Things To Do in Ireland

Galway Early Music Festival
Galway
15 May - 18 May 2008

At this event you can enjoy early music and performances such Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance. The festival features a lively street parade along with workshops, theatre events, and food.

Leixlip Festival
Leixlip
May – June 2008

This unique event attracts thousands to the town of Leixlip during its June bank holiday weekend. The festival has taken place each year since 1990 and features entertainment for the entire family. There are live concerts, theatre events, and a street carnival.

Taste of Dublin Festival
Dublin
June 2008

Come to Dublin Castle to dine on some of the city's finest cuisine from area restaurants and chefs. The food is accompanied by live jazz and theatre performances along with a large selection of wine to complement the dishes available for sample.

Dublin Writers Festival
Dublin
11 June - 15 June 2008

This festival celebrates not only the best of contemporary Irish writers, but also the best international writers the world over. Readings, discussions, and interviews allow for exploration of this diverse mix of world literature. Expected at the 2008 festival are writers J.P. Dunleavy, Tobias Wolff, and Marion Keyes among others.

Street Performance World Championship
Dublin
13 June - 15 June 2008

Merrion Square Park hosts the annual world championship for street performance, where for three days excitement reigns. Here you will see the best in acrobatics, miming, and juggling compete as they vie for your vote.

Galway Arts Festival
Galway City
14 July - 27 July 2008

Attracting over 170,000 visitors, this leading arts festival for the Republic of Ireland plays host for some of the country's best artists in a cavalcade of dance, music, street performance, visual art and literature in Galway City each year. Every form of art is represented, with the inclusion of a film festival and a fine art exhibition. This event is truly can't miss for any art lover.

Cork International Folk Dance Festival
Cork
23 July - 27 July 2008

Folk dancing takes center stage for this festival; both local and international troupes come together to celebrate and display their cultural dances. This a wonderful opportunity to see not only the best folk dancing that Ireland has to offer, but also a diverse mix of dancers from as far away as the Philippines.

Puck Fair
Killorglin
August 2008

This fair is almost unknown in origin, dating back to as early as the early 17th century. That does not matter to the people of Killorglin, who each year searches out King Puck out in the mountains to proceed over the fair. King Puck, a wild goat, is crowned king and sits atop a throne for the three day festival. You'll see the great tradition of Ireland at this fair, as well as plenty of food, drink, and entertainment.

Birr Vintage Week
Birr
15 August - 22 August 2008

Anyone interested in classic vehicles will have to check out this annual celebration of all things motorized. Everything, from completely refurbished classics to antique tractors, is displayed and is part of the week's festive parade. Annual events include a fly-in by the Ormond Flying Club, costume competitions, film nights and a photography competition.

Electric Picnic
Stradbally Hall Estate
29 August - 31 August 2008

Up to 30,000 revelers head to Stradbally's Hall Estate for a weekend of camping and music. Admission includes camping and access to the great music for the weekend. Featured this year are The Roots, Franz Ferdinand, Henry Rollins and Sinead O'Connor.

The Garden Heaven Show
Naas
September 2008

The Punchestown Racecourse becomes green at this annual garden exposition. Here you will see on display over 50 nursery exhibits as well as many varieties of plants and trees available for purchase.

The Cork Art Fair
Cork City Hall
26 September - 28 September 2008

The fourth annual contemporary Cork Art Fair promises to delight with an array of artists from Ireland and around the world. This year, the Chernobyl Children's project will benefit from the opening night, where participating artists donate 10% of sales to the international charity.

Dublin Electronic Arts Festival
Dublin
October 2008

This is one of the most comprehensive music festivals offered in Ireland. Not only will you see the best musicians taking the stage over the ten day event, you will also see local and international record labels, promoters, and visual designers looking to find exciting new collaborations and projects.

Wexford Festival Opera
Wexford
16 October - 2 November 2008

The Wexford Festival Opera is the definitive festival for opera, known around the world for its joyful rediscovery of rare or forgotten works by famous composers. This year, a newly rebuilt theater houses the festival, which is the first event to be hosted in the Wexford Opera House.

7Up Christmas on Ice
Dublin
December 2008

This series of events welcomes the Christmas season to Dublin's RDS Arena. Here, you can catch Santa gliding along the ice, learn a few new skating tricks, or relax in the Cozy Café next to the Belgian Chocolate Fountain. Children can skate in their own rink complete with snow slide and puppet show. Bring appropriate footwear for the hourly snowfalls!