What’s On In Kerry: Summer 2023
Posted: 05 May 2023
Celtic Steps
Celtic Steps is a thrilling live show combining traditional Irish music and dance. Dive into Irish culture and enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment at the Killarney Racecourse. Prepare for a mesmerising performance, featuring award-winning Irish dancers and musicians; hear moving renditions of classic Irish folk songs; and enjoy a variety of different Irish dance styles.
Read more about experiencing a magical evening at Celtic Steps on the official website.
Listowel Writers Week 2023
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Listowel Writers’ Week has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest literary and arts festivals. Taking place from 31st May – 4th June 2023 lovers of the written and spoken word can join writers, artists, and poets in the beautiful town of Listowel, County Kerry, for five days of talks, walks and performances.
For more information check out the official Listowel Writers Week.
Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí
The Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí will take place in Ballybunion this year with dancing competitions taking place on the 10th and 11th of June and music, singing and other competitions taking place on the 17th and 18th of June.
For more information on the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí check out the official website.
Horse Racing Festivals
Killarney Racecourse is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque racecourses in the world. It hosts a total of 13 race days, three summer meetings and one autumn meeting. Killarney Racing dates back to 1922 and Ross Road has been home to Killarney racing since 1936.
Killarney comes alive during the meetings and Ladies Day is one of the most popular events in the Killarney calendar.
Killarney Race Days take place on 14th, 15th & 16th May 2023 and 17th, 18th 19th 20th & 21st July 2023
The end-of-summer extravaganza at Listowel, known as the famous “Listowel Harvest Festival” - a seven-day festival taking place from the 17th to the 23rd of September. Horse racing in Listowel dates back to 1858 and in 2023 Listowel Harvest Festival celebrates 165 years!
Rose of Tralee
The Rose of Tralee is an annual festival that sees women of Irish descent from all over the world compete for a chance to be crowned Rose of Tralee.
Cities from across Ireland, Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia select representatives and these young women then travel to Ireland for the competition, which is televised over two nights on RTÉ One.
The Rose of Tralee Festival is held in August with parades on Saturday night, Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening. The latter brings events to a close with the Midnight Madness parade, led by the newly crowned Rose and followed by a fireworks extravaganza.
Festivals & Fairs
The Tralee Food Festival is an annual 4-day event, taking place from May 19th to 21st 2023,
showcasing Tralee as a true gourmet paradise. The festival will have lots of events, stalls, vendors etc. including artisan food markets in the square; street food on the Mall; two-day Taste Trails; Food & Family Day; Cooking Demonstrations; Drinks Trail, live music and more.
The Festival is to present the highest quality food and drink with an emphasis on local culture while providing family-friendly entertainment for locals & visitors.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023, BikeFest is a must-attend annual international festival attracting all brand motorcycle enthusiasts in their thousands from all over the world. As one of Europe’s premier free open motorcycle festivals, this 3-day motorcycle and rock music extravaganza takes place across Ireland’s June Bank Holiday weekend on the grounds of the Gleneagle.
From bikers to non-bikers or even aspiring bikers, visitors, tourists, families, and locals, BikeFest has something for all. The festival allure can best be described by broad smiles and good humour as everyone soaks up the atmosphere in the Bike Village.
Puck Fair, running from 10th - 12th August, is an annual three-day, a family-friendly street festival that is like no other! Held in Killorglin, Co Kerry each year, a wild mountain goat is crowned king of the town by the Queen of Puck, who is traditionally a young local schoolgirl. There is a coronation parade and King Puck rules the town until his dethronement on the festival’s final day. It is an unusual concept for a festival, but it never fails to provide excellent entertainment and create a real buzz around Killorglin!
The Dingle Food Festival takes place on the first weekend in October every year in the beautiful fishing town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is organised by a group of local people on a non-profit making basis.
Locals call it ‘The Best Weekend of the Year.’ The town comes alive with locals and tourists alike. Everyone comes home for the Dingle Food Festival and tourists come from far and wide across the globe that weekend just for the festival.
Highlights of the festival include cookery demonstrations, a food trail, over 50 market stalls, workshops, street entertainment, children's events, wine tastings, and much much more.
Runs, Cycles & Marathons
There are a number of runs, cycles, and marathons for people of all different levels of ability. Below is a list of some of the most prominent runs, cycles, and marathons that take place over the summer in Kerry. You will also find links to each race where you can get more information and sign up.
Run Killarney - 13th May 2023
Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare - 27th May 2023
50K Ultra Marathon Tralee – 20th May 2023
Adventure Race Dingle - 10th June 2023
100K Ultra Marathon Tralee – 17th June 2023
Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle – 1st July 2023
Dingle Full and Half Marathon - 2nd September 2023
The Europe is the perfect base for you to enjoy all the events Kerry has to offer this summer. Book your stay now to enjoy a five-star luxury experience while soaking in what Kerry has to offer.
