20 Festivals Happening this March

 
March in Ireland is always going to be associated with St Patrick’s Day. However there are lots more fantastic events happening this month that don’t involve shamrocks, parades or patron saints. Here’s 20 brilliant festivals happening all around Ireland this March….
 

Festivals Galore

For the first weekend of the month, the best place to be is in Kerry at The Gathering Festival in Killarney’s INEC. A celebration of traditional music and dance, the craic will be epic. Find out more information here.

Scene + Heard is a Dublin 8 based festival that showcases the best tasters of never-before-seen theatre, comedy + music from the North, South, West and East of Ireland. It continues until March 2nd. Find out more here
 
The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival curates and presents the best in emerging International and Irish film and moving image culture for a wide audience through its flagship annual festival. The festival runs until March 3rd. Get the details here.
 
A celebration of the thousands of languages that exist around the world, the unique Mother Tongues Festival is being held at the Rua Red Arts Centre and the Civic Theatre to mark UNESCO International Mother Language Day. Enjoy colourful and diverse performances and workshops for all ages in over 20 different languages. Find out more here.
 
The Ennis Book Club Festival aims to promote and celebrate reading. Each year, readers both from Ireland and further afield, come to Ennis to share the joy of reading. For more information see here.
 

The Ortús Chamber Music Festival 2019 brings a programme of sublime performances from world class musicians to Cork for the weekend 1st to 3rd March. Find out more details on this lovely celebration here.
 
Feis Shligigh is a wonderful celebration of our national Language and Heritage. With a varied programme of events encompassing dance, music and drama, there is something planned each weekend in Sligo through till mid April. For details see here.
 

Film Festivals and Musical Celebrations

The 30th Cork French film festival, a city-wide event bringing the best of French cinema to Irish audiences.  Commencing Sunday the 3rd of March, it will run until Sunday the 10th of March. The festival will be packed with exciting screenings, events and more. Find out more here.
 

 
First Cut! Youth Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing new films by young filmmakers. Now in its tenth year, it takes place over four days at the Mall Arts Centre and The Regal Cinema in Youghal, Co. Cork. Find out how to catch the stars of the future here
 
SPECTRUM takes place each March in a selection of venues in Dublin city centre. The Festival presents a diverse programme of music covering the full spectrum from jazz, progressive, rock, alt-folk to electronica. Find out more details here.
 
The South Tipperary Arts Centre in Clonmel are hosting a series of concerts entitled ‘Finding a Voice’ This will be a celebration of women composers for International Women’s Day. Get the details of these beautiful concerts here.
 

Hiking, Trad Music and the Arts

The Killarney Mountain Festival presents a hugely diverse programme of events, between the 8th and 10th of March, to suit ALL the family. Even better?  The majority are free. Find out more here.
 
Kilkenny comes alive with traditional music from 15th – 18th March, featuring some of the country’s top traditional music performers and offering concert goers unique opportunities to experience live music in some of Kilkenny’s most historic places. Get more information here.
 
There will be three days of music, drama, art, poetry and fun in Kanturk for the Kanturk Arts Festival. Running between the 15th and 18th of March, find out more here.
 

Lace up the walking boots for a trip to Donegal on the 16th and 17th March. The Ardara Walking Festival promises great walks in a beautiful setting. Find out more here.
 

More Movies, Surfing and Books

The Dingle International Film Festival supports filmmakers, celebrates the art of contemporary Irish & International cinema and has a focus on script, innovation and new media. And it happens to take place in one of the most picturesque places in Ireland! Get the details here.
 
Surf’s up in Co Clare. The Doolin Surfest takes place between 22nd and 24th March. A three day festival that’s run by people who love the sea, for people who love the sea. Find out more here
 
The Fresh Film Festival encourages and supports young filmmakers aged 7 – 18 to tell their stories through the medium of moving pictures. Taking place in Limerick from 25th to 30th March, get more details here.
 
In 2019 Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival will welcome some truly gifted storytellers who will share their worlds of poetry, fiction and non- fiction with festival attendees. From 28th -31st March, Dun Laoghaire is the place to be for book-lovers. Find out more here.
 
Thrive Festival takes place in Dublin’s Convention Centre on 30th and 31st March. A wellness festival that will educate and inspire, find out the details here
 
Of course, there are lots of other great events happening this month. And yes, we’ll be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in style too! To find out what’s on near you visit InspireMe.ie. And of course don’t forget to sign up to get reminders of these great events.
 
Finally all details were correct at time of publication. But please check with local organisers before you travel.