10 'not your usual' festivals (May - July)

Ireland is awash with great festivals every year but what if you are looking for a little break away from the norm. Don't worry Discover Ireland has got you covered. These festivals are sure to tickle your fancy.

Vantastival

Kicking off this weekend Vantastival is the first of the music festivals this summer. Why not gather up some of your friends and head to Dundalk this weekend. with over 80 live acts, food stall, kids' activities, and a tent campsite for those without campervans.

Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival

If you fancy yourself as a film buff why not check out the The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival. A 'up-close and personal' festival, where the audience, young filmmakers, internationally renowned directors, producers, and invited guest speakers all share the same space. With screenings, Q&As, premieres, workshops and discussions with international experts in the film industry it is something every film lover is going to want to be at.

Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival.

If traditional boats tickle your fancy why not check out the annual wooden boat festival in Baltimore on from the 23rd to the 25th May. this yearly festival sees vessels from near and far, sailors and boat builders to celebrate the traditional boat. Don't miss the Carbery challenge where people attempt to build and set sail a boat.

Foynes Irish Coffee

If you're a fan of your coffee then the Foynes Irish Coffee festival is for you. A three day festival to celebrate the creation of Irish Coffee in Foynes in 1943. The events are all free and include a coffee making championship, a float parade, fireworks over the Shannon, circus workshops, street entertainers and many more.

Clones Canal Festival and Soap Box Race

Clones Canal Festival is a festival you should not miss out on. The fully packed programme includes activities for all including a vintage car and motorbike display, the Loud & Proud Charity Truck Show, It's a Knockout competition and a Family Fun day with face painting and bouncy castles, treasure hunt, arts and crafts and a farmers market. And if you have a spare few Punts lying around why not come down and spend them. Clones is the only town in Ireland where you can spend your old Irish punts!

Drogheda Samba Festival

The Drogheda Samba Festival is one we are very much looking forward to. Watch the streets of Drogheda come alive to celebrate Samba, Latin and African music and dance with indoor and outdoor gigs, workshops and a carnival parade. Make sure you have plenty of energy for non-stop music and dance in the main street, a carnival parade and late-night fringe festival Global Grooves.

An Chúirt Chruitireachta International Harp Festival.

The An Chúirt Chruitireachta International Harp Festival takes place on the 29th June to the 4th July. Irish and international harpists will collaborate with traditional musicians in a memorable week of concerts, workshops and harp exhibitions.

Glitch Digital Arts Festival

The first of it's kind in Ireland and something we expect to see more of Ireland's only digital arts festival takes place in Dublin from 21st June to the 19th July. Consisting of an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops and events, there is something here for everyone.

Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championship

This hugely exciting festival is back this year. Every year, the SPWC scour the globe to bring the best international street performers to Ireland to compete for the World Champion title. Full to the brim with jaw-dropping jugglers, awe-inspiring acrobats and spine-tingling sword swallowers, and definitely is one to hit up this summer.

National Wife Carrying Championships

As part of the Sneem Festival in Kerry you can partake in a carrying your wife/ spouse/ significant other in a wife carrying championship. Just make sure you don't drop them.