From food and music festivals, to sculpture trails, sailing events, outdoor adventures, science extravaganzas and scare attractions, make this a year to remember by adding some of these top festivals and events to your 2025 calendar.
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All Year: Island City – Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, Cork City
If you are looking for something unique to explore in Cork, don’t miss Island City: Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail. This captivating cultural trail features five public artworks installed across five locations in Cork city centre’s island over the last 18 months. It includes prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D, a large crafted table where people can eat, play and socialise, a lane-length overhead sculptural piece that responds to the shifting shape of the city, an art nouveau crafted lamp-post that encourages people to look up and explore the architecture as they navigate through the city, and a light installation that depicts Corkonians gathering to share a moment of togetherness, united by the beauty of a setting summer sun. The five artworks include: Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds] on Carey’s Lane By Niamh McCann; Boom Nouveau on Cook Street By Forerunner; The Face Cup at The Exchange Building, Princes Street/Oliver Plunkett St. By Fiona Mulholland; Urban Mirror on Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay) By plattenbaustudio; Winter Sun at Triskel Christchurch By Elinor O’Donovan. Download your self-guided map or book one of the monthly guided tours on www.corkcity.ie/islandcity. For updates follow @IslandCityCorkSculpture on Instagram.
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21st – 23rd March, 2025: Cork Whiskey Fest, Cork City
Get ready to toast the ultimate celebration of Irish whiskey and spirits! The third annual Cork Whiskey Fest returns from 21st to 23rd March 2025, taking over bars and venues across MacCurtain Street, Cork City. Over three unforgettable days, indulge in expert-led tastings featuring rare and premium whiskeys and limited-edition releases. A festival highlight, the Brand Expo & Socials, will host 50 whiskey distilleries and brands over the two evenings, who will offer complimentary samples of their finest creations alongside complementary mixers and food bites. In addition, this year distilleries will also be showcasing their gins,rums, vodkas and poitíns. With 20+ events on the lineup—including masterclasses, distillery tours, exclusive tastings, and plenty of craic—Cork Whiskey Fest is a must for whiskey aficionados, those who enjoy a wee drop, and curious newcomers alike. Flavour fans will not be disappointed! Organised by Laurie O’Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast) and his wife Sonya, the festival is proudly sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait! For more information and to secure your spot, visit corkwhiskeyfest.com or follow @thecorkwhiskeyfest on social media. Cheers to a weekend of whiskies, craic, and discovery!
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4th – 6th April, 2025: Tastings & Masterclasses: Wander Wild Festival, Killarney, Kerry
Looking for a weekend that blends adventure, wellness and natural beauty? The Wander Wild Festival—Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival – returns to Killarney from 4th-6th April. Set in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, the 26,000-acre UNESCO-protected Killarney National Park, this unique festival offers something for everyone who wants to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast hungry for a challenge, a nature lover drawn to hidden trails, or a wellness devotee in search of rejuvenation, organisers promise that you will leave the weekend with an enhanced appreciation for nature, a sense of fulfilment, and a connection with like-minded people. The Wander Wild programme has something for all levels and abilities! For more see www.wanderwildfestival.
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25th – 27th April, 2025: Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan Co. Waterford
Now in its 16th year, the Waterford Festival of Food has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most successful and loved food festivals. Held in the charming waterside town of Dungarvan, this community-focused event welcomes over 75,000 visitors for three days of food, fun, and connection. With over 80 events, attendees can explore a rich program that includes a full children’s schedule, tours and trails, cooking demonstrations, and dining experiences in unique venues. The festival’s markets are a standout feature, especially the quayside market on Saturday, and the renowned Festival Market in the town square on Sunday, the biggest in Ireland, featuring over 100 artisan stalls. A true celebration of food, community, and creativity, Waterford Festival of Food invites everyone to gather at its table and share in the joy of food. For more see waterfordfestivaloffood.com.
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30th April – 4th May, 2025: Cork International Choral Festival, Cork
As one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, Cork International Choral Festival is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome. The event, which is the city’s largest international festival, has been held annually in venues across the city, centering around the City Hall, since 1954. Cork will again welcome visitors and choirs from across Ireland and the world for a programme of Gala concerts, Schools Concerts, National and International Competitions, and world-class performances. The city’s streets, restaurants and bars are also always full of choral joy, so it’s a great weekend to experience Cork For more see www.corkchoral.ie.
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26th May – 2nd June, 2025: Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Waterford and Cork
Experience an exhilarating week of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools and free events, pop-up events, dining and more at incredible homes and stunning historic venues throughout the Blackwater Valley at Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival. The festival has something for everyone whether you’re a classical fan or are just looking for a glamourous evening out. This year’s highlight will be four performances of Benjamin Britten A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy of errors, directed by Tony Award-winner Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Brophy in the grounds of Lismore Castle., Co. Waterford. Also don’t miss the Dromore Yard concerts series or the 2025 festival finale, Baroque Hits. Free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals will bring the magic to local communities in Lismore and Dungarvan, Waterford; Youghal, and Castlemartyr in Cork for the very first time. More than 23 events will take place over eight days – and in excess of 5,000 visitors are expected. For more see www.blackwatervalleyopera.
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June: Cork Carnival of Science, 2025, Cork City (exact dates tbc)
Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, takes place at Cork City’s Fitzgerald Park, supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Cork Carnival of Science features more than 50 exhibitors and live science shows, offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, games, street cuisine and a packed line-up of live entertainment all with a science or S.T.E.M theme! Enjoy making your own batteries, LEGO building with Learn it Ireland, meet exotic creatures, check out the inner workings of robots, extract DNA from a banana and create a bang with Chemists from UCC. While dates are yet to be confirmed you can lightly pencil this one in for a weekend in early June. For more see www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-
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20th – 22nd June, 2025: Tunefest Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
With a resurgence in interest in traditional Irish Music, 2025 is definitely the year to check out Tunefest- an emerging trad music festival which attracts world-class musicians to the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan. The event will bring together some of the most talented traditional Irish musicians and singers from Waterford, around the country, and overseas for one incredible weekend of top-class traditional music and fun. The best of visiting & local musicians will be out in full force for sessions, concerts, recitals, workshops, album launch parties and busking sessions. Topping off the craic and ceoil offered at TuneFest, Dungarvan town is a great destination to visit with its wide selection of pubs and restaurants, and of course the Waterford Greenway. The festival has also teamed up with local hotels and accommodation providers to offer special packages for those looking to stay in Dungarvan for the weekend. For more see www.tunefest.ie
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13th – 17th August, 2025: Cork on a Fork Fest, Cork City
Experience the unique flavours of Cork’s vibrant food culture as the city celebrates its culinary excellence, vibrant dining and nightlife scene, and exceptional local produce from regional growers, producers, and farmers. The majority of the country’s artisan food producers are from the Cork region. Over five days, local and visitors alike will savour the essence of this authentic and multicultural gastronomy destination through exclusive dining experiences, food events, talks, cooking demonstrations, a full children’s programme and festival fun. Organised by Cork City Council, the event is run in partnership with local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association and Cork Airport. For more see www.corkonaforkfest.ie.
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4th – 10th October, 2025: Space Week Ireland, national
Coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, Space Week Ireland coincides with the globally observed World Space Week and is the nation’s premier celebration of space exploration and science taking place from 4-10 October 2025. Through a programme of ‘out of this world’ events Space Week Ireland aims to ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Ireland as a nation punches well above its weight in terms of space discoveries and involvement in the space industry so this festival is a great opportunity to delve into the Irish Space Connection past, present and future! Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country as well as enjoying superb Space Week TV content on Youtube. For more see www.spaceweek.ie
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23rd – 27th October, 2025: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork
Ireland’s biggest and longest-established jazz event, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, has been a cornerstone of the cultural calendar since 1978. Taking place annually, it draws hundreds of talented musicians and tens of thousands of enthusiastic music fans to Cork City for an incredible celebration of jazz in all its forms. The 2025 festival, running from 23rd–27th October, promises a stellar line-up of both Irish and international musicians, along with emerging artists who are redefining the boundaries of the genre. In addition to outstanding performances, the festival offers vibrant pop-up events, late-night parties, scenic boat trips, unique collaborations, and the iconic spectacle of brass bands parading through the city streets. It’s no surprise this festival remains one of Ireland’s most popular and anticipated events. Stay tuned for the announcement of headline acts closer to the date. For updates and details, visit www.guinnesscorkjazz.com
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Month of October, 2025: The Nightmare Realm, Dublin
If you want to ensure 2025 is the year of the ultimate Halloween night out then, you have to pencil a visit to the renowned The Nightmare Realm, Ireland’s only indoor scream park. You’ll have to wait until later in the year for precise dates and this year’s theme but it traditionally runs from early October into the first few days of November. Crowned the ‘Best Scream Park in Europe’ in 2023 at the European Scare Awards, The Nightmare Realm continues to entertain thousands of Irish and international visitors and is hailed as one of the best in the haunt industry. It promises to be a full-on fun and fear factor, whether you laugh or scream your way through the event, with a few shocks and surprises along the way. For more see www.thenightmarerealm.ie/
