Festival season is definitely here and there’s so many exciting festivals happening around the country this July.
Check out our top picks not to be missed!
Beautiful Keem beach on Achill Island
1. Feile Na Mara, Achill Island | 1st – 31st July
Féile na Mara, the Festival of the Sea, takes place on the gorgeous Achill Island on the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a celebration of Achill Island heritage and seafood at it’s best, showcasing the spectacular seafood of the Atlantic Ocean and embracing Achill’s rich heritage. There’s a whole load of events taking place across the island throughout July.
Visit their website for a full list of events
2. Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta and classic boats, Dun Laoghaire Harbour | 6th – 9th July
The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta will be four days of open-sea racing by top Irish and international teams. Coinciding with the harbours bicentenary events on the 8th there will be a unique classic team race, parade of sails and viewing of classic RNLI boats.
More info: Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bicentenary
3. Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, Wexford 6th – 9th July
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 southeast 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!
More info: Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
4. Bray Air Display, Bray Beach | 22nd -23rd
The Bray Air Display returns on the 22 and 23rd of July. In the air visitors will be treated to an aerobatic extravaganza. There will be jets, aircraft and world-class pilots doing breath-taking manoeuvres and gravity defying displays. On the ground there will be live music, food and craft village and the seafront fun fair. The event is free and is one of the best airshows in Europe so make sure you check it out!
For more info: brayairdisplay.com
5. Red Sails, Portstewart | 23rd – 29th July
In the picturesque seaside town of Portstewart, a festival that has grown so much since it’s inception in the early 70’s. 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.
For more information: Red Sails
*Important update* Contrary to what was previously reported in this article, Flavours of Foyle is not scheduled to be run this year and it was a touch presumptious on Coast Monkey’s part to announce it was, hopefully an excusable one! 🙂 Really looking forward to its return in 2018 alongside the excellent Foyle Maritime Festival!
