Add these six unmissable events and festivals to your diary this summer
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
Birr Vintage Week is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the summer, and this year marks 55 years of the festival. The week-long event features professional, national and international artists bringing visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop-up performers, workshops, exhibitions and lots more. There’ll also be a variety of community events, including treasure hunts, quizzes and more – don’t miss the annual fireworks display. And don’t forget to put on your best vintage dress or suit! Taking place from Friday 4th August until Saturday, 12th August.
For more information, check out birrvintageweek.com
Beat on the Peat
For the first time ever, Belmont will host its very own music festival with an impressive line-up! Organised by West Offaly Music Festival, Beat on the Peat will feature performances from well-known bands The Tumbling Paddies, Ruaile Buaile, All Folk’d Up and more. The family-friendly festival is taking place on Sunday, 9th July in Moystown, Belmont and will have a catering area and entertainment for the kids, as well as an on-site bar for the adults. Parking is free and gates open at 12:30pm, with music starting at 1pm. Tickets are €25 per person, and U12 are free with an accompanying adult.
Book tickets here
RiverFest Music Festival
This annual indie summer music festival happening on the picturesque banks of the River Shannon, at Lukers Bar and Restaurant in Shannonbridge, is always a must-visit. Happening on the weekend of Friday, June 23rd until Sunday, June 25th, there’s a wide range of entertainment. The likes of Hermitage Green, The Stunning, Roisin O, Mark McCabe and many more music acts will perform across the weekend at the Dance Stage and Acoustic Stage. There’s also a Family Stage with face-painting, a disco and a magician. A fourth stage, the Wellness Stage, will hold wellness talks, yoga sessions and more. Camping is also available. Tickets from €17. A jam-packed weekend ahead!
Get tickets here
Beat on the Street
Another opportunity to dance to the beat of music – this time, on the streets of Banagher! Beat on the Street was created in memory of Pam Regan (nee Coughlan) who always had dreams of having a music festival in her hometown of Banagher. Pam sadly passed away from cancer in 2018 and her community came together to create Beat on the Street, a one-day family event to raise money for local charities.
2023’s line-up of performances has just been announced. Popular music acts such as the Dooley Brothers and One For The Road are set to take to the stage, which will be set up on the main street of Banagher. There will also be entertainment in the main square. The event will take place on Saturday, 5th August. Keep an eye out on social media for ticket sales.
Follow Beat on the Street on Instagram
Birr Air Display
Fans of the movie ‘Top Gun’ will love Birr Air Display. After a break, the event is back bigger and better than ever for 2023, with international, UK and Ireland air display acts coming to Birr to showcase their skill.
Hosted by Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, the event takes place on Saturday, 5th August 2023 at Birr Airfield. It’s the only land-based air show in Ireland, and attendees will have an opportunity to watch aircrafts take off and even meet the pilots. This is a unique day for all the family, with a large selection of attractions and a huge selection of food options in their on-site food court.
Check out birrairdisplay.ie for more information
Tullamore Show
Ireland’s premier livestock and agricultural event, the Tullamore Show, is back for 2023, taking place at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, on Sunday, 13th August. And, as usual, it will be another jam-packed event. Every year, the Tullamore Show attracts the best cattle, sheep, and equine breeders from all over the country, alongside entrants for its other 1,000+ competitions. There are approximately 700 trade stands to explore, featuring agri-machinery, forestry, farm produce and more.
And even if you don’t have an interest in agriculture, there’s a host of highlights for everyone, including fashion stands, a fashion show, cooking demonstrations, food stalls and live music. This promises to be a great day out for all the family!
For more information, visit tullamoreshow.com
Birr Castle Tours
Birr Castle has been the home of the Parson’s family since 1620 and the 7th Earl of Rosse. And for the summer only, William Brendan Parsons and Alison Lady Rosse annually open their home to the public for a 60-minute guided tour. The tour starts with the welcome videos in the Science Galleries, followed by a visit to the castle and the stunningly beautiful reception rooms.
A guide will lead you through the magnificent rooms while educating you on the extraordinary and pioneering history of the Parsons family, most especially in the area of science. Following your tour of the Castle, your admission ticket also allows you to explore the 120 acres of parklands, enjoy many of the nature trails and marvel at the Great Telescope. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshment at the on-site Courtyard café. The café was reopened recently by new operators Orla and Sean Clancy, who also run the Organic Kitchen at Lough Boora and the restaurant at Fallon’s Pub in Shannonbridge.
A tour ticket costs €20 per person and includes access to the Demesne pre or post your booked tour time. Pre-booking is essential for castle tours, and tours are suitable for age 12 upwards. Guided tours of the interior of Birr Castle will run Monday to Saturday until September 9th, with tours running at 10:00, 11:30 and 13:00 daily. Please note the castle is a listed property with many steps, unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Visit birrcastle.com for booking and more information
For more fun events and things to do visit www.visitoffaly.ie or check us out on Facebook #visitoffaly