Ireland is a great place to explore in a campervan, visiting tranquil spots of immense beauty provides a sense of wellbeing and fulfilment. However, life is all about balance and your campervan is also your ticket to a vast array of thrilling and exciting experiences. With this in mind we have put together a list of Ireland's favourite festivals for you to discover in your motorhome. So put on your favourite festival boots and party like there's no tomorrow.
Sea Sessions
The Surf and music festival in Bundoran Donegal takes place in June this year and runs from the 16th to 18th. For Van Life lovers, this festival has been growing in popularity as a festival with a difference. Head for Bundoran beach to appreciate the surf, sand and sea along with the sound waves of over 40 performers. Enjoy the laid-back vibes of other festival goers with skating, BMX, beach sports, graffiti and street Jam sessions to look forward to. Parking for campers is available, just be sure to check out the Sea Sessions website for full details on tickets, pricing and parking.
(Image Above) Creating Agency: Fáilte Ireland / Photographer/Creator: Sea sessions surf and music festival / Copyright: ©Sea sessions surf and music festival
Electric Picnic
Electric Picnic takes place from September 1st to 3rd in 2023. As far as festivals go this one doesn’t really need an introduction, it’s one of Ireland's best known with demand for tickets at a premium. Family friendly for children over 12 years, it takes place every September in Stradbally, County Laois. Unfortunately, 2023 is already sold out but you can always plan ahead for 2024. If you don't want to miss out on securing tickets for 2024, subscribe to the Electric Picnic website where you will be kept up to date on ticket sales and announcements.
(Image Above) Creating Agency: Tourism Ireland
Vantastival
An Independently run family festival which has been running for the past 10 years with a focus on accommodating campervanners. Once you have purchased tickets, you may park up right next to the arena at no extra charge. Situated on the grounds of Beaulieu House & Gardens in Drogheda by the river Boyne, other attractions include gourmet food stalls, festival traders, scheduled kids’ activities, arts, crafts and many other fun and novel additions. There’s also a “bring your own booze” policy which makes it way more affordable and laid back. The only downside is that this is not running for 2023 but we are told it will be back with a bang in 2024. See link for more information on Vantastival. 
(Image Above) Creating Agency: Vantastival / Photographer/Creator: Vantastival music festival / Copyright: ©Vantastival music festival / Credit Line: Courtesy Vantastival music festival
Cats Laugh Festival
We all need a good laugh now and then, so if you feel like engaging in the lighter side of life, head for Kilkenny during the June Bank Holiday Weekend for the Kilkenny Cats Laugh Festival, it attracts comedians of the highest calibre from all over the world. Start booking into the nearest campsite ASAP as this is a hugely popular venue and spaces will be very tight. As comedy contagion kicks in, it is true to say that Kilkenny really does take on a life of its own and the town becomes alive with a positive energy that's almost tangible. For more information on this festival you can visit the Cats Laugh facebook page.
(Image Above) Creating Agency: Cats Laugh Facebook Page / Photographer/Creator: Cats Laugh / Copyright: ©Cats Laugh Comedy Festival / Credit Line: Courtesy Cats Laugh Facebook page
Body & Soul
This festival is held in Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath from June 16th to 23rd in 2023. It's a three-day celebration of music, arts and wellness with unique atmosphere and stunning surroundings. Campers commit to their ‘Leave No Trace’ policy by recycling waste and taking all their camping gear home. It has a more laid-back vibe with a solstice ritual setting and over 35 acts lined up for this year. See Body & Soul Website for more details.
(Image Above) Creating Agency: Body & Soul / Photographer/Creator: Body & Soul music festival / Copyright: ©Body and Soul/ Credit Line: Courtesy Body & Soul Website Facebook
Galway International Arts Festival
This festival takes place in Galway City from the 17th to the 30th of July. It's a two-week celebration of the arts with a variety of theatre performances, dance displays, art exhibitions, music and other events. The festival itself stretches into other parts of county Galway and is not entirely confined to the city, which makes it even more appealing to campervanners as you have the flexibility to follow the action. To find out more about this festival you can subscribe to the newsletter on their webpage.
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Running for 160 years with the promise of love, music, dance and of course the craic, this festival takes place in the town of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare each year for the whole month of September. A celebration of traditional Irish music, dance and matchmaking with a laid-back atmosphere has people flocking from all over the world to take part the bizarre but brilliant! There are two campsites in nearby Doolin which is 5 miles away, but also a great spot for a stopover. If you really want to get closer to the action you could enquire locally about campervan parking in the town of Lisdoonvarna or enquire with local B&B's about possibility of paying for overnight parking.
Fleadh Cheoil
A World Class traditional Irish music event that also celebrates Irish culture and dance. The Fleadh Cheoil attracts the highest calibre of Irish and international musicians and also sets the stage for new performers to get in on the action. Here you will find people performing on the streets, ticketed events and competitions. Each year a single town or city hosts the Fleadh, however Mullingar is it host town for a second year running from August 6th to 14th. If you are a Fleadh Cheoil Participant, owning a campervan is ideal as it offers affordable accommodation that moves with you from event to event. See the official Fleadh Cheoil website for more information.
Cork Jazz Festival
This festival is Ireland's biggest jazz event and takes place in Cork City each October, running this year from the 26th to the 30th. Dating back to 1978 it's still going strong, attracting hundreds of musicians and thousands of music fans to the city. See the Cork Jazz website for the full line up and more information on music trails and events. Events also take place in Kinsale, and this is where your motorhome can come in very handy, giving you the flexibility to move around with the added benefit of low cost accommodation. More comprehensive information is available closer to the event timeline so keep checking the web for latest announcements.
These are just a few of the many great festivals to visit in a campervan in Ireland, so have your motorhomes and campervans at the ready to explore Ireland one festival at a time. When attending festivals in a campervan, it's important to plan and book your campsite or parking spot in advance. Just be sure make sure to follow the festival rules and respect the local community and environment.
If you are interested in becoming a campervan owner or purchasing a motorhome, come and visit us to see the range at our showrooms in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer, we pride ourselves on delivering a 5-star service to all our customers.
Call us on 353 (0)61 379903 or pop in to see us. A warm welcome awaits!
