Kildare will shine with 24 amazing events during Summer Festivals 2025. There will be everything from theatre and films to music and fun family workshops1. This guide will show you the top events in Kildare, celebrating its rich culture and heritage. It’s your chance to dive into music, horse art, and delicious food. This summer will be truly memorable in Ireland’s beautiful County Kildare.
The Kaleidoscope Festival at Russborough House will be a highlight from June 28th to June 30th2. It’s packed with family fun, music, and cool art. The renowned Irish Derby Festival will join in too at Curragh Racecourse during those days2. And for those who love history and cars, the Historic Fest at Mondello Park is a must on August 10th and 11th2.
Key Takeaways
- Kildare Summer Festivals 2025 features 24 different events1.
- Diverse events include theatre, film, music, and family workshops1.
- Kaleidoscope Festival runs from June 28th to June 30th2.
- Historic Fest at Mondello Park is scheduled for August 10th and 11th2.
- The Irish Derby Festival will take place from June 28th to June 30th2.
Discover the life of County Kildare with our detailed guide. It’s your ticket to an amazing Summer Festival 2025 experience. Don’t miss out on these fantastic Irish events. They are sure to leave a lasting memory.
Kaleidoscope Festival at Russborough House
The Kaleidoscope Festival at Russborough House is a magical mix of family fun. It’s held in the stunning Russborough House and Parklands. With a wide range of music and arts, it draws large crowds. For the local community, it’s a highlight of the year.
Family-Friendly Activities
Kaleidoscope Festival is famous for its family fun. There’s something for every age, from little ones to grandparents. It’s all about making wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Music Performances
The music at Kaleidoscope Festival features both big names and new talent. It shows off the varied music scene in Ireland. Festivals like Forbidden Fruit and Kaleidoscope offer different music for everyone’s taste3.
Art Installations and Workshops
There are also amazing art and workshops at the festival. These activities are there for all ages. They let visitors get creative and have fun in a hands-on way.
Dates and Ticket Information
This year’s festival is from the 28th to the 30th of June 2025. It’s known for its music, art, and friendly atmosphere. Make sure to buy your tickets early, to not miss out.
Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh Racecourse
The Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh Racecourse is a top Irish event everyone waits for. It happens once a year and brings joy and fun. It’s not just about horse races but also about celebrating Irish culture in a big way. This is where sports, music, style, and great food meet in one amazing place.
Horse Racing Highlights
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival lasts three days, from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30. Friday’s races kick off the fun with seven intense competitions. On Saturday, there are eight races, including special ones. Then, Sunday wraps everything up with eight more races and the big Irish Derby event4.
Live Music and Food Stalls
Great music is at the heart of the Irish Derby Festival, featuring bands like Abbaesque and Electric Dreams4. You can have a blast with live shows while enjoying the many food stalls. These stalls offer tasty Irish dishes, making the festival feel even more special.
Special Events and Experiences
The festival shines with its special events like fashion shows and activities for families. Dressing up happens on Saturday and Sunday, with awards for the best-dressed4. For families, there’s the Moyglare Kids Zone and fun train rides. This makes sure everybody has a great time.
Key Dates
The important dates for the Irish Derby Festival are as follows:
- June 28: Festival kickstarts with seven races4
- June 29: Eight races, highlighting special events4
- June 30: Concludes with eight more races, including the Irish Derby finale4
Picnic at the Manor in Palmerstown Estate
Palmerstown Estate becomes a beautiful haven with Picnic at the Manor. It’s a top outdoor event this summer. You’ll enjoy lots of fun and great food from July to August5.
Tribute Acts and Party Bands
This event has top tribute acts and lively bands for everyone’s taste. You can listen to country stars, swing acts, and bands all day and night5. Is it any wonder why this is a must-visit summer event in Ireland?
Street Food and Summer Drinks
There’s awesome food and drinks at Picnic at the Manor. You’ll find lots of street food to try, and drinks to cool off. And with seats for 4-6 in each pod, you can eat and relax in comfort5.
Weather Protection and Setup
This event is ready for any weather. Everyone has a place to sit, no matter the conditions. It’s why, unlike other summer events, this one’s great in rain or shine. Prepare for a quality experience like no other5.
Leixlip Festival: Rock the Yard
The Leixlip Festival: Rock the Yard is an annual event in Leixlip, known for its live rock music and community fun. It offers a mix of music and activities that get everyone excited.
Live Rock Performances
This year, the festival will feature thrilling live rock music from both local and international bands. The crowd will enjoy powerful tunes and amazing shows, making the Leixlip community alive with energy. Fans of rock music can soak up the festival vibes over several days.
Interactive Music Workshops
Beyond the stage, there are lively music workshops. These hands-on sessions teach and entertain, delving into sound art. By blending fun with education, the festival enlightens attendees on the secrets of music making.
Location and Accessibility
Located in Leixlip, the Rock the Yard festival is just a short drive from the Killashee Hotel2. Its easy-to-reach setting makes it simple for everyone to come and enjoy. This thoughtful planning ensures the festival is open to all, fostering a welcoming space for rock fans.
Historic Fest at Mondello Park
Step into the past at the Historic Fest at Mondello Park, celebrating vintage racing cars from the ’20s to the ’60s. This event takes place on the 10th and 11th of August 2025. It’s a tribute to the history of motor racing and a fantastic spot for both fans and families6.
Vintage and Classic Racing Cars
The festival showcases stunning vintage and classic racing cars. It features races like the Irish International Grand Prix and the Dublin Grand Prix6. For car fans, these historic vehicles are a dream come true, highlighting the best times in racing. There are also prestigious competitions, including the St. Bridget’s Trophy Race and The Birrane Perpetual Trophy, to enjoy6.
Family Activities and Entertainment
It’s more than just about cars at Mondello Park. There’s a whole host of activities and fun for families. The 10km Two Mile House Biodiversity and Heritage Trail promises a day in the nature. And at the venue, you’ll find entertainment like the Virtual Race Academy, clay pigeon shooting, archery, and even yoga classes78. It’s perfect for bringing the local community together.
Food and Music Highlights
Of course, there’s amazing food and music too. The Historic Fest offers great local dishes and live music. It’s the ideal place to soak up the summer atmosphere. Enjoy tasty street food and cool drinks while surrounded by the sights and sounds of vintage racing8.
D8 in the Garden at Palmerstown House
D8 in the Garden brings a fresh vibe to Palmerstown House. It turns the scenic Walled Garden into a hotspot for fans of electronic music. Inspired by Brunch In The Park events worldwide, it offers a mix of chill-out time and heart-pounding shows.
Brunch In The Park Inspiration
The idea for D8 in the Garden comes from Brunch In The Park, known across the globe. At D8, you can have a laid-back brunch surrounded by great tunes. Palmerstown House’s beauty adds something special, making memories that last.
Special DJ Performances
This fest highlights exciting DJ sets. Names like Mall Grab, Armand Van Helden, and Carl Cox will be there. They’ll make the garden come alive with unique sounds. It’s an event that stands out for those who love music.
Event Dates and Details
Start your journey on August 3rd at D8 in the Garden. It’s a chance to experience premium music in a beautiful spot. The event promises top-quality tunes, lovely settings, and a laid-back atmosphere – something truly special.
Taste of Kildare at Naas Racecourse
The Taste of Kildare at Naas Racecourse will be unforgettable for food fans. It’s running from the 20th to the 22nd of September. This event celebrates Kildare’s dishes and brings together top chefs for a unique food and drink fest.
Showcasing Local Chefs
The event will see top chefs like Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, and Martin Shanahan in action. They will share their skills in talks and workshops9. Also, ‘The Flavours of Kildare Collective’ will have 20 local producers. This means you can taste the best of the region10.
Food and Drink Sampling
You can visit many food stalls and try various gourmet foods at the festival10. The goal is to show Kildare’s food variety, from traditional to modern. Over 100 partners are helping to make this event unforgettable11.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The 2025 event will have cooking demos, masterclasses, and fun for the family. There will also be live music all weekend9.
Special tickets are available, like the VIP Experience for €75 and the Harvest Dining at €1,050 for six1110. Prices start at €15 with early bird offers, making it affordable for everyone11.
Since its start, the Taste of Kildare has grown a lot. The 2022 event saw over 15,000 visitors, up from 3,500 in 201811. With the 2025 event promising to be the best, it’s the perfect time to visit Naas Racecourse11..
The Moat Theatre Summer Events
This summer, The Moat Theatre brings a lively set of shows. It’s great for those loving the arts. You can see drama, comedy, and concerts here.
Drama Productions
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a classic play by Oscar Wilde. It’s not to be missed if you love drama. You can also get tickets for “Juno and the Paycock” for €18/€15. There’s a €1.50 fee for booking online12.
These shows are powerful and will keep you engaged. They make the local arts scene vibrant and important.
Comedy Shows
Looking for laughs? “David O’Doherty: Tiny Piano Man” is a must-see. It costs €22, and there’s a €1.50 fee for booking online12. Comedy fans will have a blast this summer.
Concerts and Art Exhibitions
Music lovers have big events too. The show “George – The Essential Collection Show” is on. Tickets are €27.50 plus a €1.50 fee for booking online12.
Art lovers won’t be left out either. There are exhibitions for you. And the “Summer Time Concert with Patrick Hyland Tenor” costs €28 with a €1.50 booking fee12.
The Moat Theatre is a key place for summer fun in Kildare. With top shows and a lively atmosphere, this summer is set to be fantastic. It’s a time you won’t want to miss.
Forest Fest in Emo Village
Forest Fest in Emo Village is a top summer music event. It runs from the 21st to the 23rd of July 2025. This festival offers a mix of great music and arts, making it a must-see event.
Headlining Acts
This year, Forest Fest Emo brings you big names like The Human League and The Cult. They will set the stage on fire with their amazing shows. Expect to dance and sing to different music styles all weekend.
Music and Arts Performances
It’s not just music at Forest Fest Emo; there’s also stunning art to enjoy. The mix of music and arts ensures everyone finds something they love. That’s what makes this festival a key summer highlight13.
Event Logistics and Ticketing
Forest Fest 2025 happens from July 19th to 21st in Emo, Co. Laois14. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult14. Remember, tickets can’t be refunded unless there’s a change in the rules about gatherings14. Ticket transfers are no longer possible14. If you’re bringing a campervan, caravan, or tent, you’ll need a special pass for the main area14.
| Pass Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekend Tent Pass | Covers tent camping for one tent from July 19th to 21st14 |
| Weekend Solo Tent Pass | Secures a spot for a small tent for the whole festival from July 19th to 21st14 |
| Weekend Multiple Person Tent Pass | Saves a space for a larger tent for the whole weekend14 |
For the best experience, it’s recommended to handle ticket changes on a computer. There may be trouble with changing tickets on Apple phones14.
About planning and setting up Forest Fest Emo, everything’s done to make sure everyone enjoys freely. This way, you can just focus on having an amazing time.
Electric Picnic at Stradbally Hall
The Electric Picnic festival is famous for its lively vibe and mix of acts. This year it runs from August 16-18 at Stradbally Hall for three days of fun15.
Music Line-up
This year, they’ve got an incredible music line-up. Lana Del Rey might headline, bringing back her 2016 festival magic15. And, British DJ Fred Again.. is set to wow the crowd again, having performed in 2022 and 202315.
Noah Kahan, a hit in Dublin’s 3Arena in February, will perform15. Kasabian will also be there after touring with Liam Gallagher15. Plus, Irish talents like Kneecap, CMAT, Kingfishr, and Lankum are performing, showing the festival’s support for local artists15.
- Join us to see the entire Electric Picnic 2025 lineup.
Art and Theatre Displays
Electric Picnic is a top Irish event for arts, with stunning art and theatre. There’ll be amazing art and exciting theatre for everyone to enjoy. The festival aims to impress with its artistic displays, promising an unforgettable experience.
Food and Holistic Health Areas
This event is more than music and art. It’s a paradise for foodies and those into health and wellness. Enjoy a wide food range, from gourmet to street food. There are also spots for yoga, meditation, and wellness, ensuring a balanced festival atmosphere.
For more on the musicians and their stories, check out the Three City Stages initiative. It highlights eight Irish musicians and their role in the City Stages Collective16.
Kildare Derby Festival
The Kildare Derby Festival blends exciting parades, music, and top-notch racing. It celebrates Ireland’s deep love for horses. This week-long festival brings out the best of the Irish Derby Festival 202517.
Parades and Music
The fun starts with lively parades and live music. It sets a great mood for everyone there. The Pooch Parade, set for June 23rd, is a special treat for those who love dogs. It makes the week even more special17.
Racing Legends
The festival also honours famous racing stars. In Kildare town, the Racing Legends Museum celebrates Lester Piggott and the sport17. Also, Steve Cauthen, a Triple Crown winner, will kick off the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. It lets fans get close to these racing heroes17.
Exclusive Tours
Special tours at the festival give a sneak peek into Ireland’s horse world. These include a trip to the Racing Legends Museum with Jim Kavanagh. There are also one-of-a-kind experiences at the Irish National Stud, like the Foal-To-Fame Tour1. These tours help visitors learn more about Ireland’s horse racing history and its festivals.
June Fest in Newbridge
June Fest in Newbridge brings the community together through local events. This festival shows off the town’s culture with lively performances and activities. It’s a time when everyone comes out to celebrate together.
Local Celebrations and Events
Local traditions take the spotlight at June Fest Newbridge. You can enjoy everything from parades to fairs. One special part is the ‘What Newbridge Means To Me’ series. It tells the town’s story through the people who live there.
Art and Theatre Performances
Art and theatre shine at June Fest Newbridge. Local artists and drama groups show what they can do. Their performances are fun and thought-provoking for people of all ages. These shows are a place where local art and creativity can grow.
Community Gatherings
At the heart of June Fest Newbridge are the community gatherings. They showcase what the town’s folks can do and bring everyone together. There are picnics and art projects that everyone can join in. It’s all about being together and sharing to make our community strong.
Conclusion
As we say goodbye to the amazing Kildare events of 2025, we can’t help but be amazed by their impact. These events make County Kildare come alive each summer with their rich culture and social life. Examples include the Brigid 1500 Festival, celebrating beliefs and nature18, and Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones, spreading Irish heritage all over the continent19. There’s something special for everyone.
The support for events like Cruinniú na nÓg from councils and cultural groups helps young people get into arts and culture20. It shows how much the community values creativity and inclusion. Artists from the area are invited to take part, with some getting up to €5,000 for their work20. This effort ensures that every event is filled with community spirit, creativity, and happiness.
The summer festivals in Kildare offer a variety of experiences. They cater to food and music fans at folk gatherings as well as offer free, family-friendly events20. Throughout the countless events of the summer, Kildare stands out as a place of togetherness and joy. The summer of 2025 is sure to be remembered as a very special time.
FAQ
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References:
- Events Archive – IntoKildare
- Summer Festivals| Summer Break | Killashee Hotel
- 29 Of The Best Music Festivals Taking Place In Ireland In 2025
- Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby – The Curragh Where Champions are Made
- At The Manor – Outdoor Summer Series Live Events – IntoKildare
- Historic Festival 2025
- Adventure & Activities | Activities in Kildare | Into Kildare
- Unique Team Building Events Ireland
- Bigger than ever before, Taste of Kildare returns in September — Taste of Kildare
- Colourful affair at Taste of Kildare launch
- Taste of Kildare food extravaganza coming to Naas Racecourse on September 20 – 22
- The Moat Theatre Naas
- Music Festivals 2025–2025 | Ireland | UK | Europe | USA
- Festival Information 2023 – Forest Fest
- Who could headline Electric Picnic 2025 as line-up set to be announced this week
- News – ELECTRIC EIGHT: UP & COMING IRISH MUSICIANS GET HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM AT ELECTRIC PICNIC WITH THREE’S CITY STAGES⚡
- Events Archives – IntoKildare
- Brigid 1500 Festival Celebrates Ireland’s Matron Saint | Irish America
- Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones @ Booleigh Folk Festival 2025
- Kildare County Council seeking proposals from creatives for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 celebrations
