Festivals in August and September: summer’s not over yet

1)      Kilkenny Arts Festival 8^th-17^th August
Taking place now until the 17th August, the Kilkenny Arts Festival draws more than 45,000 visitors annually. With a programme that includes; Theatre & Dance, Classical Music, Street, Literature and Visual Art and Craft, it's no wonder. Head to kilkennyarts.ie for more.

2)      Belsonic 15^th-22^nd August
Example, Kodaline, Biffy Clyro and Imagine Dragons are just some of the acts taking to the stage at Custom House Square from 15th to the 22nd August in Belfast. This Northern Irish music event has become renowned for bringing international talent to the heart of the city. belsonic.com

3)      Wonderfest 16^th-17^th August
Ireland's 'greatest' parent and child festival includes children's theatre, circus training, science workshops, animal displays, superheroes, music and much more. The 'fun for all ages' festival takes place in Malahide Castle on the 16th and 17th August. wonderfest.ie

4)      A Taste of Donegal 22^nd-24^TH August
This 6 year old festival brings togehre top restaurants, hotels and food and drinks providers in a tented village on a pier. Expect demonstraoins from the likes of Nevin Maguire, Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio to name but a few. atasteofdonegal.com

5)      Tara Rocks 23^rd August
15 bands play over 3 stages in Co. Meath on the 23rd August, including Hothouse Flowers, Jsck Lukeman and The Riptide Movement. tararocks.ie

6)      Electric Picnic 29^th- 31^st August
The big Daddy of summer festivals needs no introduction. Top acts playing Stradbally this year include Portishead, Beck, Outkast, Foals, Chic feat. Nile Rodgers and London Grammer. electricpicnic.ie

7)      Westport Food Festival 5^th- 7^th Sept
Taking place around The Octagon on the heart of Westport will be live demonstrations and plenty of food to sample from top chefs, bakers and mixologists. Several other events such as the Food Fest Forum, Bike Buffet and mushroom foraging are also schedualed to take place as part of the festival. See westportfoodfestival.ie

8)      Monaghan Rhythm and Blues Festival (aka Harvest Time Blues) 5^th- 9^th September
A four day blues festival featuring 7 international acts and recognised as one of the best festivals of its kind in Europe. 5yh- 9th September. harvestblues.ie

9)      Tiger Dublin Fringe 5^th- 20^th Sept
This curated, multi-disciplinary festival for the arts features Irish and international acts and takes place all over Dublin from the 5th – 20th September. The festival promises'innovative and daring work that impacts, moves and invigorates its audience'. Visit fringefest.com/festival

10)   Spirit of Folk Festival 19^th-21^st Sept
The Launch of Spirit of Folk Festival is taking place Sat 16^th August in Whelans, Dublin. The night is based around a quote from cosmologist Carl Sagan; 'We are made of Star Stuff', and will include pop talks covering topics as diverse as astrophysics to poetry as well as musical performances later on.

The festival itself takes place in Dunderry Park, Co. Meath and celebrates all things folk including folk music, storytelling, folk living and folk games. See spiritoffolk.com