1. Dublin Horse Show
When: Wednesday July 20
th - Sunday July 24
th
Where: Royal Dublin Society, Dublin
What: First held in 1864, the horse show has become a Dublin institution, a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers. It is one of Ireland's largest events, a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming tens of thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world. Founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1868 to foster the equine industry in Ireland, the first Dublin Horse Show took place on the lawns of Leinster House – now home to the Irish Government. During the five days of the Horse Show over 1,500 horses and ponies compete in 132 competitions and classes with over €940,000 in prize money.
Website: http://dublinhorseshow.com/
2. Longitude Music Festival
When: Friday July 15
th – Sunday July 17
th
Where: Marlay Park, Dublin
What: The largest music festival comes once a year to Dublin and this year they really out did themselves. Marlay Park will be littered with some of the world’s greatest musicians. Arguably the best rapper in the world, Kendrick Lamar, the combination of two of the most successful EDM artists of all time in Majar Lazar, and Indie sensation the Lumineers will all be headlining. With EDM, Indie, rap, and rock artists all in attendance it is hard not to find something you will love at this festival.
Website:
http://www.longitude.ie/
3. Galway International Arts Festival
when: Monday July 11
th – Sunday July 24
th
Where: Various Venues in Galway
What: This festival has something for every age group and appeals to all types of people. With a brilliant ensemble of sights, sounds, and smells the festival will touch all your senses. The combination of performance, music, visual art, theatre and spectacle will take your breath away. It promises to give you a cultural immersion ranging from contemplative art shows, to heart wrenching theatre to full on partying at the Festival Big Top.
Website:
http://www.giaf.ie/
4. Indiependence
When: Friday July 29
th – Sunday July 31
st
Where: Mitchelstown, Cork
What: Celebrate Ireland’s heritage listening to some of Ireland’s great musical talents. The indie scene is continually growing and Indiependence is a celebration of Ireland’s riches. Headliners like the Kooks, Editors, and Walking on Cars would be a sight to see on their own. However, the three-day festival has a bounty of musicians excited to perform from the Blizzards to Hudson Taylor.
Website: http://indiependencefestival.com/
5. City Spectacular by Laya’s Healthcare
When: Dublin Friday July 8
th – Sunday July 10
th | Cork Saturday July 16
th – Sunday July 17
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Where: Dublin’s Merrion Square | Cork’s Fitzgerald Park
What: The perfect place to bring your kids for a weekend of family fun. Laya’s Healthcare has teamed up with City Spectacular to provide an educational and enjoyable experience bustling with activity. There are live science shows, writing workshops, and spark your imagination hubs that aim to make learning exciting for the kids. Couple that with live street performers, an expansive “Just Eat Street,” and a live robotics show this festival is sure to give the whole family something to talk about.
Website:
http://cityspectacular.com/