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Destination:

Ireland


Events


The Gathering
Throughout 2013

This year-long, country-wide event is intended to attract visitors of Irish descent from all over the world. Communities throughout Ireland will showcase the very best of Irish culture, tradition, and sport.

Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, Dublin
Mid-February

Ireland’s premier cinema festival, offering ten days of Irish and international films, and drawing well-known film stars.


St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Dublin
Mid-March

An energetic, family-friendly festival offering four days of street theater, music, and dance, culminating in a parade at noon on March 17.

Irish Grand National
Easter Monday

The primary event of National Hunt horse-racing season, held at Fairyhouse Racecourse, County Meath.


Kilkenny Roots Festival
Early May

All forms of music under the Americana/Roots banner are well represented in this four-day international festival.


Limerick Riverfest
Early May

Limerick’s biggest annual event showcases the city’s music, fashion, art, cuisine and more.


Wicklow Gardens Festival
Early May – Mid August

The longest Garden Festival in Ireland, it features over 30 diverse gardens in Wicklow and its surrounding counties.

Fleadh Nua, Ennis
Late May

The forerunner of Ireland’s many traditional music festivals, offering a week of concerts, music, song and dancing workshops, street entertainment and parades.

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Kilkenny
First weekend in June

This acclaimed comedy festival blends the top Irish and international talent along with breakthrough acts.


Bloomsday, Dublin
Mid-June

Several days of James Joyce-related events lead up to “Bloomsday,” June 16, the day on which his novel Ulysses is set.


Irish Derby
Late June

The biggest event of the Irish flat-racing season, held at The Curragh, County Kildare.


Irish Open Golf Championship
Late June - Early July

Ireland’s major golf tournament is being held at Royal Portrush for the first time in 2012.

Shannon International Music Festival, Limerick
Mid-July

Five-day festival featuring lunchtime, afternoon, evening and candlelight concerts with celebrated national and international guest artists.

Galway Arts Festival
Late July

Ireland’s largest international arts festival, featuring theater, music, visual arts, dance, family events and comedy.


Dublin Horse Show
Mid-August

A celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers.


Kilkenny Arts Festival
Mid-August

10 days of the very best in Irish and international visual art, music (from classical to indie to jazz), theatre and dance, literature, film, craft, children’s and street events.

Absolut Fringe, Dublin
Mid-September

16-day festival of ground-breaking theatre, dance, music, comedy, and spectacle.


Dublin Theatre Festival
Late September - Mid-October

Established in 1957, this is Europe’s oldest specialist theater festival, hosting productions by the world’s most highly regarded artists while also premiering work by the giants of Irish theater.

Wexford Festival Opera
Late October – Early November

Now in its 61st year, this festival explores the rich vein of operatic work worldwide, including forgotten masterpieces.

Ennis Trad Festival
Mid-November

4-day festival that brings together the very best of Irish traditional musicians, singers and dancers in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.


Cork Film Festival
Mid-November

Established in 1956, this festival offers a wide-ranging, eclectic program of big-budget pictures, world cinema, independent films, documentaries and short films from all over the globe.