Arts & Culture

Arts, Culture and Festivals

From the fire of the festival to the lure of literature, the island of Ireland boasts a rich tapestry of arts and cultural activities

Events and activities

Previous Next

Westport Sea Angling Festival

19 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Westport is the proud host of Ireland's longest running sea angling festival with 2013 being the 57th year of the event. The...

DruidMurphy: A Whistle in the Dark at the Lime Tree Theatre

19 Jun 2013 - 22 Jun 2013

Druid presents DruidMurphy in a co-production with Quinnipiac University, NUI Galway, Lincoln Center Festival and Galway Arts...

Celtic Fringe Festival

20 Jun 2013 - 24 Jun 2013

The Celtic Fringe Festival features the artists of the Atlantic Celtic regions of Western Europe using the tragic voyage of the...

Lough Gur Summer Solstice Festival

20 Jun 2013 - 25 Jun 2013

The Lough Gur Summer Solstice Festival celebrates summer with music, song, dance, drama, sporting events and family fun. The...

Lumiere at The Steeple Sessions

20 Jun 2013 - 20 Jun 2013

Lumiere is a Dingle based group comprising the distinctive voices of award winning Pauline Scanlon, Éilís Kennedy and guitar...

Solstice Shenanigans

21 Jun 2013 - 21 Jun 2013

Celebrate the Solstice at one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeology sites in Tullysheherney, Manorhamilton, with hut sites,...

Cork Midsummer Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Cork Midsummer Festival is smart, startling, annual festival that takes place in Cork City and County and captivates a growing...

Solstice Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Solstice Festival marks the Summer Solstice with events including theatre, film, music, dance, visual art and a range of family...

Pirates & Slaves Gathering

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Baltimore Pirate Festival will provide entertainment at the Square with living history 'pirates' and interactive re-enactments of...

Tostál Thoraigh

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Everyone is welcome to Tory Island to participate in the biggest outside exhibition of Tonnaí Thoraigh (traditional Tory céilí...

Earagail Arts Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 21 Jul 2013

The 25th Earagail Arts Festival is a bilingual (Irish and English) multidisciplinary arts festival which takes place every July...

Loughcrew Summer Solstice Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 14 Jul 2013

Loughcrew Summer Solstice Festival is a unique festival to celebrate the Summer solstice, set within amazing surroundings that are...

Dunmore East Festival of Food, Fish & Fun

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

At the 5th annual Dunmore East Festival of Food, Fish & Fun sample some of the foods, music and craic on offer over three days....

Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Dublin Pride 2013 will be a phenomenal festival celebrating three very important historic milestones. This festival will represent...

Cork Midsummer Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

This festival transforms the city each June with a summer solstice celebration of contemporary arts and culture. Expect...

Midsummer Concert at Mussenden Temple

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Lucy Wakeford, harp, and Kathryn Thomas, flute

Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

The best surf and music festival in Ireland. Party beside the sea featuring the best rock and dance music. 'Sea Sessions' is a...

Body And Soul Festival Summer Solstice Weekend

21 Jun 2013 - 23 Jun 2013

Body And Soul presents its own flight of fancy. A decadent secret of sorts. An independent festival with a heart shaped mind and a...

Clare Island Annual Bonfire Beach Party

22 Jun 2013 - 22 Jun 2013

Come along and celebrate Bonfire's Night on a real life island - fun, games, music and craic in the community centre from 9pm.

Rocky Mayhem

22 Jun 2013 - 29 Jun 2013

Rocky Mayhem will again be found this June in the centre of Kilfinane County Limerick, a pretty mountain town, set in the stunning...

Shandon Street Festival & Food Fair

22 Jun 2013 - 22 Jun 2013

Shandon Street Festival takes place in June of each year. It is usually held on the Saturday closest to mid summer's day....

Leinster Way Gathering The Carlow Show

24 Jun 2013 - 25 Aug 2013

A Carlow Show, providing a high quality evening's entertainment with a distinctive Irish and Carlow experience focusing on...

Rose Week at Altamont Gardens

24 Jun 2013 - 28 Jun 2013

Rose Week at Altamont Gardens showcases the wonderful variety, colour patterns and scents of this magnificent rose collection....

Blas International Summer School

24 Jun 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

Hosted annually by the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, Blas is firmly established as one of Ireland’s most...

Mick Conneely & David Munnelly at The Steeple Sessions

25 Jun 2013 - 25 Jun 2013

Fiddle and Bouzouki player Mick Conneely joins virtuoso box player Dave Munnelly to celebrate their recent duet album 'Tis What It...

Brú Ború Summer Show

25 Jun 2013 - 10 Aug 2013

During the summer months from June right through until late August enjoy traditional Irish entertainment nights at the Brú Ború...

Carrick on Shannon Water Music Festival

25 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

The week long Carrick-on-Shannon Water Music Festival features the Lakelands Gala Proms as one of its highlight events. Directed...

Mick McAuley, Winifred Horan & Colm O' Caoimh at The Steeple Sessions

27 Jun 2013 - 27 Jun 2013

SOLAS has long been heralded as one of the most innovative and exciting bands to emerge on the Irish music scene over the last two...

Belfast Pride

28 Jun 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

Belfast Pride is Ireland's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans festival appealing to audiences of over 15,000 people each...

Hay Festival Kells

28 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

The inaugural Hay Festival Kells will take place over three days in June in Kells, Co. Meath. Some programme highlights so far...

Mourne International Walking Festival 2013

28 Jun 2013 - 01 Jul 2013

Set within the spectacular scenery of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are walks to suit all levels of fitness...

West Cork Chamber Music Festival

28 Jun 2013 - 06 Jul 2013

The West Cork Chamber Music Festival will be welcoming world-class ensembles and a host of top international soloists for nine...

Drogheda Samba Festival

28 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Drogheda Samba Festival is a three day celebration of the Samba music, dance and costume with workshops, open air and pub gigs and...

Strawberry Festival

28 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

The Strawberry Festival is one of Ireland's oldest and most diverse of festivals. There is music from local and national artists,...

Newmarket Summer Festival

28 Jun 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

What better way to kick-start the kids' summer holidays than at Newmarket Summer Festival. The festival has marked the arrival of...

Éigse Shéamais Ui Mhaolchataigh

28 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Éigse Shéamais Ui Mhaolchataigh is a celebration of the Irish language, traditions and culture as written and spoken in the Deise...

Deireadh Seachtain na Gaeilge

28 Jun 2013 - 29 Jun 2013

Deireadh Seachtain na Gaeilge is a festival promoting Irish language and culture. Festival events are held in Irish and include a...

Bangor 400 Seashore Festival

29 Jun 2013 - 01 Jul 2013

2013 marks the 400th Anniversary of Bangor’s town charter with a year-long programme of events to celebrate the cultural history...

Westport Festival of Food and Music

29 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Set amidst a stunning 400 acre site in the heart of Westport town in Mayo, Westport Festival of Music and Food is an annual...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

30 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

Powerscourt Estate and Chapterhouse Theatre Company are delighted to present 'Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles'....

Hup! Festival and Connacht Fleadh Cheoil

30 Jun 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

The Hup! Festival is an exciting new, weeklong celebration of all that is good about traditional Irish music, song, dance and...

Annual International Festival for Irish Harp - An Chúirt Chruitireachta

30 Jun 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

The 28th International Harp Festival - An Chúirt Chruitireachta will feature evening concerts, workshops and a harp exhibition. A...

Seosamh MacGabhann Summer School

30 Jun 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

The Seosamh MacGabhann Summer School provides a week of classes with some of the best tutors in traditional Irish music, song,...

Clare Island Art Exhibition: A Tri-Island Art Exhibition

01 Jul 2013 - 31 Aug 2013

Clare Island Art Exhibition: A Tri-Island Art Exhibition will run throughout July and August in the community centre. Works from...

Inishbofin Summer School

01 Jul 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

Inishbofin Summer School 2013 is a weeklong exploration of the wonderful island of Inishbofin in the company of a...

12th Annual Laois Walks Festival

01 Jul 2013 - 31 Jul 2013

The 12th Annual Laois Walks Festival features 23 walks at 21 locations in woodlands, mountains, bogs, canals and minor roads.

Coleman Bodhrán School

01 Jul 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

The Coleman Bodhrán School is the only summer school on mainland Ireland entirely dedicated to learning and playing the bodhrán....

Matt Cranitch & Jackie Daly at The Steeple Sessions

02 Jul 2013 - 02 Jul 2013

De Danann's original box player, the popular Jackie Daly joins renowned fiddler Matt Cranitch for some distinctive Sliabh Luacra...

Clare Island Comhaltas Seisuns

02 Jul 2013 - 27 Aug 2013

Comhaltas Seisuns of traditional Irish music take place every Tuesday evening during July and August. The sessions are presented...

Roundstone Traditional Irish Nights

03 Jul 2013 - 28 Aug 2013

Roundstone Traditional Irish Nights are nights of music, song & dance performed in the Roundstone community centre every Wednesday...

Traditional Music Sessions in Ceoláras Coleman

03 Jul 2013 - 31 Aug 2013

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the traditional music of south Sligo. Summer sessions are held on Wednesday and Saturday...

Bard Summer School

03 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

Please note dates to be confirmed. Bard Summer School explores the Irish myths and goes on a unique journey of discovery for their...

Open Mike Nights on Clare Island

04 Jul 2013 - 29 Aug 2013

Every Thursday evening at Sailor's Bar there is an open mic night which John Hoban MC's. John Hoban is a talented composer,...

Swift Satire Festival

04 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

The Swift Satire Festival is unique, no other festival in the world is dedicated to satire in all its forms (apart from one in...

American Independence Celebrations at the Folk Park

04 Jul 2013 - 08 Jul 2013

Where better to celebrate the 4th of July than in Frontier America? Be transported back in time to the 1770s as the British...

Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival

04 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

Come and meet walkers from more than 21 countries to walk, talk and discover the bogs, rivers, mountains, flora and fauna and the...

4th of July Limerick 2013

04 Jul 2013 - 04 Jul 2013

The 4th of July Limerick is a volunteer driven festival created by the people of Limerick to celebrate American Independence whist...

Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival

04 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

Come and meet walkers from more than 21 countries to walk, talk and discover the bogs, rivers, mountains, flora and fauna and the...

James Kelly & John Blake at The Steeple Sessions

04 Jul 2013 - 04 Jul 2013

James Kelly, regarded as one of the greatest Irish traditional fiddlers alive today, is joined by highly sought after guitarist...

Robert Boyle Summer School

04 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

The Robert Boyle Summer School which will run over four days from 15th -18th July 10.am -10.pm each day, it is will be devoted to...

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Festivals of culture

As the Irish people have a genuine sense of fun, they invented a festival to celebrate all sorts of occasions – the least you can do is join in…

Find out more about Festivals of Culture

Musical traditions

From impromptu sessions in your local bar to the thrilling beat of U2, Ireland has always been home to the best sounds of music

Find out more about Musical Traditions

Literature

Proving the pen is mightier than the sword, the Irish have a unique way with words that can be enjoyed through the ages

Find out more about Literature

Museums & Galleries

Ireland boasts some of Europe’s most intriguing museums and art galleries

Find out more about Museums & Galleries

Free cultural discount pass

Discover some amazing things to see and do around Ireland and save some money, too

Find out more about the discount pass

Listings

Westport Sea Angling Festival
Westport Sea Angling Festival

Westport is the proud host of Ireland's longest running sea angling...

Midsummer Concert at Mussenden Temple
Midsummer Concert at Mussenden Temple

Lucy Wakeford, harp, and Kathryn Thomas, flute

See all listings

What else to explore

Add this page to

Finder

Find somewhere to stay, eat or find activities and events

Places to go

Click on the map to find out more about an area

Map EAST WEST NORTHERN IRELAND SOUTH

Explore larger map view

Special offer

Fishing in Fermanagh. Woodford Cottage sleeps 4 people.

Fishing in Fermanagh. Woodford Cottage sleeps 4 people.

Stay in Woodford Cottage at Crom and you can take up the offer of a 3-day fishing permit for 2 people to use fishing on beautiful...

Did you know?

The harp that can be seen on passports and stamps in the Republic of Ireland is based on a 14th-century harp, which is now kept in Trinity College Dublin and known popularly as the Brian Boru harp.