VOLUME

TREAD SOFFTLY

Some of the most acclaimed, genre-blurring artists in the country are set to descend on Dunderry Park in Navan, Co. Meath this summer as the twoday SoFFt Nights festival returns on June 4 & 5. As well as a spectacular line-up boasting the likes of Tolü Makay, Kíla, Lisa O’Neill, Lankum’s Daragh Lynch, and Elaine Mai, the festival offers a full wellness and holistic programme for adults and families, allowing them to kick back and relax in the gorgeous surroundings.

FOOD AWAKENING

Since its launch in 2008, the West Waterford Festival Of Food has become synonymous with incredible food and unmissable family events. After a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, it’s returning slightly later in the year in 2022, on June 11 & 12 – giving the suppliers a chance to get themselves all set and restocked. As such, this year’s edition is set to be one of the biggest and best yet.

FLYING HIGH

After a two-year hiatus, Bray Air Display makes its welcome return to the Co. Wicklow town this summer with festivities kicking off on the ground on July 23, followed by the airshow on July 24. The awardwinning, family-friendly event has gained a reputation as one of the most popular airshows in Europe, attracting thousands to Bray each year to take in the amazing aerobatics.

RIVER MOY TO THE WORLD

Returning this summer after a three-year break, Ballina Salmon Festival offers something for everyone, while showcasing all that the ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland’ has to offer, from July 10–16. This major event in the Co. Mayo social calendar has been running since 1964, and has earned its reputation as one of the West’s leading community-based festivals.

SCARED STIFF

Now in its ninth year, Durrow Scarecrow Festival (July 24 – August 1) has become a major hit with visitors to the beautiful Georgian village in Co. Laois. The highlight of this unique, community-centred festival – which raises funds for the locality across nine full days of family-friendly fun – is the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship. Hundreds of scarecrows from near and far are judged across multiple categories, with cash prizes up for grabs.

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BIKE-MINDED

Bike enthusiasts from near and far are set to gather in Killarney, Co. Kerry, in their tens of thousands this summer, as BikeFest returns for its 14th year from June 3–6. With a reputation as one of Europe’s leading free open motorcycle festivals, this threeday celebration will also feature music across three stages, and an action-packed programme of activities. Highlights include the Wild Atlantic Way Ride Outs, the Bike Village, and the Custom Bike Show.

KODALINE

SEA YOU THERE

Promising three days of music, surf, sport and parties by the beach, Sea Sessions makes its triumphant return to Bundoran in Co. Donegal from June 17–19. This year’s line-up features some of the most biggest names on these shores and beyond – including

Kodaline, Tinie, Joel Corry, LYRA, Basement Jaxx, The Academic, The Scratch, Ejeca, All Tvvins, Daithí, Wyvern Lingo, Gemma

Dunleavy, David Keenan and more. Be sure to check out Sea Sessions’ Expression Session too – a “best move contest” that sees some of Europe's leading surfers going head-to-head. NEED TO KNOW WHEN: JUNE 17 – 19 WHERE: BUNDORAN, CO. DONEGAL

GO YOUR OWN K

With an emphasis on emerging artists and musicians, K-Fest uses unoccupied spaces in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, and transforms them into bespoke pop-up galleries and venues over the course of the festival weekend (June 3–6). Showcasing the diversity of the music, art and drama currently on offer in Ireland and beyond, this year’s event will feature the likes of Floor Show, Katie Phelan, DJ Richard Lowe, Naked Lungs, Donal Lucey and more.

A BRIGHT IDEA

This year will be the tenth edition of the intimate and inspiring Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas in Co. Carlow, with a line-up of historians, activists, musicians, journalists, environmentalists and more set to share their ideas and discoveries with audiences in the beautiful surroundings of Borris from June 10–12. Following the challenges of the last few years, there’s never been a better time to engage with some stimulating conversations.

LET’S DANCE

The 2022 edition of Dublin Dance Festival is coming to the capital from May 17–29 – taking over stages and streets with high-energy, boundarypushing works from Africa, Brazil, Europe and Japan. Some of the many highlights of this year’s edition include the Irish premiere of Amala Dianor’s new creation Siguifin, and Áine Stapleton’s Somewhere in the Body – a film installation centred around Lucia Joyce, a talented visual artist, dancer, musician and daughter of James Joyce. Encantado, meanwhile, is the latest work by Brazilian choreographer Lia Rorigues, which aims to reconnect us with the power of the natural world. You can also look forward to more contemporary premieres, street dance, flamenco, and vibrant performances geared towards younger audiences.