This summer, mark your calendars for an extraordinary celebration of Irish culture, music and natural landscapes as four captivating festivals come together to create an amazing experience for locals and visitors to Co Offaly. Birr Vintage Week, The Clara Bog Trotters Weekend, Beat On The Peat, and Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show will captivate attendees with an eclectic mix of experiences workshops, performances, and delicious food. Offaly is literally a “hidden gem” with its wide-open spaces, historic and scenic locations, not to mention stunning nature in the Slieve Blooms, Lough Boora and Birr Castle Demesne. Why not organise your trip to coincide with one of these great festivals which will run from July into August this year?
Birr Vintage Week 2023 marks 55 years of the festival – probably the largest running festival in Ireland. It takes place from the 4th to the 12th of August this year. Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival features professional, national and international artists bringing visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop up performers, workshops, exhibitions and lots more, together with a variety of community events.
The Clara Bog Trotters Weekend, from June 22nd to June 25th, nestled in the serene surroundings of Clara House, invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying an array of educational workshops, guided tours, and exciting field trips. With a safe and secure camping area set in a walled garden, you can unwind and appreciate the tranquillity of the peatland landscape. Island Farm, renowned for its certified organic food, will cater to your taste buds, ensuring you savour every moment of this unique experience. As a special treat, the Bog Trotters Festival Weekend coincides with Clara’s Litha Festival on Saturday, June 24th. Farmers Markets, exhibitions showcasing the wonders of the bog, lively music, fun-filled activities, the enchanting Bagman’s Ball, a vibrant carnival, and the breath-taking Ceremony of Light are just a few highlights that await Bog Trotters of all ages.
Following the footsteps of the Clara Bog Trotters Weekend, the Beat On The Peat music event on July 9th promises an exceptional musical experience in Moystown Belmont. Presented by the West Offaly Music Festival, this inaugural event brings together some of the country’s most renowned bands. From the captivating performances of Tumbling Paddies and Ruaile Buaile to the infectious energy of All Folk’d, Rise & Shine, Brownie Guinan, and Tradstone, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable day of toe-tapping melodies and electrifying rhythms. The event features free parking, an on-site bar, a catering area, and entertainment for children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. Join us at the Moystown Belmont venue, and let the music move you.
And leaving the biggest Festival to last, the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show proudly takes its place as Ireland’s premier livestock show. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Tullamore, this renowned event attracts breeders of exceptional cattle and sheep from all corners of the country. Affiliated with the Irish Shows Association (I.S.A.), Irish Pony Society (I.P.S.), and Clydesdale Society, the Tullamore Show offers a delightful mix of expected and unexpected experiences. While showcasing the finest livestock, the show also provides a plethora of surprises, captivating visitors and ensuring their return year after year. For those who think it’s just cows and tractors, then what can we say? Be prepared for an unexpected experience like no other. We guarantee that if you come you’ll be back year after year.
These four festivals combine the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage, and the vibrant spirit of its people. Whether you’re a vintage fan, music enthusiast, a nature lover, or a fan of agricultural showcases, these events offer something for everyone.
Maximise your visit to Offaly and enjoy the buzz of one of these great festivals. Join us for Birr Vintage Festival, Clara Bog Trotters Weekend, Beat On The Peat, or the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show. Prepare to create lifelong memories!
