At the mention of the word festival, what comes to mind? House music, tents, glitter, wellies and outrageous neon outfits are some of the top contenders.

But, that is just to take it in the “outdoor music festival” sense. Festival in essence means “a long celebration” and in Ireland, that is what we love to do in all aspects of life. There is an abundance of festivals taking place across the country this summer, with a vast range of themes. Irish Country Living brings you a few unique options.

WellFest Summer Tour, Co Cork

One of the biggest up-and-coming “alternative” festivals in Ireland over the last few years is WellFest, which takes place each May in Dublin. It made a name for itself through its relaxed but invigorating itinerary, incorporating exercise, nutrition, health and wellbeing. This summer it is keeping all those tried and tested elements and bringing them to Cork. After a sell-out weekend in Galway at the start of June, the WellFest Summer Tour comes to the Showgrounds, Curraheen, Co Cork on Saturday 6 July. The line-up includes Roz Purcell, Karl Henry and Derval O’Rourke, among others. Tickets start at €20.

www.wellfest.ie

Another Love Story, Co Meath

A bespoke mix of music, art, conversation, food and fun, Another Love Story takes place annually in Killyon Manor, Co Meath. The most interesting aspect of this festival is that the artists inhabit the manor itself. They perform in the front room, the library, the cinema and the ballroom, as well as the outdoor stages which take in the meadows, woods and cosy corners of the grounds. This year Another Love Story runs across the weekend of 17 to 19 August. Tickets start from €162.

www.anotherlovestory.ie.

Kaleidoscope, Co Wicklow

From the organisers of Electric Picnic (EP), Kaleidoscope is a brand new festival that is essentially the family-friendly version of the aforementioned EP. The aim is to transport the Little Picnic’s (the children’s section at EP) entertainment and family-friendly campsite to Russborough House, Blessington for a three-day weekend festival. For its first year out, the line-up is pretty impressive with Bell X1, Tom Odell, Wild Youth, Hermitage Green, The Riptide Movement, Brave Giant and Delorentos all playing. An adult full-price camping ticket costs €125.75, children’s full-price camping tickets start from €33.65 (price increases with age). Non-camping and day tickets are also available.

www.kaleidoscopefestival.ie