Ireland Beer Festivals 2026

Discover Ireland's flourishing beer festival scene across Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. From traditional pub celebrations to modern craft gatherings, Ireland welcomes festival-goers with genuine hospitality and exciting new brewing talent.

Festivals
6
Breweries
132
Cities
4

Ireland's flourishing beer festival culture

Ireland has grown from a stout-and-pub heritage into one of Europe's most exciting beer destinations, and its festivals have grown with it. Expect events that pair a genuinely warm welcome with a craft scene that has come a long way in a short time.

Dublin leads the calendar, with multi-brewery festivals and brewery parties across the city through the year. Cork champions the brewers of Munster, Galway brings its easy, festival-town character, and Belfast reflects a craft scene in Northern Ireland that is growing fast.

Stout will always be part of the story here, but you will find far more besides, from crisp lager and hazy pale to farmhouse saison and barrel-aged sour. Many festivals are tied to taprooms and brewpubs, which gives them a relaxed, local feel, and the craic is very much part of the experience.

For a beer trip, Ireland is hard to beat. Get to know the breweries you will meet in our Ireland breweries guide, then browse the festivals below to plan your visit.

Neoclassical Custom House reflected in River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland
Lively Dublin pedestrian street in Ireland's capital of craft beer and culture
Traditional Cork city buildings with bright facades in Southern Irish festival city
Belfast's creative Cathedral Quarter lighting in area known for craft beer bars

Upcoming Beer Festivals in Ireland

Irish Craft Beer & Irish Cheese festival details

Recently added

Irish Craft Beer & Irish Cheese

Sat 8 August 2026

Indie Fude, Belfast

Join us during Fleadh 2026 for an evening celebrating two outstanding artisan producers from the north coast. Discover how expertly crafted beers from Heaney Brewery pair with the award-winning cheeses of Dart Mountain Cheese in a guided tasting that explores flavour, craftsmanship and the stories behind the producers. Hosted by representatives from both producers, you'll enjoy a selection of carefully matched beers and cheeses while learning how different styles complement one another, from crisp and refreshing to rich and full-bodied. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a cheese lover, or simply curious to discover new flavours, this relaxed tasting promises a delicious evening celebrating local food and drink at its very best. Your ticket includes: Guided tasting of Heaney Brewery beers Selection of Dart Mountain artisan cheeses Expert pairing guidance and tasting notes Meet the makers and hear the stories behind the products Opportunity to ask questions throughout the evening Come hungry, leave inspired. Great beer and great cheese make the perfect partnership!

HAGSTRAVAGANZA festival details

HAGSTRAVAGANZA

Sat 8 August 2026

The White Hag Brewing Company, Ballymote

Get ready for the ultimate summer celebration! HAGSTRAVAGANZA returns to The White Hag Brewery, bringing together bands, beers, and brilliant vibes in beautiful, balmy Ballymote. Mark your calendar and join us for a festival that’s bigger, bolder, and better than ever before!

Cork on a Fork Fest festival details

Cork on a Fork Fest

Wed 12 - Sun 16 August 2026

Cork City Council, Cork

Cork on a Fork Fest is primarily a five‑day food festival, but it does include Cork’s drink culture — including brewers — through tasting events, pub‑based experiences, and “meet the maker” sessions that often feature local beer and brewing. Expect great food first, with beer woven in rather than taking centre stage. 🍻 What a Beer Lover Can Expect ⭐ Not a beer festival — but beer is definitely present - The festival celebrates Cork’s food and drink culture, and that explicitly includes brewers and distillers among its participating producers. - Past editions have featured tasting masterclasses, pub‑based events, and brewing‑related experiences, though these vary year to year. 🍺 Local beer you’re likely to encounter Cork has a strong craft scene (e.g., Rising Sons, Franciscan Well, Elbow Lane), and many festival venues stock or showcase local brews. Even when not advertised as “beer events,” you’ll find: - Food‑and‑beer pairings - Tap takeovers or specials in participating pubs - Brewer‑led talks or demos folded into the wider programme - Street‑food events serving Cork craft beer 🎉 Overall vibe for beer fans Think “food festival with great beer options”, not “beer festival with food.” If you enjoy exploring local breweries through the city’s pubs, restaurants, and producers, Cork on a Fork is a brilliant way to do it.

The Big Grill BBQ & Food Festival 2026 festival details

The Big Grill BBQ & Food Festival 2026

Thu 13 - Sun 16 August 2026

Herbert Park, Dublin

You will learn how to grill, smoke, marinate, butcher and more on our all-action Bastecamp stage (including lots of samples and giveaways) Expect local craft breweries, cocktail bars, dining experiences, live music, DJs, Little Grillers kids area and lots more craic…

Outpost Beer & Cyder Festival 2026 festival details

Recently added

Outpost Beer & Cyder Festival 2026

Sat 15 August 2026

30 Main Street, Lisbellaw

The most westerly annual celebration for great beers, real ales and cyders. The annual Outpost festival in its fourth year running. Join us for a celebration of local independent beers and ciders, live music and great food. One not to miss. Advance tickets are limited and ticket prices will increase to £15.00 when advance tickets are sold out.

Outpost Festival festival details

Outpost Festival

Sat 15 August 2026

The Dog and Duck Inn, Enniskillen

The most westerly annual celebration for great beers, real ales and cyders. Hosted every August the weekend before the bank holiday. Tickets can be bought on the door, buy in advance to be sure of entry. All guests receive the limited festival glass and a token for your first half pint. Fresh food served all day until 21:00.