One of the best ways to get to grips with the Irish and their lifestyle is to embrace one of the festivals this summer, celebrating everything from history, art and the rich Irish culture to fantastic maritime heritage.

Ireland event guide this summer!

Sea Sessions, Bundoran – 24th – 26th June 2016
Bringing together fans of outdoor sports, this Donegal festival combines the best live music with outdoor adventure. On the beach of Ireland’s surfing capital, Bundoran, festival goers can spend the day riding the waves before catching live sets from both Irish and international artists.

Galway International Arts Festival, Galway, 11th – 24th July 2016

galway
Ireland’s largest annual arts festival takes place from 11th-24th July, showcasing an international programme of theatre, dance, music, literature, comedy and visual arts. A variety of new shows will be announced in this year’s programme, including Brit-pop legends Suede headlining at the Absolut Big Top on Saturday 23rd June, the critically acclaimed theatre production ‘Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour’ at the Town Hall Theatre from 19th – 24th July, and ‘A Simple Space’, a thrilling acrobatic show by Gravity & Other Myths at the Black Box Theatre from 19th – 24th July.

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, Lisburn – 30th August – 4th September 2016
Recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s landmark events and named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the world to visit in 2016, the Hillsborough Oyster Festival returns for its 24th year, and is a key event in the Northern Ireland calendar. This year marks the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink. Located in the beautiful Georgian village of Hillsborough. Highlights of the festival include World Oysters Masters Golf Day, the Pearl and Oyster Ball, Super Car Sunday and the Soapbox Derby.