Countdown: The Top Ten Independent Music Festivals in Ireland - Number 5 & 4

Part one of this countdown [Numbers 10 & 9] is here: http://bit.ly/9gQT9x
Part two [Numbers 8, 7 & 6] is here: http://bit.ly/aYTU5M
On with today's entries - numbers 5 & 4...

5. Sea Sessions
Where? Bundoran, Co. Donegal
When? June 25th to 27th
Why? Ireland's premier surf and music festival returns [it gets in here ahead of Cois Fharraige due to the lack of announcements on their part] with it's famous ambiance and a better line-up than ever. If you manage to tear yourself away from the surf long enough to enjoy the music you can expect to hear from Fun Lovin' Criminals, FRED, Codes, Dark Room Notes, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, The Frank & Walters, Director, Tom Baxter, Cathy Davey, James Vincent McMorrow, O Emperor and Heather. All of that without even mentioning the headline slot from the Modfather himself - Paul Weller. For just €79.95, it's no wonder that Sea Sessions is rapidly becoming a fixture in the Irish music calender.
More Information is available from http://www.seasessions.com/, while tickets are available via http://www.ticketgroup.ie

4. Castle Palooza
Where? Cherleville Castle, Tullamore
When? July 31st and August 1st
Why? The scenic venue - historic and beautiful, the dozens of workshops, day spa, tours of the castle, etc. should all be reason enough to make the trip, but perhaps a line-up including Mercury Rev, Fionn Regan, James Vincent McMorrow, Norman Jay, Wave-Machines, Yes Cadets, Codes, Cast of Cheers and O Emperor will twist your arm. Tickets are a little steep (compared to the other festivals on offer that weekend - Indiependence, Cork X SW & Athlone are all cheaper) at €99, but that is a really strong line-up.
More Information is available at http://www.castlepalooza.com/