is the highlight of the festival calendar.  The carnival parade brings thousands of participants for a colourful, musical procession with specially-designed floats representing a chosen theme, dancers and children in costume and face masks.  The 2 week festival is packed with a mix of events ranging from headline concerts, lively debates and discussions and art exhibitions to massive community and sporting events showcasing the very best of Belfast.

Wake the Giant Festival takes place in Warrenpoint on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August. Visitors will witness the legendary giant Fionn rising from the depths of Carlingford Lough to overlook a weekend of music and storytelling amidst a bustling festival atmosphere.  Follow Fionn on his epic journey to Warrenpoint as he takes to the seas aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry. Stopping off at Rostrevor, Killowen, Greencastle, Greenore, Carlingford and Omeath.  One of the festival’s most popular attractions is The Giants Parade, where visitors can witness enormous puppets of the legendary giant and other local folklore characters come to life.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about what to do and see during August.  So whether you are planning a few days away or your annual family holiday there is plenty to see and do as part of your caravan & camping holiday.

It is time to get planning and booking for your next trip away.  Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away.  The new website is very user-friendly and has a number of great features which makes it very easy to navigate.  One of the new features is that you can now add filters to your selection.  This will allow you to get information on parks that are specific to your needs.

You can now filter for sites as follows:

Camping type – camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.

Holiday type – beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.

Facilities – beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.

County

Region – Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland

Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.

Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone.  Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites.  We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland’s outdoor living.