FESTIVALS IN KERRY
Kerry plays host to all manner of wonderful festivals throughout the year. Many of these festivals celebrate the uniqueness and charm of the local area and traditions. Expect fun, creativity, craic and often a touch of the extraordinary!
Read on for a list of our top pick Festivals in Kerry.
MOYA – MAY 3rd-6th – BALLYBUNION
MOYA: a festival of Meditation, Ocean, Yoga and Art will showcase a wealth of local talent practicing in the areas of art, holistic therapies and wellness
MOYA invites you to take some ‘me time’ and allow your troubles to sink in the sand as you inhale the sea air, reconnect with your creativity and intuition and experience rejuvenation and healing.
Relax and connect at MOYA 2024.
MAY THE 4TH SCI FI FILM FEST – MAY 3rd-4th – PORTMAGEE
A unique celebration of the fantastical and the futuristic nestled along the breathtaking Skellig Coast.
Set against the dramatic backdrop where Star Wars was brought to life, the festival welcomes film buffs, filmmakers and creators from across the globe to showcase their visionary works.
There’s a Comic-Con for the young and the young at heart and the festival culminates in a grand award ceremony. A night of celebration, acknowledgment and a testament to the enduring spirit of independent storytelling.
May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival isn’t just an event, it’s an experience!
LISTOWEL STORYTELLERS FESTIVAL – MAY 29th-JUNE 3rd – LISTOWEL
This annual event is a little gem of a festival. Listowel is steeped in literary history and celebrates the art like no other.
Get involved in story walks, concerts, workshops, a healing hour and open mics for story swaps.
Buy a weekend ticket for an access all areas pass.
KILLARNEY BIKE FEST – MAY 31st-JUNE 3rd – INEC, KILLARNEY
This international festival attracts all brand motorcycle enthusiasts in their thousands and is a three day motorcycle and rock music extravaganza.
With an action-packed programme of events and activities taking place at the Bike Village, bikers, non-bikers, aspiring bikers, visitors, tourists, families and locals all come together to bring a feel good energy to this very special festival.
Witness the wonderful spectacle of the ride through town on Sunday or even better go for a dramatic coast hugging ride with the wind in your face.
LISTOWEL HARVEST FESTIVAL RACES – SEPTEMBER 22nd-28th – LISTOWEL
A week packed full of serious racing and serious fun.
Many horses who do well in Listowel have gone on to achieve tremendous success on both sides of the Irish Sea. Namely Royal Tan, Captain Christy, Davy Lad and more recently Minella Times.
Go with a gang and get tickets for the track for the best craic.
VALENTIA ISLAND TRIATHLON – OCTOBER 2nd – VALENTIA
It’ll feel like a festival when you cross the finish line!
The setting alone on the beautiful Skellig Ring is reason enough to tog out for this glorious swim, bike and run challenge.
BALLINCLARE HORSE FAIR – OCTOBER 3rd – ANNASCAUL
The small village of Annascaul was home to the Antarctic Hero, Tom Crean and this bi-annual fair is one of the oldest in Ireland.
Browse the bric-a-brac stalls and watch horses, chickens and sheep sell to the highest bidder.
The village pubs are usually alive with music and the famous Mutton Pie just has to be sampled.
KERRY FILM FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 17th-20th – KILLARNEY
Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) brings the best of film to Kerry for four exciting days in October injecting a healthy dose of art and culture into the community every year with 2024 being its 25th year.
Screenings are held in Killarney House, St Mary’s Church, the ANAM Centre as well as the cinema and make for atmospheric viewing.
Who knows, Hollywood might come calling for one hard working local artist. You can say you seen it here first!
K-FEST – OCTOBER 22nd, 23rd, 24th – KILLORGLIN
With an emphasis on emerging artists and musicians this cool festival uses unoccupied spaces in the town to showcase art in bespoke pop-up galleries and venues.
Nominated for IMRO best small music festival, expect the best in up and coming Irish bands, music acts and DJ’s with genres from jazz to pop to rock to punk to electronica.
There is also a packed programme of drama, plays, poetry, film, comedy shows and a cabaret circus.
Find the full programme of events on the K-FEST website.
VALENTIA HALF MARATHON & 10KM – OCTOBER 23rd – VALENTIA
Your chance to run, what might just be, Ireland’s most scenic race.
Starting from Knightstown on Valentia Island you are surrounded by the Atlantic on all sides.
Enjoy views of Dingle Bay, Blasket Islands and The Skelligs as you power round the course!
