- Sneem Summer Festival, Sneem (15–19 July): A vibrant, family-friendly five-day festival in the picturesque village of Sneem with live music, street entertainment, community events, markets, and activities for all ages against a colourful backdrop.
- Puck Fair, Killorglin (10–12 August): One of Ireland’s oldest and most unique traditional fairs, featuring the crowning of a wild mountain goat as King Puck, horse fairs, street parades, live music, funfair, food stalls, and lively carnival atmosphere.
- Rose of Tralee International Festival, Tralee (14–18 August): A major international celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community with parades, street entertainment, concerts, fireworks, family activities, and the selection of the Rose of Tralee.
- ANAM Tralee Arts & Cultural Festival, Tralee (around 11–13 July): A dynamic arts and cultural festival showcasing music, performances, and creative events that highlight local talent and community spirit.
- Castlegregory Summer Festival, Castlegregory (around 10–13 July): A lively local summer festival with family entertainment, music, sports, and community activities in the scenic Dingle Peninsula village.
- Other recurring or smaller events include local summer festivals (e.g., Glenbeigh, Ballyheigue), horse racing festivals (such as Killarney July Racing Festival), traditional music sessions, farmers’ markets, and heritage activities during National Heritage Week in mid-August. Dates can vary slightly; check official sources like Discover Kerry, festival websites, or Visit Kerry for the latest programmes, tickets, and updates.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Kerry is a major hub for Irish tourism and culture, hosting world-famous festivals that range from ancient pagan traditions to international film and literature events.
- Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh (February): A five-day traditional music spring school in Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula, featuring workshops, concerts, and sessions.
- The Gathering Traditional Festival (March): A premier celebration of Irish traditional music and set dancing held in Killarney, attracting dancers from all over the world.
- Killarney St. Patrick’s Festival (March): A multi-day celebration featuring a massive parade, lake-based activities, and buildings illuminated in green across the town.
- Feile na Bealtaine (May): A vibrant arts and culture festival in Dingle that marks the beginning of summer with street performances, poetry, and concerts.
- Listowel Writers’ Week (May/June): Ireland’s oldest literary festival, bringing together internationally acclaimed authors and aspiring writers for workshops and readings in North Kerry.
- Ireland BikeFest (June): A massive three-day motorcycle festival in Killarney featuring bike parades, custom shows, and live rock music.
- Killarney Races (May, July & August): A scenic horse racing festival held over several three-day meetings, famous for its “Ladies’ Day” and mountain backdrops.
- Sneem Family Festival (July): A community-focused week in the picturesque village of Sneem featuring raft races, guided walks, and children’s entertainment.
- Puck Fair (August): One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, held in Killorglin, where a wild mountain goat is crowned “King Puck” and presides over three days of markets and music.
- Rose of Tralee International Festival (August): A globally recognized celebration of Irish culture and heritage where women of Irish descent from around the world compete for the title of “The Rose.”
- Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival (August): A tribute to the film legend (who was a frequent visitor) held in Waterville, featuring screenings, stand-up, and street theatre.
- Dingle Food Festival (October): A massive culinary event featuring the famous “Taste Trail,” where visitors use tokens to sample food and drink from over 70 venues across the town.
- Kerry International Film Festival (October): A Killarney-based festival showcasing international and local cinema, with a strong focus on short films and emerging talent.
- Other Voices (December): An intimate and world-renowned music festival in Dingle that records high-profile international and Irish acts in St. James’ Church.
- Christmas in Killarney (November/December): A winter festival featuring festive parades, an outdoor ice rink, and traditional Christmas markets.
Festivals
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