We have finally left COVID-19 restrictions behind us. Winter is gone (sort of). And if we’re lucky, we might even have some good weather. So it’s time to start preparing for the Irish festivals of 2022.
As anyone lucky enough to secure Electric Picnic tickets on Friday morning knows – and it feels like there weren’t many of us – the Irish festival scene is more in demand than ever.
After two years of not being able to dance to live music in a field, the good times have finally returned. So, with an abundance of festivals to choose from, it can be a bit daunting deciding which one is right for you (and which one you should spend your hard-earned money on).
Fortunately at Extra.ie we’ve done the hard work for you with a guide to what you can expect from each festival.
Electric picnic
Headliners: Dermot Kennedy, Megan Thee Stallion, Tame Impala, Picture This, Arctic Monkeys and Snow Patrol.
When or: September 2-4 at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois.
Ticket price: €275 for a weekend ticket (sold out)
Why should I go: There’s a reason the whole country fought to get Electric Picnic tickets. Simply put, it’s the biggest festival we have in Ireland. Since it happens every year at the end of summer, it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the good weather.
You haven’t lived until you’ve wasted three hours at the EP’s iconic campsite with your friends.
Longitude
Headliners: Dave, Doja Cat, Tyler the Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, ASAP Rocky and The Kid Laroi.
When or: From July 1-3 at Marlay Park, Co Dublin.
Ticket price: €239.50 for a weekend ticket.
Why should I go: To put it simply, hip-hop is the best musical genre around and Longitude caters to its fans perfectly.
Some may be put off by the younger population of the crowd, but the lineup is always full of the hottest names in music. It’s still strange to think that it started as an Indie festival!
Night and day
Headliners: The Zutons, the villagers, John Grant and Orla Gartland
When or: September 24-25 at Clonalis House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
Ticket price: €140 for one general weekend ticket
Why should I go: This brand new festival has a lot going for it – a great location, great lineup and limited capacity means it will have a real boutique vibe.
Night & Day takes place on the autumnal equinox, a period of equal periods of night and day, on three tent stages. It looks set to become one of the nation’s favorite festivals, be sure to be one of your first friends to say “I was there”.
Sessions at sea
Headliners: Tinie, Joel Corry, Kodaline, Lyra, Basement Jaxx and The Academic
When or: June 17-19 at Bundoran Beach, County Donegal
Ticket price: €159.90 for the camping weekend
Why should I go: Who doesn’t love live music and Donegal? Sea Sessions quickly established itself as one of the best festivals in the country.
The scenery and crowds are unlike any other festival in the country. Plus, nothing beats walking on the sand before soaking up a gig.
The forbidden fruit
Headliners: Lorde, Peggy Gou, Hot Chip, Biceps, Loyle Carner and Kojaque
When or: June 4-5 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Co. Dublin.
Ticket price: €149.00 for the general weekend ticket.
Why should I go: Apart from the fact that you’d be mad not to attend Lorde’s first ever Irish gig, Forbidden Fruit always brings the fun.
The acts as a whole may not be as well-known as other festivals, but the atmosphere is electric. He also always makes sure to include Irish talent which is a big plus.
body soul
Headliners: Be announced!
When or: June 17-19 at Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath
Ticket price: €250 for the Leave No Trace weekend camping ticket.
Why should I go: It’s always a good idea to support independent festivals, Body & Soul has always done everything to provide a great experience for its participants.
With only 5,500 tickets on sale this year, you need to act fast to get to one of Europe’s coolest festivals. With headliners left as a mystery to add to the plot, who knows who you’ll see.
Independence
Headliners: Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Rudimentaire.
When or: July 29-31 in Mitchelstown, County Cork
Ticket price: €159 for a weekend camping ticket.
Why should I go: Indie music fans always flock to Cork in droves for this stellar music festival. This year’s title is a perfect mix of old and new acts.
The craic is still powerful in the rebel country for Indiependence. You don’t want to miss this one!
All together now
Headliners: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Underworld, Jungle, Groove Armada and Sinead O’Connor
When or: July 29-31 at Curraghmore House, County Waterford
Ticket price: €235 for the weekend camping ticket.
Why should I go: All Together Now is a relatively new festival that started in 2018. That said, it does feel like it has the potential to become one of the country’s best.
Getting a legend like Nick Cave on your bill means you mean business. A young festival that organizes acts like this is synonymous with a bright future.
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