Ireland isn't exactly the hotspot for musical talent to visit during the summer, but recently we've been acquiring some absolutely MAJOR acts from around the world.
Some of us may remember the days of Oxygen (Rest in Pieces), but Electric Picnic has taken over as the biggest and most popular festival in the Irish calendar.
Longitude appears to have become the most 'hip-hop' festival in town overnight, who saw that one coming? All the young ones adore it, hence why artists such as Chance the Rapper, Future and AS$P Rocky are headlining it this year.
Oh, and the queen that is CARDI B (gasp)… this will be us when she emerges on stage like the glorious, ghetto peacock that she is:
Luckily for you, we've decided to do a round-up of EVERYTHING there is to know of 2019's Irish music festivals.
Strap yourselves in, get your raincoat and wellies ready, it's looking like a muddy ride.
God knows why we all live for summer's music gigs, most of us have had our stuff stolen, our tents destroyed and our dignity abandoned, yet we still come crawling back for more. Must be our dedication to the art, or something?
First up: Castlepalooza: May 3 – May 5 2019
Things have been pretty hush hush this year in Castlepalooza-land. So far, no headline acts have been announced and even the early bird tickets aren't on sale yet.
As far as speculation goes, they normally stick to Irish acts such as AllTvvins and The Rubberbandits, so maybe they'll get Dermot Kennedy or Picture This?
We're assuming it's still taking place in Charleville Castle, Tullamore, but they've changed the dates so who knows. All will be revealed.
Life Festival: May 24 – May 26 2019
For #Life19, some major dance players have been given the green light to DJ, including Giggs, Bicep, MK, Nina Kraviz and CamelPhat. Think District 8 but in the woodlands.
The festival is returning to Belvedere House in County Westmeath for a weekend of phenomenal tunes. There are three days, six stages and a jam-packed line-up.
Chill by the lakeside stage for a more relaxed vibe, or hit the District 8 tent and Main Stage for absolute dance mania.
Vantastival: 31 May – June 2 2019
Known as the last real festival for camper vans and 'legit' music lover families, Vantastival is relatively unknown in some circles but a must-see in others.
Taking place in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the festival boasts comedy shows, craft beer, art installations and a kids' camp for families.
The festival gets some unbelievable talent up to play, and the headline acts this year have already been announced.
King Kong Company, David Keenan, Cry Monster Cry, Just Mustard and I'd Fight Gandhi are all hitting the stages this year, it's gonna be a BIG one for their 10th anniversary.
Forbidden Fruit: June 1 – June 3 2019
Forbidden Fruit has been a steadily growing Irish festival for years, with some well-known as well as emerging talent performing DJ sets in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham.
Headliners this year are Mura Masa (INCREDIBLE), Skepta, Elbow, First Aid Kit and Danny Brown. They're spreading out the genres this year, bringing in some new and more alternative names.
Tickets went on-sale back in December, but there are still a few left. We recommend grabbing them before they're gone.
Body&Soul: June 21 – June 23 2019
The arts festival takes place in Ballinlough, Co. Westmeath, and it's celebrating it's 10th run this year.
Previous headliners include Nick Cave, but they have yet to tease 2019's fixtures.
It's a cesspit for creative minds, branding itself as the biggest 'independent' festival in Ireland. They're announcing the line-up very soon, so stay tuned. We're guessing perhaps Christine and the Queens?
Sea Sessions: June 21- June 23 2019
Sea Sessions is well on the rise. The festival is specifically for surfers, and takes place in Bundoran, Co. Donegal for those sea lovers every year.
They've got a STELLAR line-up for 2019: Sigrid (I cried when I saw her, not gonna lie), Clean Bandit and Two Door Cinema Club are the star acts who will blaze up that stage.
This one looks set to be an incredible year, especially if the weather holds up. Tickets are on sale now, but it sells out every year so get on it ASAP.
Longitude – July 5 – July 7 2019
They've just announced some massive names to the chart: Cardi B and Anne-Marie are two unreal additions.
The festival is running from Friday July 5 until Sunday July 7 in Marlay Park, and always gets some pure stunning weather (for once).
The line-ups have DRASTICALLY changed even since 2017, when Mumford & Sons took centre stage. It's all about those rap stars nowadays, who would have thought Irish people would crave the genre so much? Maybe it's just the young wans.
Tickets are back on sale this Friday, February 1 at 9am. Get ready for online mayhem, as Cardi B is sure to attract thousands of eager fans.
All Together Now: August 2 – August 4 2019
The festival takes place in Curraghmore House in County Waterford during the August Bank Holiday, so it's always a sure-fire hit.
American indie band The National are the headliners for this year's take; previous performers include Fleet Foxes, Mura Masa, Villagers and First Aid Kit.
Most of the tickets have already sold-out for this year's festival, but there's always DoneDeal? Camper van tickets are also still available, but not much else except the higher priced ones.
Electric Picnic: August 30 – September 1 2019
So E.P. is ALREADY sold-out, as predicted.
The speculation has begun, seeing as nobody is aware of the line-up as of yet, and we're gonna go ahead and pray that our home-girl ARIANA GRANDE hits the Main Stage. Get your rosary beads out.
Last year saw N.E.R.D, Kendrick Lamar and The Prodigy hit the stage as headliners, and Sigrid and Dua Lipa absolutely smashed it during their performances. We'd love to see those gals return with new albums under their belts.
There you are, gals. The ULTIMATE Irish music festival round-up for 2019…so far. We're tingling with excitement already at the thought of sneaking in all those naggins/cans/wine bottles/shoulders/litres/whatever the kids drink nowadays.
Now all we need is the funds to afford any/all of these amazing gigs. Maybe we could sneak in?
