Summer Plans? Ireland’s Festival Schedule Might Help You

There are many things an Irish summer cannot promise.  A skin tan, barbecues, and trips to the beaches are regularly out of the question during the summer months, due to the unpredictable Irish climate. Nevertheless, we as a nation still know have to fun during the months from May-September, and this is largely due to our successful music festivals.

A number of music festivals will take place in Ireland during the summer of 2016, with the majority taking place in Dublin or the South side of the country.  A  variety of music tastes are catered for, with some of the festivals putting emphasis on specific genres, while others providing a more mixed bag.

Arguably the most famous festival in Ireland is ‘Electric picnic’, which takes place at the end of summer in Co.Laois.  While further details and the lineup for ‘Electric picnic’ have as of yet not been announced, there are a number of festivals which are essentially ‘good to go’.  Here we document three music festivals taking place in Ireland this summer, which may be of interest to you:

Life Festival (http://life-festival.com/): (May 27-29)  (Belvedere House Park  and Garens, Mullingar, Co.Westmeath)  (Tickets available from ticketmaster.ie)

After celebrating its 10 year anniversary last year, ‘Life’ festival returns once again this year.  Fans of electronic music will find themselves in their element, with major acts from the world of house and techno gracing the three day event.  This years headliners include German superstar Paul Kalkbrenner, techno guru Jeff Mills, and deep house man Hot since 82.  There are a host of other major acts, including Laurent Garnier, Huxley, Ben Klock, John Talabot, Cyril Le Hahn, and many many more, as well as future announcements.  The scenic landscapes of Belvedere House Park and Gardens provide an ideal setting for the festival.

Forbidden Fruit (http://www.forbiddenfruit.ie/): (June 3-5)  (Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8)  (Tickets available from ticketmaster.ie)

Making its debut in the summer of 2011, Forbidden Fruit is quickly establishing itself as one of Ireland’s best music festivals.  Located in Dublin suburb Kilmainham, the festival is a convenient option for those not wishing to travel too far out of the city.  One thing Forbidden Fruit guarantees is an eclectic mixture of acts, with last years headline acts including Fatboy Slim, Wu Tang Clan and Run the Jewels.  This years lineup has just been announced, and a variety of acts are set to grace the grounds of Kilaminahm this year, including Canadian producer Flume, rockers Tampe Impala, and British electronic veterans Underworld.  Other notable acts include Groove Armada, Maya Jane Coles, and Tiga, with many more expected to be confirmed in the future.

Longitude (http://www.longitude.ie/):  (15-17 July)  (Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16)  (Tickets available from ticketmaster.ie)

Longitude is quickly making a name for itself as a refutable mid-summer festival.  Taking place over 3 days in the green fields of Marlay Park, the festival hosts artists from a variety of genres.  Taking the lead this year is hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, with odd future man ‘Tyler the creator’ also putting on a performance over the weekend.  Fans of indie music can look forward to The National, while Ireland’s own Roisin Murphy will provide the alternative sound.  Those looking for electronic sounds can venture to Jamie XX and Major Lazer.  Many more acts are expected to be announced.