A trip to Ireland means a traditional friendly welcome, amazing scenery, a great deal to see and do and a myriad of Celtic experiences to engage in with plenty of interesting characters to encounter along the way.
One of the best ways to get to grips with the Irish and their lifestyle is to embrace one of the literally hundreds of festivals of every conceivable size, shape and theme that go on throughout the year.
Anyone who has been will tell you that getting up close to an Irish festival is a pleasure for all of the senses – it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to experience life on the Emerald Isle.
Joining in with one of these festivals, as cities, towns and villages convene for an infusion of the renowned Irish craic, adds an extra dimension to a trip to the land of saints and scholars.
It puts you in direct touch with the friendliest people on the planet, as well as providing authentic cultural experiences, fabulous food and endless leisure possibilities: everything you could need for a great time.
Arts and Culture
Kinsale Arts Week; County Cork
7 – 15 July
Spread across 41 different venues in the picturesque seaside town of Kinsale, Arts Week is one of Cork’s biggest summer events. Celebrate Ireland’s creative side as drama, literature, art, and food take over the town.
Prices vary. Free admission for certain events.
For more information, see www.kinsaleartsweek.com
Galway Arts Festival; County Galway
16 – 29 July
Galway will come alive for the final two weeks of July as Ireland’s largest international Arts Festival celebrates its 35th birthday. Headline music acts will complement the ground breaking theatre and art on offer, ensuring the party carries on into the night.
Prices vary.
For more information, see www.galwayartsfestival.com
Peace Camp 2012; County Derry-Londonderry / County Antrim
19 – 22 July
Throughout July, eight glowing encampments will appear simultaneously at locations that ring the coast of the UK. The artwork is the inspiration of Deborah Warner and actor Fiona Shaw, and the aim is to celebrate the variety and beauty of the coastline. Two locations in Northern Ireland will be lit up: White Park Bay in County Antrim, and Mussenden Temple in County Derry-Londonderry.
For more information, see www.peacecamp2012.com
Kilkenny Arts Festival; County Kilkenny
10 –19 August
Indulge in a feast of artistic pursuits, including classical music, theatre, dance, literature, visual art and craft. Many events take place in the stunning historic venues of Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey.
Prices start from £8
For more information, see www.kilkennyarts.ie
‘Happy Days’ Enniskillen International Beckett Festival; County Fermanagh
23 –27 August
The world’s first annual festival to celebrate the work and influence of Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett takes place in Enniskillen, where Beckett spent his early years. The festival includes re-enactments and readings of Beckett’s work, as well as performances by writers and actors he has influenced.
Prices start from £20
For more information, see www.happy-days-enniskillen.com
Fairs and Festivals
August Féile; Belfast
2 – 12 August
August Féile is the largest community festival in Ireland, attracting over 70,000 people from across the globe each year. The 10 day programme includes a carnival parade with floats, street performances, comedy, music, and community events.
Admission is free.
For more information, see www.feilebelfast.com
Puck Fair; County Kerry
10 – 12 August
The Puck Fair is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals, and has been celebrated in the town of Killorglin for nearly 400 years. Each year, a wild mountain goat is crowned king of the town and reigns over for three days. Watch the coronation ceremony and parade, enjoy storytelling and traditional music, revel in the funfair, and much more in this 36 marathon of family fun.
Admission is free.
For more information, see www.puckfair.ie
Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival; County Kerry
23 –26 August
Held in the small village of Waterville, which was regularly visited by Chaplin, this festival celebrates the life and work of one of the world’s most famous comedy actors. Events include film screenings, cultural activities, a vintage car rally and circus acts.
Prices vary.
For more information, see www.chaplinfilmfestival.com
Food and Drink
Cork City International Gourmet Food Festival; County Cork
28 July – 6 August
Dubbed the ‘food capital’ of Ireland, Cork is the place to be during the International Gourmet Food Festival. Foodie highlights include restaurant discounts, the Cork Gourmet Trail, and the Jazz Brunch.
Admission is free.
For more information, see www.discoverireland.com
Activities and Sports
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Homecoming; County Derry-Londonderry
29th June – 8th July
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will make its homecoming leg from Nova Scotia to Northern Ireland, arriving in Derry~Londonderry in early July 2012. The city will be holding a four day maritime festival to celebrate the visit of the world’s longest race. The festival, which takes place on the banks of the river Foyle, includes colourful riverfront celebrations of music, cultural performances, specialty markets and exhibitions, all leading to a spectacular send-off on the 7th July.
Admission is free.
For more information, see www.clipperroundtheworld.com
Volvo Ocean Race; County Galway
30 June – 8 July
The Volvo Ocean Race fleet will arrive in Galway on the 3rd July to a festival of sport, culture, arts, entertainment, and food. The eight day event celebrates the finale of the nine leg event which kicked off in October 2011.
Admission is free
For more information, see www.volvooceanracegalway.ie
The Tall Ships Race; Dublin
23 – 26 August
Expect to spend your weekend staring upwards as 100 towering vessels travel to the heart of Dublin. Climb aboard, inspect the crew and sail away with the whole family.
Admission is free.
For more information, see www.dublintallships.ie
For more information, visit www.discoverireland.com or for images log on to www.discoverirelandmedia.com
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