Before you ask, we do indeed have a summer season in Ireland. It may not be as warm as the continental tropics, but what we lack in sizzle, we more than make up for in good craic.
Officially, the Irish summer falls between the dates of June 21st to September 23rd. For that short window of time, we sometimes lose track of ourselves in that wonderful sunny glow.
Tourist season is in full swing, cities are packed with things to do, every inch of publicly available lawn is seized upon by sungoers (looking at you Eyre’s Square), pub beer gardens are in short supply to all except those making reservations – in short, the island comes alive.
Whether it is your first or thirty-first visit to the Emerald isle, there is no shortage of choices.
Gigs
Summer wouldn’t be summer without a festival or two. We are a nation of music lovers and eagerly anticipate any opportunity to get out there, have a few drinks and work up a sweat. Alternatively, if you’re seeking something more low-key and reserved, there are plenty of options for you too. Here is a short selection of some of the musical festivals taking place this summer.
June
West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Bantry, June 23rd – July 2nd)
Sea Sessions Bundoran (Bundoran, June 16th – 18th)
Forbidden Fruit (Dublin, June 3rd – 4th)
July
Belfast Tradfest (Belfast, July 23rd – 29th)
Galway International Arts Festival (Galway, July 17th – 30th)
Longitude (Dublin, July 1st – 2nd)
August
All Together Now (Curraghmore Estate, August 4th – 6th)
Indiependence Music & Arts Festival (Mitchelstown, August 4th – 6th)
Arts Festivals
The people of Ireland have a rich tradition and love affair for the arts.
There are too many festivals to list but notable mentions include Patrún Festival on Inis Mor Island (June 29th – July 2nd), Galway International Arts Festival (July 17th – 30th), Galway Film Fleadh (July 11th -16th) and our beloved Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival for all the singletons out there (late September).
Scenic Landmarks
A little sun makes everything look better. Many of our famous tourist attractions come alive in the summer months. Those extra hours of sunshine that make the days longer means more time for you to enjoy the views.
Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Rock of Cashel, Connemara National Park, the Aran Islands…the list goes on.
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Depending on how long you have in Ireland, it may be difficult to pack everything in. At Galway Tour Company, we take away the logistical headache and have bespoke tours designed for your comfort and convenience.
Our summers can be unpredictable and rain is usually never far away. Our bus and coach tours offer a scenic (and dry!) way to visit and appreciate the sights.
Many of our famous landmarks (and some off the beaten track) can be found on our tours page. Full or half day tours are available, giving you more time to explore whatever your heart’s desire.
