Months of planning are set to come to life this weekend as Horizon Festival prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to Ballybunion for what is expected to become one of the biggest tourism and entertainment weekends the seaside town has experienced in recent years.
Taking place from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, the inaugural festival has generated huge interest across Kerry and beyond, with organisers reporting exceptionally strong ticket sales in the final days before gates open.
Adding to the excitement is a superb weather forecast, with sunshine and warm temperatures expected throughout the weekend. Friday is forecast to reach around 21°C, rising to 24°C on Saturday before peaking at 25°C on Sunday, creating ideal conditions for a festival overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way.
The response from festivalgoers has exceeded expectations. Bingo Loco on Sunday has now officially sold out, while only a limited number of Friday and Saturday tickets remain available. Tickets are still on sale for the Marty Guilfoyle After Party, which will bring the inaugural Horizon Festival to a spectacular close on Sunday night.
The economic impact is already being felt throughout North Kerry. Hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation and campsites have experienced strong demand, while local cafés, restaurants, pubs and retailers are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the summer season.
Festival organisers say Horizon has always been about more than live music.
“From the beginning our ambition was to create something that would showcase Ballybunion as one of Ireland’s great coastal destinations while delivering a significant boost to the local economy. The support we’ve received from local businesses, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community has been incredible, and we’re excited to finally welcome everyone through the gates this weekend.”
The music programme features an impressive mix of established Irish acts and emerging talent across three entertainment areas.
Friday’s opening night sees Super Céilí and The Rising build the atmosphere before chart favourites The Highstool Prophets headline the Big Top. Cnoc an Óir perform on the Horizon Stage, while DJ Ray Stack keeps the Heineken Chill Zone alive late into the evening.
Saturday’s lineup includes Electrad, The Circus Ponies and one of Ireland’s most recognisable DJs, Jenny Greene, who headlines what organisers expect to be one of the biggest nights of the festival. Elsewhere, Riffshop, The Vocal Ponies and DJ JJ Hartigan ensure entertainment continues across the entire site.
Sunday offers a completely different experience. The sold-out Bingo Loco takes centre stage before the official Horizon Festival After Party featuring Marty Guilfoyle. Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy performances from Killane, DJ Ray Stack and DJ Ahmed, providing a fitting finale to the three-day celebration.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy some of the biggest sporting events of the weekend without leaving the site. A giant LED screen will broadcast the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, while Sunday’s eagerly awaited All-Ireland Football Championship semi-final between Kerry and Dublin will also be shown live, allowing supporters to enjoy the match before returning to the festival entertainment.
More than 19 performances will take place across the weekend, supported by an extensive food village, premium bars, the Heineken Chill Zone and a range of local food vendors, creating a complete festival experience from afternoon until late each evening.
Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of everything Ballybunion has to offer during their stay, from its Blue Flag beaches and spectacular cliff walks to its world-famous golf links, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs.
With favourable weather, an outstanding lineup, live sport on the giant screen and thousands of visitors expected, organisers believe all the ingredients are in place for an unforgettable opening year.
Those still hoping to attend are encouraged to secure one of the remaining Friday or Saturday tickets, or tickets for the Marty Guilfoyle After Party, before they are gone.
