Did you know Offaly will hold over 100 events and festivals this summer? It’s becoming one of Ireland’s top places for culture and fun. If you love music, need family-friendly events, or want to dive into Irish traditions, Offaly in 2024 is for you.
The Riverfest Music Festival has early bird weekend camping tickets for €129. Plus, day tickets from €221. Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show offer adult tickets for €20. Kids under 12 get in free1. Our guide will help you catch all the exciting events happening in Offaly in 2024. Let’s explore the finest summer festivals Ireland has to offer together with your loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- Offaly is home to diverse cultural, music, and family-friendly festivals in summer 2024.
- Riverfest Music Festival offers tickets starting from €221.
- The Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival features over 90 events1.
- Electric Picnic is a sold-out event happening from August 16-181.
- Tullamore Show provides free entry for kids under 12 with a ticket price for adults at €201.
Introduction to Offaly Festivals
Offaly is a charming county in the Midlands of Ireland, full of diverse events every summer. Riverfest’s vibrant music mixes with the creative writing of Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival. These events make Offaly a hub of arts, culture, and fun, welcoming all. In 2023, the festivals made a lot of money, with Riverfest alone earning €102,066.53. After all the costs, €43,567.35 was saved, which benefited three main festivals.
Our big festivals like Riverfest are very popular. The Vintage Sunday Parade saw 8,000 spectators gather2. Many thanks go to our sponsors, including Birr Publicans and Grants Engineering, for their big help2. The Arts Council also gave €32,300 to support Offaly’s festivals in 2023, showing even more support2.
Birr Festivals Collective has worked hard to get more help, like hiring a Festival Support Officer. They make sure things run well and professionally2. If you’re visiting, be sure to check out all the different festival activities. There’s something for everyone, from family fun to nights filled with music. These events in Midlands Ireland are meant to create memories that show Offaly as the perfect summer spot.
Riverfest Music Festival
At Lukers Bar in Shannonbridge, the Riverfest Music Festival brings a lively scene. This exciting event runs from 28th to 30th June, 20243. It’s a must-see for all who love Irish summer vibes.
Event Details
Riverfest features shining stars like Lyra and Fionn Curran. The festival guide points out music events all over Ireland between January and September 2024. This shows how Riverfest brings people together, making it a key summer event in Offaly3. Alongside the music, you’ll find dazzling performances and fire shows. They add to the festival’s charm, marking it as a top spot for entertainment in 2024.
Activities and Attractions
Riverfest goes beyond music with activities for everyone’s taste. Get in sync with wellness sessions or enjoy morning river swims. You can also explore arts and crafts stalls. And don’t miss the exciting kids’ shows, ensuring fun for the whole family3. The guide mentions that other places in Ireland host music festivals too. So, festival-goers get to enjoy a diverse mix of events.
Ticket Information
For the ultimate Riverfest experience, get early bird weekend tickets at €129 plus fee. There are also weekend and day tickets from €223. Buying early is smart to guarantee your spot at this year’s Shannonbridge celebration. With its unique music and cultural vibes, Riverfest is set to be unforgettable as part of Offaly’s 2024 tourism.
Edenderry Festival
The Edenderry Festival will bring light to the Edenderry GAA Grounds from June 28th to 30th, with music and fun for all the family4. It’s a chance to see diverse talents and have a great time4.
Music Line-up
The festival starts on Friday, June 28th, with Ruaile Buaile performing. They are a five-piece twisted-trad band from Ireland5. You can also enjoy bands like Qween and Trevor Smith’s Garth Brooks tribute. They play rock, pop, and country music, something for everyone4. On Saturday, see the Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience. And on Sunday, local bands will perform for free6.
Family Fun Day
Sunday, June 30th, is all about family fun with lots of activities4. Entry is free, so everyone can come. There will be bouncy castles, a fun fair, and party games. Kids can also meet their favourite cartoon characters and watch a comedy show, making it a top family event in Edenderry this year4. It’s a great example of a festival that welcomes families in Offaly.
Ticket Information
You can buy day tickets for €16 or weekend tickets if you want to enjoy everything4. The festival opens at 6 pm on Friday, 5 pm on Saturday, and from noon on Sunday6. Tickets are selling fast, so buy yours soon to make sure you don’t miss out4. This year’s fest is supported by SSE Renewables and Offaly County Council, promising an unforgettable time5.
Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival
The Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival is a key event in Offaly’s vibrant *Cultural events*. It takes place in the beautiful town of Birr. Festival-goers, including those keen on theatre and future playwrights, gather here. It runs from 8th to 12th July, focusing on Irish plays centred around the theme “Time”. The festival is under the care of Eugene O’Brien. It boosts Birr’s playwriting to a national level1.
At the heart of the Scripts Ireland Festival is the support for playwrights. They get mentoring, feedback, and chances to grow professionally. For four days, they take part in workshops and talks. These aim to improve their scripts and storytelling. This mix of learning and creative space is vital in *Cultural events Offaly*1.
The festival ends with rehearsed readings. Skilled actors perform these new plays. It lets playwrights see their work on stage. And it gives the audience new, engaging stories from Ireland’s culture. These activities help build the reputation of *Birr playwriting*1.
- Mentorship by Eugene O’Brien
- Workshops and discussions
- Rehearsed readings by professional actors
Offaly saw a big rise in start-ups last year. This growth shows the region’s innovative spirit. It’s also passionate about the arts. The strong support for events like the Scripts Ireland Festival proves it. The meeting of creative minds and the community’s involvement makes Offaly’s cultural scene buzz. For theatre and new writing fans, this festival in Offaly is a top pick1.
Beat on the Peat
The Beat on the Peat festival will light up the Moystown GAA pitch in Belmont. It’s happening on Sunday, July 9th, from 1pm to 7pm. It’s all thanks to the West Offaly Music Festival78. This year, the Belmont music fest will have amazing bands performing, like headliners Ruaile Buaile and The Tumbling Paddies78. Tickets cost €25. Kids under twelve can come in for free with an adult98.
Event Highlights
Showcasing top musical talent, Beat on the Peat is more than just a music festival. It works to raise funds for Belmont GAA’s five-year plan, which includes a new training facility8. You can also enjoy yummy treats from Foodalicious, like burgers, chips, and ice cream8. For something more, Offaly offers an exciting range of family events. This makes it a must-visit festival in Ireland.
Family-Friendly Activities
This festival has tons to keep children entertained. There’s drumming, soccer, face painting, and even carnival games8. Plus, there are special play areas for kids of all ages. It means Beat on the Peat is truly a fun event for families in Offaly8.
Beat on the Peat is a key event on Ireland’s outdoor festival calendar. It’s a perfect blend of community and fun, with lots to see and hear for everyone. Come join us at the Moystown GAA pitch in Belmont for an amazing summer day.
Birr Vintage and Arts Festival
The Birr Vintage and Arts Festival runs from the 2nd to the 10th of August. It’s a big deal in Offaly every year. You can enjoy arts, music, and theatre during the nine days. Don’t miss the Vintage Day Parade and fireworks night. They add to the fun and let you see Birr’s historic beauty.
One big draw is Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre. It’s famous for Ireland’s largest treehouse and the Great Telescope. The telescope was once the world’s biggest for more than 70 years10. The festival’s lively spirit, mixed with these cool spots, makes it a must-visit.
The festival boosts the community and economy. Vintage Sunday Parade in 2023 brought in 8,500 people11. Across the week, 20,300 joined in different events11. This not only makes the place lively but it’s also good for the town’s image and business, worth about €200,00011.
Need a good place to stay for the Offaly heritage events? Try the County Arms Hotel in Birr. It has big rooms for two adults and four kids10. Near there, you can see the Kinnitty Pyramid, a 30-foot-tall grave made in the 1800s. It adds some history to your trip10.
Sponsors are key to the festival’s success. They can pick from Diamond or Platinum Sponsorship. Diamond starts at €1500 and Platinum at €75011. Want to know more about sponsoring? Email [email protected] or call 089 473 505511.
With so many amazing things to see and do, from mountain walks to arts and performances, the Birr Vintage and Arts Festival is a standout. It shines in both the arts festival Ireland scene and in showing Offaly’s rich culture.
Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show
The Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is the top Irish agricultural event. It happens in August in Tullamore, County Offaly12. On the 11th of August, it welcomes an amazing 60,000 visitors. This makes it Ireland’s biggest one-day show13
Event Overview
At the Butterfield Estate in Tullamore, the show covers eight hectares. It’s filled with tented pavilions, six food villages, and lots of fun. This shows the lively spirit of Irish agriculture12. There’s more than 700 stands to visit. They range from agri sectors to home goods and new tech13. You can see competitions for cattle, horses, and sheep. Also, watch sheepdog trials and farm skills shows. These show the real-life aspects of farming12.
There’s also fashion shows and useful workshops. Plus, you can see rare breeds like Mazalitza pigs and Pygmy goats12. With live music and many cooking contests, the event is very festive. It makes sure everyone has a great time112
. Finally, it’s key to Offaly’s busy festival season. The whole region sees over a million visitors in just a few weeks. This shows how much people love to visit the Midlands for its events13.
Festivals in Offaly summer 2024
Offaly’s summer festivals in 2024 will bring music, arts, and fun for all families. An exciting event is Riverfest, with Irish artists performing from 28th to 30th June1. You can get early bird camping tickets for €129 plus fees1.
The Edenderry Festival will also be full of joy with Ruaile Buaile and others from 28th to 30th June1. Tickets are available from €36.50 for the weekend1. It’s perfect for families, showing what Offaly summers are all about with something for everyone.
The Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival runs from 2nd to 10th August, with over 90 events1. It shows Offaly’s rich culture and history through arts and events.
Don’t miss the Tullamore Show on 11th August, known as Ireland’s biggest one-day show1. Entry for adults is €201. It’s a great day out for farm fans and families looking for fun.
Looking for more? The Beat on the Peat music festival is on 9th July in Belmont. Tickets are €301. For theatre fans, the Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival in Birr is from 8th to 12th July, celebrating new playwrights’ works1.
Offaly’s festivals offer something fun for all. From the energy of Riverfest to arts at the Birr Festival, you’ll see Offaly’s vibrant side. Join the fun and enjoy the rich culture you’ll find at Offaly’s summer festivals.
Nearest Neighbour Festivals
Exploring festivals near Offaly brings lots of fun. Audiences enjoy music, culture, and fun at Midlands Ireland events. These celebrations are at the heart of the local community.
Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival
Emo Woods, near Offaly, is hosting Forest Fest from 19th to 21st July. With headliners like The Human League and The Cult, music fans will love it. The festival offers a mix of music and family fun, making it a must-go event.
Kilbeggan Races
The Kilbeggan Races on 12th July are a treat for horse racing fans. Only a short drive from Tullamore, it blends sport, fashion, and culture. The races’ big excitement draws many people, showing their importance to Offaly tourism.
Electric Picnic
Electric Picnic, an hour from Tullamore, lights up from 16th to 18th August. It’s Ireland’s biggest festival, showcasing stars like Calvin Harris and Kylie Minogue. The event at Stradbally highlights music, arts, and more. It’s a key part of Offaly’s tourism, attracting fans from all over Ireland.
The festivals near Offaly add to the area’s culture. From the colourful Forest Fest to the thrilling Kilbeggan Races, or the legendary Electric Picnic, everyone finds something enjoyable. These events are unique and offer great experiences for all visitors.
Culchies Bash
The Culchies Bash at Lukers of Shannonbridge is a big deal every summer in Offaly. It’s set for July 20th and 21st and celebrates rural traditions. You can enjoy lively music by The Tumbling Paddies and Blessed. And don’t miss the fun with a tractor show that adds to the party vibe.
To get in, a weekend camping ticket is €99. If camping isn’t your thing, a weekend ticket without camping is €45. Day tickets are also available for €291. These prices are affordable for a great time at the Culchies Bash.
This event is growing in popularity for Offaly’s summer scene. It attracts many who want to experience something special. Lukers of Shannonbridge is the ideal spot, mixing old charm with the fun of the festival.
Family-Friendly Festivals in Offaly
In Offaly, we’re lucky to have lots of family-friendly festivals. They cover a range of activities for everyone. The Edenderry Festival stands out, running from Friday, 28th to Sunday, 30th June, with a special Family Fun Day1. Expect music, games, and great surprises. It’s an ideal outing for Offaly children’s activities1.
Then, we have the Beat on the Peat festival on Sunday, 9th July. It’s free for kids under 12, making it a great value for families1. This festival has family activities like arts and crafts, music, and special performances. It makes summer events in Offaly even more fun14.
The Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show happen on Sunday, 11th August, with free entry for kids under 121. It’s a full day of country life, with shows, animal contests, and things to try1. This is a key event for families in the summer in Offaly and a great place for children to learn.
The Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival runs from Friday 2nd to Saturday 10th August. It’s known for arts, shows, and music, and it’s a top choice among Family-friendly festivals Offaly1. The Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival, from 19th to 21st July, works for everyone in the family1.
In Offaly, the Bodytonic organizes cool family raves. Expect glowstick crafts, bubbles, and games, all set to fun music. It’s Offaly children’s activities at its best14.
Don’t miss Cruinniú na nÓg, with over 600 free creative events for kids. It helps young ones be creative and express themselves in the summer14. With these varied family-friendly festivals, Offaly is set for a summer full of unforgettable moments.
Food and Drink Festivals
Offaly shines with its many food and drink festivals, loved by all. In January 2024, it’s quiet, but the Love LegenDerry Food Festival in Derry City, from February 9 to 25, kicks off the year for food fans15.
In the spring, the West Waterford Festival of Food in Dungarvan is up on April 19 to 21, celebrating local food15. Then, the Rockin’ Food Festival in Wexford happens on May 3 to 5, mixing great food with fun15. The Balmoral Show in Lisburn, May 15 to 18, also has top Irish food15.
Summer keeps the food fun going with the Limerick Garden Festival on June 16, focused on organic and sustainable foods15. The Wine & Cheese Festival in Dublin, August 8 to 11, is a must for wine and cheese lovers15.
Come September, Armagh brings joy with its Food & Cider Festival, September 5 to 815. In October, the Dingle Food Festival, October 4 to 6, showcases seafood and teaches cooking15.
The year ends with good food at the Listowel Food Fair in November, with dates to be announced, and the Monaghan Christmas Street Food Festival in December15.
Midlands’ Bord Bia Bloom, with 22 gardens and 100 food companies, invites 100,000 people from over five days16. It includes live cooking and green living talks, making it a standout16.
Offaly and its surrounds make 2024 exciting with their food and drink events. There’s something for everyone, promising a memorable year.
Music Festivals in Offaly
Offaly’s music festivals have something for everyone, with both local and global acts. They cover a wide range of musical styles.
BEAT on The Street in Banagher is a must-visit. It’s yearly and the next one is on August 5th, 2023. Since it started in memory of Pamela Regan in 2018, it’s raised €80,000 for charity17. Five bands will play on Main Street starting from 1pm, making it a fun day out17. The event is loved for its music and its support for local causes17.
Riverfest is known for its diverse music and lively atmosphere. Tickets, including early bird camping tickets, start at €129. People come from near and far to enjoy the music and celebrate summer at this event1.
Beat on the Peat celebrates country music under the open sky. It’s great for families and fans of country music. Entry is free for kids under 12 with a paying adult, and adult tickets cost €301.
Edenderry Music Festival will be on June 28th to 30th, 2024, at Edenderry GAA Grounds. It features various music styles, like rock and Irish music6. Day tickets from €15 are available with different times for entry. The last day has a free family event, perfect for a family day out6.
Whether it’s the bustling energy of Riverfest or the comforting rhythms of Beat on the Peat, the music festivals Offaly hosts are sure to create unforgettable memories. These festivals not only highlight local talent but also offer a platform for international artists, enriching the cultural fabric of the region.
Offaly’s music festivals are exciting and diverse, welcoming all. They offer joy and fun, making them a key part of summer.
Cultural Events in Offaly
Offaly’s cultural events bring the area to life. They offer a stage to new playwrights at the Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival. This boosts creativity and community spirit.
Birr shines with its long-standing Birr Vintage Week, celebrating 55 years. This event mixes history and creativity18. It’s a homage to local culture and a showcase of Offaly’s rich traditions.
June is full of excitement in Offaly. The Clara Bog Trotters Weekend kicks off from June 22nd to June 25th18. Then, on July 9th, the Beat On The Peat music fest takes stage18. These events highlight Offaly’s unique heritage and scenic beauty, drawing cultural fans.
The Litha Festival is a key date on June 24, from 2pm to 8pm, in Clara19. It includes a seasonal lighting ceremony and fun for families19. With free entry, it features performances by local and famed artists19.
Looking to July and August, festivities continue. These events show our rich history and varied interests, from farm shows to cultural festivals18.
Across the year, Ireland hosts numerous events. For instance, January includes First Fortnight and TradFest20. February adds Brigit and John Mc Fadden Festivals, celebrating unique traditions20. In March, St. Patrick’s Day shines, along with other cultural highlights20. April sees the Catalyst Film Festival and Waterford’s Food Fest20.
Outdoor Festivals
Offaly has a lot of great outdoor festivals that mix Irish beauty with fun. Riverfest is a standout, pulling thousands each year. It shows how these events help people come together and have fun across all ages. You can enjoy lively music and fun workshops at Riverfest.
In 2023, 8,500 people attended Riverfest, making it a top festival in the Midlands11. This shows the growing love for outdoor events in Ireland, making it a key place for family fun outdoors.
Beat on the Peat is another highlight, blending fun and learning. It’s a prime example of how Midlands festivals unite nature and traditions. You’ll find local music, dancing, and even nature walks, offering a true taste of Ireland.
During summer, Offaly is alive with many more outdoor events, showing its dedication to these festivals. One big example is the Galway Film Fleadh, happening July 9-14, celebrating filmmakers from Ireland and beyond21. The Spraoi Festival in Waterford ends with a spectacular firework show, mixing culture and fun under the night sky21.
There are also many ways to sponsor these festivals at different support levels. Diamond level starts at €1500 and gives top logo exposure and other big visibility chances, ensuring major attention11. For smaller budgets, Bronze sponsorship costs €100 and offers logo display in the event material11.
Outdoor festivals in Offaly, Ireland, have much to offer. They welcome music lovers and families looking to enjoy nature together. These occasions show how dedicated the region is to making lasting memories for everyone, locals and visitors.
| Sponsorship Level | Starting Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | €1500 | Priority logo placement, promotional opportunities |
| Platinum | €750 | Logo placement, promotional benefits |
| Gold | €500 | Featured logo placement, promotional opportunities |
| Silver | €350 | Logo recognition, social media promotion |
| Bronze | €100 | Logo recognition in the program |
Conclusion
As our journey through Offaly events 2024 ends, we see the many things to do. The Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival is on from August 4th to August 12th22. Or the All Together Now festival in Tullamore, having about 15,000 people23, shows how lively Offaly is.
Offaly has something for everyone. You can enjoy Irish culture at the Galway Film Fleadh. It will have 80 films, with 25% never seen before22.
Festivals like the Riverfest Music Festival are perfect for families. Offaly is a great place for summer fun. So, make sure to include Offaly events 2024 in your plans. They will add special memories to your summer.
FAQ
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References:
- Top Events in Offaly this Summer 2024!
- Exciting new additions lined up for Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival in 2024
- The Ultimate & Best Guide To Music Festivals In Ireland 2024
- Edenderry GAA Grounds: Epic line-up for Music Festival
- Why not take a trip over the Offaly border
- Jam-packed festival takes place near Kildare/Offaly border next week
- Celebrate Irish culture, landscapes and craic in Co Offaly
- Details of Midlands new ‘Beat on the Peat’ music festival announced | Westmeath Independent
- New Festival Being Launched In The Midlands
- Guide to Offaly for Families: Where to Eat, Stay, Play and Explore
- Sponsors | vintage-week
- Tullamore Show | Hotels Near Tullamore Show | Midlands Park
- Festivals | Midlands Ireland
- 15 kid-friendly festivals and cultural events for all the family this summer
- The Ultimate Guide To Food And Drink Festivals Ireland 2024
- Two Offaly exhibitors join line-up for Bord Bia Bloom 2024 | Offaly Independent
- Beat on The Street returns to Offaly town for all day music festival
- Celebrate Irish culture, landscapes and craic in Co Offaly
- Coming soon to the Midlands a festival like no other
- 103 Festivals In Ireland Taking Place In 2024 (Food, Comedy, Music + More)
- 15 Great Festivals to Discover Across Ireland
- Discover Ireland’s Top Drink Free Festivals for All Ages | Ireland & UK Healing Spirit Festival
- Festivals happening in Ireland this summer – Emerald Cultural Institute
