West

Situated in one of Ireland's prettiest villages, the Adare Heritage Centre covers the area’s unique history from 1233 to the present day. Told through realistic model enactments, the centre also provides audio-visuals in French, Italian, German, Irish and English.

Enjoy a night of musical splendor and entertainment, with excellent food, fine wine and medieval fare at a castle banquet in Bunratty Castle, Knappogue and Dunguaire Castles.

Generally taking place in July, the Earagail Arts Festival includes theatre and comedy, outdoor family events, children’s events, exhibitions, film and workshops. Over 80 events take place at over 35 locations in County Donegal. Check the website for current dates and programme.

Ireland’s largest annual arts is varied and fun with writers, artists, performers and musicians from Ireland and all around the world.

An annual celebration of great food, accompanied by great fun, now in its 51st year and still going strong.

Admire William Morris wallpaper and textiles, as well as Islamic and Japanese art at this elegant 19th-century house. The gallery’s impressive collection also includes works by over 300 20th-century artists including Picasso and Kokoshka.

Held by An Grianan Theatre, the Hysterical Comedy Festival serves up the best of national and international comedians and comedy acts. Check the website for current dates and programme.

Immerse yourself in the best that Irish culture has to offer: learn the Irish language in a Gaeltacht area; attend an Irish music or dancing summer school; or brush up on your painting or pottery skills.

The historical village of Killaloe boasts stacks of attractions and used to be the site of Kincora, the palace of Brian Ború, famed 11th century King of Ireland. Sadly, little remains of the original fort, but you can learn all about it at the Killaloe Heritage and Brian Ború Centre.

A fascinating museum with models of Kilmallock, an intriguing 16th-century walled town, and other local historical and archeological artifacts.

Linenhall offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions, drama, literature and film, plus workshops for adults and children.

Housed in a beautifully renovated model school, which dates back to 1862, The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is one of the premier arts centres in Ireland, with an extensive programme of visual and performing arts.

The first branch of the National Museum to be situated outside Dublin, the Country Life Museum portrays the life of ordinary people who lived in Ireland from 1850-1950. Housed within a beautiful High Victorian Gothic-style house, the museum also encompasses extensive gardens.

A spectacular showcase of traditional Irish music, song and dance inspired by the remote Aran Islands and performed daily during the summer on Inis Mór.

Focussing on the music of a specific composer, this festival takes place over three days with a series of concerts in the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.

Vibrant and exciting, the Shannon International Music Festival takes place over four days from 20th to 24th July, with a selection of lunchtime, evening and candlelit concerts in the heart of Limerick city.

One of Ireland’s most important private collections of art and antiquities, the Hunt Museum contains pieces dating from the Neolithic period to modern times, including works from Renoir, Picasso and Jack B Yeats.

Discover the history and variety of Ireland’s most famous instrument, or pluck up the courage and learn to play. The centre hosts year-round activities including harp workshops, summer schools, music therapy and harp tuition.

An impressive permanent collection of Irish Art from the 18th to 20th centuries including works from Jack B Yeats and Sean Keating.

As well as informal music sessions every night in pubs, there are many annual festivals, such as the Féile Chois Chuain in Louisburg, County Mayo; and the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park, which is the perfect setting for a celebration of all the best in Irish traditions.

Unearth the genius of the late, great WB Yeats, resident poet of County Sligo. Yeats had a special relationship with this beautiful county, which is celebrated by the Sligo Yeats Society. The programme of events includes a Yeats International Summer and Winter School.