There’s something to suit every passion from food to music, theatre to dance, in Ireland’s jam-packed programme of first-class festivals. Here are some top picks.
Europe’s oldest specialised theatre festival takes centre stage in the city over 18 days delivering pioneering international productions, provocative Irish work, theatre for children, critical talks, artist development programmes and industry events. This year’s festival once again presents an eclectic mix of old and new, intimate and grand, to make audiences laugh, cry and ponder the power of drama.
Belfast, Lonely Planet’s no. 1 destination to visit in 2018, will be buzzing during its internationally renowned contemporary arts festival, which presents a top-class programme of theatre, dance, literature, classical and roots music, visual, film and digital arts. Over 120 events, including 12 premieres, will entertain and inspire festival goers.
Renowned for discovering and presenting hidden gems, this year’s Wexford Opera Festival includes a verismo double-bill, a European premiere and a classic comic opera. With principal singers hailing from 11 countries, three daytime ShortWorks operas, concerts, recitals, theatre and talks, the festival presents 62 fantastic events over the 17-day period that will delight opera fans.
With top performers from around the world including Billy Childs All Star Quartet, Laura Mvula, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival will set the city alight with rhythm and jaw-dropping talent. Follow the music trail around 40 Cork venues to enjoy everything from ska to swing to brass and music that defies categorisation.
Savour the culinary delights of the medieval city of Kilkenny during five days of masterclasses with award-winning chefs, quirky dining events, beer and wine tasting, live entertainment and a bustling market stuffed with delicious delicacies.
Named the world’s best Hallowe’en destination, Derry~Londonderry presents a spectacular festival, this year running for nine days and themed Return of the Ancients. Highlights will include Awakening the Walls, which creates a supernatural animation trail around the 400-year-old City Walls, Spark! Street Theatre, Museum of the Moon and the largest Hallowe’en carnival parade in Europe.
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