April has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of planning your summer holidays! If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to add Tralee to your 2025 bucket list. Nestled in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry, Tralee is gearing up for a year filled with unforgettable experiences. With a variety of events and festivals on offer, there’s something here to captivate both locals and visitors alike.
Not only is Tralee a fantastic destination in its own right, but it’s also the perfect starting point for exploring County Kerry. With Listowel, Ballybunion, and Dingle just a short journey away, you can easily immerse yourself in the best of what Kerry has to offer. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore breathtaking landscapes, or a foodie ready to indulge in local flavours (we see you!), Kerry is filled with opportunities for adventure and discovery.
We've picked 11 can't-miss events in and around Tralee, each offering the perfect chance to experience the magic of the Kingdom. So, mark your calendar, pack your bags, and get ready for a year full of enriching experiences and unforgettable memories.
1) Ride Dingle (26th April 2025):
The Ride Dingle Festival is a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland's Dingle Peninsula. Whether you're a seasoned rider or simply love the thrill of the outdoors, this festival offers two scenic routes to suit every level: the Slea Head Loop (55km), perfect for those seeking a more relaxed route, and the Conor Pass Challenge (120km), designed for cyclists ready to conquer one of the highest mountains passes in Ireland. Both routes start and finish in the heart of Dingle town, making it an unmissable experience for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Kingdom on two wheels.
2) Kerry Camino Walking Festival (2nd - 4th May 2025)
The Kerry Camino is a Tralee initiative designed to promote walking in the area, specifically the scenic Dingle Way, which stretches from Tralee to Dingle. The Kerry Camino Walking Festival offers an unforgettable weekend filled with community fun, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to forge new paths. Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in this exceptional walking experience, right in the heart of the Kingdom.
3) MOYA Ballybunion (2nd – 5th May 2025):
Taking place over the May Bank Holiday, the MOYA Ballybunion Festival is a celebration of Meditation, Ocean, Yoga, and Art in the stunning coastal town of Ballybunion. Surrounded by wide beaches, Ballybunion offers a vibrant atmosphere with activities for everyone, from families with children to friends looking for a day trip. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, creativity, or adventure, this festival promises an inspiring and rejuvenating experience by the sea.
4) Kingdom County Fair (10th - 11th May 2025):
The Kingdom County Fair in Tralee is an annual agricultural extravaganza that encapsulates the essence of rural life and community spirit. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the agricultural roots of The Kingdom as it showcases Kerry's rich agricultural heritage, featuring livestock competitions, equestrian events, and a colourful array of exhibitions.
Families and farmers alike come together to celebrate the best of local produce, craftsmanship, and traditional skills. Beyond the competitions, visitors can enjoy entertainment, food stalls, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes the Kingdom County Fair a cherished tradition in Tralee.
5) Tralee Food Festival (16th - 18th May 2025):
This three-day culinary extravaganza is a feast for the senses, celebrating the rich flavours of the Kingdom. The festival showcases an array of local delights, from artisanal cheeses and freshly caught seafood to mouthwatering desserts and craft beverages. But it’s more than just incredible food, visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, hands-on culinary workshops, and engaging talks from passionate chefs. The festival is a must-attend event that brings the community together in a celebration of food, flavour, and local culture. Bring your hunger then you won't want to miss any of the delicious food!
6) Listowel Writers Week (28th May – 1st June 2025):
The Listowel Writers’ Week was founded to foster new and exciting talent and to give aspiring writers wings! This celebrated festival is a haven for writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts alike. From captivating readings by renowned authors to engaging workshops and discussions, Listowel Writers' Week fosters a creative haven where ideas flow, and inspiration flourishes.
7) Listowel Races (31st May - 2nd June & 21st - 27th September 2025)
Just a 30-minute drive from Tralee, Listowel is a heritage market town in the Kingdom of Kerry. The Listowel Races promise an exhilarating blend of horseracing excitement and social festivities. Drawing horse racing enthusiasts and socialites alike, this annual event is a highlight on the Kerry racing calendar.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping races, the town comes alive with a lively atmosphere, featuring fashion competitions, live music, and a delightful array of culinary offerings. And it’s double the excitement with two events every year - one in June and another in September.
8) Puck Fair (10th – 12th of August 2025):
The Puck Fair Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest Festivals, celebrated in Killorglin for over 400 years. Each year, a goat-handler ventures into the mountains to catch a wild goat, which is then brought to the town. The Queen of Puck, a local schoolgirl, crowns him King Puck, officially marking the start of the festivities! After three days of celebration, the goat is safely returned to the mountains.
During these lively three days, Killorglin comes alive with music, entertainment, and traditions. The streets are filled with laughter, excitement, and a fantastic festival atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
9) Rose of Tralee International Festival (15th - 19th August 2025):
The Rose of Tralee Festival is at the heart of Tralee history and perhaps, Ireland’s oldest and longest-running festivals. Prepare for a burst of colour and energy as you anticipate the world-renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival in 2025. The highlight? This five-day celebration of Irish culture includes a vibrant parade, live music, and the fabulous Rose of Tralee selection night - where a new Rose is crowned as the official “Rose of Tralee”. Don’t miss this iconic celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit!
10) Circus Festival of Ireland (6th – 9th November 2025)
Prepare to be enthralled as Tralee welcomes the breathtaking Circus Festival of Ireland once again. Tralee transforms into a whimsical world where circus arts take centre stage, featuring an eclectic mix of jugglers, acrobats, clowns, and daring aerialists. From gravity-defying acts to heart-stopping stunts, the Circus Festival of Ireland celebrates the magic of the circus, bringing joy and wonder to audiences of all ages. With colourful tents and a lively ambience, Tralee is set to be a playground of imagination and excitement during this extraordinary festival - a weekend of awe-inspiring performances.
11) Siamsa Tire (Various Dates across the year)
Siamsa Tíre is one of Ireland’s busiest and most vibrant theatre and arts centres.
As the home of storytelling in all its artistic forms, you can enjoy an enriching and extensive choice of live contemporary and traditional arts performances, Irish cultural tours and workshops and discover Irish art exhibitions in Kerry’s thriving hub for the arts in Tralee, County Kerry.
When next in Tralee, or on the lookout for some deep Irish culture, head over to Siamsa Tíre for an evening of entertainment, storytelling, and the warmth of Kerry hospitality. For the latest event listings, visit www.siamsatire.com.
From the world-famous Rose of Tralee International Festival to the spectacular Circus Festival of Ireland, Tralee is bursting with exciting events that bring people together to celebrate culture, talent, and community spirit. Whether you're looking for lively music festivals, thrilling sports competitions, or relaxing wellness retreats, Tralee’s 2025 events calendar has something for everyone.
Planning your visit? Stay in comfort at our hotel in Tralee, perfectly located to give you easy access to all the action. Whether you're here for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, our hotel offers the ideal base for exploring the best of Tralee’s attractions, festivals, and local experiences.
Whether you live music, arts, outdoor adventures, or family fun, this lively town in the heart of the Kingdom promises unforgettable moments throughout the year. With so many incredible events to choose from, there's always something exciting happening, ensuring that Tralee is the perfect destination for your next getaway!
