Between September and January, there are festivals happening up and down the island of Ireland – all showcasing a fantastic array of the creative, artistic and dramatic. Expect brilliant displays of the island of Ireland’s talent, and grand celebrations of culture, music, and food.
Festival Highlights September 2019-January 2020:
- Taste the Island (6th September to 30th November):
Taste the Island is a new all-island event, highlighting the delicious food and drink produced in Ireland and Northern Ireland. From 6 September to 30 November, artisan producers and world-class chefs will come together all around the island, with more than 500 food and drink-related experiences for visitors to savour.
- Dublin Theatre Festival (26th September - 13th October):
Superstar-studded shows, innovative productions and a brilliant mix of international and homegrown talent, the Dublin Theatre Festival is rightly thought of as one of Europe’s top theatrical events. Enjoy 18 days of theatre in a number of exceptional venues, from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin’s vibrant Docklands, to the elegant 18th-century surrounds of the Gate Theatre on Parnell Square in the heart of Georgian Dublin.
- Kilkenny Animated (4th October - 6th October):
Kilkenny Animated is a festival of visual storytelling, incorporating cartoons, animation and illustration. Catch the likes of Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar animators all visiting Ireland’s Ancient East to watch and present a series of exhibitions, talks, workshops and experiences that celebrate the creativity and craft of the visual image.
- Belfast International Arts Festival (15th October - 3rd November):
Belfast International Arts Festival is the city’s longest-running international arts event, and it's not short of things to check out over two and a half weeks of captivating entertainment. Expect an eclectic collection of cutting edge performances for its annual Arts festival, and prepare to be entertained by a whole host of theatrics, performance art, dance and music.
- Sligo Live (18th to 28th October):
As October draws to an end, Sligo town on the Wild Atlantic Way is transformed in preparation for Sligo Live. An always stellar lineup of entertainers celebrates Sligo’s vibrant music scene and rich culture. Sligo Live brings a fantastic legacy of entertainers since it began, including Elvis Costello, Van Morrison and Sheryl Crow.