School’s out and summer is most definitely here! The festival season is now in full swing with plenty of exciting festivals and events happening around the coast this July.
Make the most of the good weather while it lasts and check out our top picks this month.
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival | Wexford 3rd – 7th July 2019
A seafood festival in Wexford with its rich maritime and fishing history is an absolute must. Each July, Kilmore Quay, Wexford’s charming and picturesque fishing village, on the south-east coast of Ireland, celebrates summer with delicious seafood platters, fishing and lots of fun activities for all the family. Kilmore Quay is a really special little town and time spent here is well spent time especially in the long summer days!
Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta | 11th – 14th July
Ireland’s biggest sailing event returns to Dun Laoghaire. The harbour and bay area will be full of colour and excitement as 2,500 sailors, 500 boats across 34 classes will compete in a series of courses in Dublin Bay. For spectators on dry land there will be plenty to do and see with face painting, cars on display and the food market at People’s Park.
Dooagh Day | Achill Island 11th – 14th July
The Dooagh Day festival was established three years ago to bring the community together and celebrate the heritage, history and people of the Achill Island village.
This year’s festival will once again have a world record attempt there will be a load of other great events including live music, fun and games, walks, seafood and lots more. Definitely a great excuse to head to Achill for the weekend!
Connemara Oyster Festival | 12th – 14th July
Who doesn’t love a good seafood festival. This one is relatively new to the seafood calendar and is definitely worth a visit with lots of family fun, live entertainment and of course delicious seafood and legendary Galway oysters!
Inchydoney Summer Swim 2019 | 14th July
The fourth annual swim held at Inchydoney beach and will take place on Sunday 14th of July. This is a fundraising event – all proceeds from the event goes to local clubs or organisations. The swim is open to all competent swimmers age 12 and above. With different distances depending on what type of challenge you want to set for yourself there’s something for everyone.
Festival of Curiosity | Dublin 18th – 21st
Dublin unique annual festival celebrating science, art, technology and design has an absolutely packed programme of exciting events. From playful days to curious nights – experience a cultural feast of unique, visual and interactive experiences in Dublin that merge cutting-edge technology, design, arts and science in playful, immersive & curious ways.
Fishy Fun: International Year of the Salmon | Natural History Museum, Dublin 20th July
Celebrate International Year of the Salmon with some fishy fun at the Natural History Museum! Visit the fantastic collection of fish species on display and learn about how Ireland’s most iconic fish species, salmon, is facing its biggest challenge yet. Join one of the hands-on activities and grab a microscope to see what creepy crawlies live in our rivers and lakes. See up close historical fishing equipment and discover how we have been catching fish for the last seven thousand years. No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible. This event is organised in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Valentia Island King Scallop festival | 20th – 21st July
The annual Valentia Island King Scallop Festival is a family-friendly celebration on the beautiful Valentia Island with live music, entertainment, competitions and at the heart of it the delectable scallop! The weekend will see this little mollusc been served up in a number of tasty dishes and the highlight of the festival will be the cook-off and crowning or Mr King Scallop!
The Red Sails Festival, Portstewart | Co. Derry July 22nd – 27th 2019
In the picturesque seaside town of Portstewart, a festival that has grown so much since its inception in the early ’70s. After many years known as the Carnival, the name was changed to the Red Sails Festival in 2000 to commemorate the famous lyrics written by Jimmy Kennedy in the song ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’, which was penned overlooking Portstewart Bay.
Expect music, drama, Irish and Scottish dancing, art, cheerleading and fancy dress. There are lots of competitions and challenges for the whole family and a firework display finale.
Bray Air Display| Bray, Co. Wicklow 27th – 28th July
Head to Bray this summer and catch some of the best display teams and vintage aircraft in the world as they showcase their incredible aerobatic skills on Saturday, July 27th & Sunday, July 28th, 2019. This is a fantastic free weekend for the whole family to enjoy! There are 2-days of action and entertainment in the air and on the ground.
Why not join Plastic Free July
We are all becoming more aware of the damage our unnecessary plastic waste is having on the environment. So for July set yourself a challenge to reduce your plastic footprint by taking part in this global movement to stomp out single use plastics.
Check out the website to get some top tips for going plastic free – www.plasticfreejuly.org
If you’ve got a great coastal festival or event you’d like us to share get in contact at info@coastmonkey.ie
