CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS & EVENTS 2013 GATHERING-IRELAND // 2013 BE PART OF IT
This year Ireland is throwing one hell of a party – and we want you to be a part of it! The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a spectacular, 12-month celebration of all things Irish and every man, woman and child in the country is invited to join in. The green carpet is out in villages, parishes, and towns, welcoming hundreds of thousands of friends from home and abroad to relish the very best of our Irish culture, tradition, business, sport – and most importantly sense of fun! The calendar for The Gathering Ireland 2013 is packed with amazing exhibitions, fun festivals, cracking concerts and super sporting events in what promises to be an unforgettable year. So gather your friends and family and make a date to experience Ireland like you have never experienced it before. You won’t be sorry!
GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS
THE GATHERING MORPETH ROLL EXHIBITION TOUR
We didn’t have Facebook in the 1800’s, but Irish people still found a unique way to say goodbye to the popular Chief Secretary of Ireland, Lord Morpeth, as he returned to England. In September 1841 300,000 people signed the biggest ‘Bon Voyage’ card ever, filling 652 sheets of paper. You can see The Morpeth Roll, the world’s largest paper collection of original signatures, this year as it goes on tour around Ireland for the first time. Starting in NUI Maynooth on St. Patrick’s day it then travels to Westport House, Co. Mayo; Derrynane, Co. Kerry; Kilkenny; Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and Belfast. More at www.thegatheringireland.com THE GATHERING CRUISE THE GATHERING DUBLIN
From July 17th - August 1st the high seas will come alive as over one The Gathering Dublin is luring people who hundred cruising boats form a colourful flotilla along the east and south love Ireland home for a year of 25 fantastic coasts of Ireland in July as part of the Gathering Cruise! After sailing from invitational events. Teams from all over the the UK in majestic formation, the Gathering Cruise officially starts in Dublin, world will “Meet to Compete” in South Dublin making a magnificent sight as it proudly sails south. Be on hand to welcome - and you are invited to join in the craic and them in ports along the way. fun too! Why not take in a game and see The flotilla will assemble in Kinsale, top international talent compete in their Co. Cork, for a welcome Gathering chosen field at super venues including Tallaght Cruise party, before exploring the Stadium, The National Basketball Arena, and the Civic Theatre. There is lots South West coastline for a week. to choose from with American Football and Baseball games, golf and cricket They meet again in Dingle, Co. Kerry, tournaments, bridge and art competitions, and the good old Irish favourite for a Gathering Cruise farewell. the Feis!
See www.thegatheringireland.com See www.thegatheringireland.com
SPORTING GATHERINGS ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL
Make this the year you get out and cheer at a great sporting occasion! 2013 This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is going to be extra special! For the first sees Ireland host some wonderful sporting events, so lend your support time ever the St. Patrick’s Festival is inviting 8,000 people from around the whilst soaking up the atmosphere! May 17th -18th sees the European Club world to march in the Parade in Dublin on March 17th. Give them a great Rugby Finals take place in Dublin, with the Amlin Challenge Cup in the RDS welcome and soak up the green atmosphere as the Parade passes many on the 17th and the Heineken Cup Final in the Aviva Stadium the following historic city landmarks. Also this year there day, while Ireland’s top hurlers take to the Cooley Mountains on August 3rd will be a free cultural programme titled “I for the All Ireland Poc Fada. If you love track Love My City”. Dublin’s rich heritage will and field this year’s European Athletics Team be celebrated with a variety of events in Championships take place in Santry Stadium beautiful venues and spaces in Dublin’s with 650 top athletes participating. Marathon historic Georgian Quarter, stretching from runners with Irish connections from all over Merrion Square to Kildare Street. the world will take part in the Inaugural Tralee International Marathon on March 16th. See www.thegatheringireland.com
See www.thegatheringireland.com
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com JANUARY// 2013
NYE Dublin 2013 Shannonside Winter Various locations, Dublin City Centre Music Weekend 31 December 2012 - 1 January 2013 Sixmilebridge & Bunratty, Co. Clare Dublin’s New Year Festival 17 - 20 January with a Countdown Concert This acoustic roots festival is & plenty of free events a bluegrass hoedown, a blues including a fireworks display, jam, a traditional fleadh, a torchlit procession, 5 festival folk festival, and a classical zones and the Big Brunch. recital all in one! Add in singer’s sessions, set dancing, poetry & unique venues and you are guaranteed a fantastic weekend! Temple Bar TradFest www.nyedublin.ie www.wmw.ie 22 - 27 January
Yeats Winter School Mozart’s Masterworks Temple Bar TradFest Limerick Racecourse Gathering 2013 St. Finian’s Lutheran Church in Ireland, 2013 National Hunt Racing Sligo Town, Co. Sligo Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick 18 - 20 January 21 - 25 January 22 - 27 January 23 January The Yeats Winter School is An intimate concert series Temple Bar TradFest is one Enjoy midweek National designed as an interlude, presenting a selection of of Ireland’s largest festivals Hunt Racing at Limerick which allows the visitor the Mozart’s superb chamber of Irish Music and Culture. Racecourse this January. opportunity to learn more works, performed on period Experience Irish Music Racing begins at 12.30pm. about W.B. Yeats and his instruments, including a in Ireland’s most iconic family against the backdrop fortepiano. buildings, enjoy 200 free of the places which events, music trail, street inspired them. performances and more!
www.yeats-sligo.com www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com www.templebartrad.com www.limerickraces.ie
Ardara Country & Music for Galway Western Weekend Midwinter Festival Ardara, Co. Donegal Galway City, Co. Galway 25 - 27 January 25 - 27 January Country and western Outstanding international weekend with workshops artists come together in jiving and line dancing, to perform a variety of dancing sessions and pub Beethoven’s masterpieces music sessions. over three days. The music will be complemented by readings from letters of Beethoven, discussion and film. HELL & BACK Winter Challenge www.ardara.ie www.musicforgalway.ie 27 January and 3 February Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05
*New Year’s Day
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Pro-Cathedral Concert HELL & BACK Winter Series 2013 Challenge Dublin 1 Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co. Wicklow 27 January 27 January and 3 February St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral’s second concert series Ireland’s toughest 10K featuring Baroque choral masterworks by J.S. challenge! Join this unique Bach and Handel. Under the musical direction 10K through Killruddery - of Blánaid Murphy, director of all choirs 1,200 acres of torture at featured in the series. the foot of Little Sugarloaf! Push your physical & mental capabilities to bursting point in harsh winter conditions.
Mozart’s Masterworks www.ctb.ie/myticket www.hellandback.ie 21 - 25 January
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on FEBRUARY// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
*St. Valentine’s Day
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28
Glen of Aherlow Winter Safety Direct Galway Dublin Chinese New Hennessy Gold Cup Walking Festival International Rally 2013 Year Festival Leopardstown Race Course, Foxrock, Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary Galway City & County Dublin City Dublin 18 1 - 3 February 2 - 3 February 8 - 18 February (tbc) 9 February Walking Festival with The opening round of the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival The Hennessy Gold Cup is one of the highlights 9 guided walks on the 2013 Irish Tarmac Rally 2013 welcomes the Year of the Snake, of the Irish Racing Calendar. This high class Galtees and Slievenamuck Championship, with a celebrating the best in Chinese Irish race is also seen by many as a trial for Irish Hills. Festival base is at number of the top Irish and culture and entertainment. contenders for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Aherlow House Hotel possibly some international with music, Club Ceoil & rally drivers competing on a festival dinner. Courtesy the stages in Galway. bus on Saturday night for non-residents.
www.aherlow.com www.galwayinternationalrally.com www.cny.ie www.goracing.ie Ireland versus England (Six Nations Championships) AVIVA Stadium, Dublin 4 10 February Ireland play England in the annual international rugby union competition involving six European sides. Always a competitive fixture and a great weekend.
Cork Spring Poetry Festival Tedfest 13 - 16 February www.irishrugby.ie 21 - 24 February
Cork Spring Poetry Jameson Dublin Nenagh Silent Film Dingle Walking Festival International Film Festival Festival Festival - Féile Suílóid Cork City Cinemas across Dublin City Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Chorca Dhuibhne 13 - 16 February 14 - 24 February 14 - 17 February Dingle, Co. Kerry The Cork Spring Poetry Established in 2003, Rudolf Valentino will rub shoulders with 16 - 17 February Festival showcases The Jameson Dublin modern lovers at The Nenagh Silent Film Discover one of the most beautiful places on contemporary poets of International Film Festival Festival. Included are classic features, earth during the Dingle Walking Festival - Féile national and international has fast become Ireland’s contemporary shorts, a masked ball, lectures, Siúilóid Chorca Dhuibhne. renown through readings, premier feature film festival workshops and more. discussions, workshops, and takes place in Dublin music and film shows. over the course of eleven days and nights in February.
www.corkpoetryfest.net www.jdiff.com www.nenaghsilentfilmfestival.com www.dinglewalkingfestival.com
The 14th Gathering Tedfest Russell Memorial 12th Annual Corofin Traditional Festival Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. Galway Weekend Traditional Festival 2013 21 - 24 February Doolin, Co. Clare Corofin, Co. Clare INEC, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry Tedfest is the annual 22 - 25 February 25 February - 3 March 20 - 24 February celebration of Father The Russell Memorial Weekend was established A week long festival of the This festival is firmly established as one of the Ted with the Lovely Girls in 1995 to celebrate traditional music, song best of Irish Music and Song, most popular celebrations of Irish song and Contest, Ted’s Got Talent and and dance. It is a tribute to the world famous featuring the country’s top dance the world over. It has grown in strength The Craggy Cup. traditional musician Micho Russell & his traditional musicians, free since its inception way back in 1999. brothers, Packie and Gussie. concerts, recitals, workshops and a great session trail in the village’s six pubs.
www.thegathering.ie www.tedfest.org www.michorussellweekend.ie www.corofintradfest.com
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com MARCH// 2013
Ennis Book Club ST. PATRICK’S Festival WEEK AROUND Ennis, Co. Clare IRELAND 1 - 3 March St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated at festivals and A unique festival for parades in almost every town and village book clubs and readers. throughout Ireland. For plenty of parades, A wonderful literary and activities and fun things to do visit social gathering with author www.discoverireland.ie readings, theatre, workshops SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE and wine tastings - all in one of Ireland’s most Nationwide attractive towns. 4 - 17 March www.snag.ie St. Patricks Festival KILTIMAGH ST. PATRICK’S www.ennisbookclubfestival.com 14 - 18 March WEEK FESTIVAL 15 - 21 March www.kiltimagh.ie 24th Cork French Film Ireland versus France Dublin City Festival of LIMERICK ST. PATRICK’S Festival (Six Nations Championships) Russian Culture FESTIVAL Various venues in Cork City & County Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4 Dublin City 15 - 18 March 3 - 10 March 9 March 9 - 15 March www.limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival Alliance Française de Cork Ireland play France in the annual international A wealth of vibrant will roll out the red carpet rugby union competition involving six activities are on offer CORK ST. PATRICK’S for this nationally acclaimed European sides. France always bring great flair including traditional music, FESTIVAL film festival with feature to the game and a buzz to the city. A great dance, children’s activities, 16 - 18 March films, documentaries, rugby weekend. lively performances, chess www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie shorts, cine-concerts, live challenges, artisan food audio-visual events and and cookery, cinema, WATERFORD CITY ST. much more! informative exhibitions PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL All are welcome! and lectures. 17 March www.discoverwaterfordcity.ie www.corkfrenchfilmfestival.com www.irishrugby.ie www.dublincity.ie/russianfestival WEXFORD ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL St. Patrick’s Festival Connemara Four Dingle International 17 March www.wexfordparade.com Dublin City Seasons Spring Film Festival 14 - 18 March Walking Festival Dingle, Co. Kerry St. Patrick’s Festival Connemara, Co. Galway 15 - 18 March is Ireland’s leading 15 - 17 March One of the best film festivals multi-disciplinary arts Explore Connemara with for content, atmosphere, festival, which takes place guides Michael Gibbons & location and attention to annually over a 4-5 day Gerry McCluskey providing detail. Unique screening period, in celebration of a unique insight into the experiences, stars and talent, Ireland’s national holiday, rich cultural, archaeological seminars and workshops St. Patrick’s Day. and historic heritage of this and home to The Gregory most beautiful and wild Peck Award. part of the country.
www.stpatricksfestival.ie www.discoverireland.ie/connemara www.dinglefilmfestival.com Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
*St. Patrick’s Day *Bank Holiday
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 *Easter *Good Friday Sunday
Galway Food Festival North Leitrim Glens 19th Easter Racing Galway City, Co. Galway Walking Festival 2013 Fairyhouse, Co. Meath and Mallow Co. Cork 28 March - 1 April North Leitrim 30 March - 3 April 5 days of fantastic food 30 - 31 March Take in some racing this Easter at Fairyhouse and free, family-friendly North Leitrim Glens 19th Walking Festival (31 March-2 April) with 3 days of high class events on the Easter offers both a long and a short hill walk each horse racing, Ladies Day and Ladbrokes Irish Bank Holiday Weekend, day in the magical North Leitrim Glens. Grand National on Easter Monday. Or why not showcasing the best Also a guided Sunday Ramble suitable for head southwards for some fun at the Racing that Galway has to all for all abilities. Home for Easter Festival in Mallow, Co. Cork offer. Featuring over 100 (30 March-3 April). This five day festival is sure individual events. Don’t to entertain all - focusing on racing, heritage, miss it! culture and style!
www.fairyhouse.ie Fairyhouse Easter Festival www.galwayfoodfestival.com http://sites.google.com/site/hshillwalkers www.racinghomeforeaster.com 31 March - 2 April
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on APRIL// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05 06
*Easter Monday
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
Dublin: One City, One The International Pan Clifden Traditional Waterford Festival Book 2013 Celtic Festival Carlow 2013 Music Festival of Food Dublin City Carlow Town, Co. Carlow Connemara, Co. Galway Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 1 - 30 April 2 - 7 April 5 - 7 April 11 - 14 April Dublin: One City, One Book 2013 will celebrate Celebrate the Celtic cultures Clifden Trad Fest will be a This popular Festival of Food James Plunkett’s ‘Strumpet City’ with many of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, weekend of the very best of is a family friendly, weekend events around the city throughout the month Cornwall, Brittany and the Irish traditional music, song long celebration of locally of April. Isle of Man through music, and dance. Now in its 4th produced and prepared song, dance and language. year, the festival features food. Visit and enjoy a wide music sessions, concerts, range of great indoor and workshops, outdoor gigs outdoor events. and more.
www.dublinonecityonebook.ie www.panceltic.ie www.clifdentradfest.com www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com Phase One: Electronic TAKE PART Music and Arts Festival April sees a host of fantastic events for those who want to embrace the great outdoors – Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. go on get your name down today! 19 - 21 April BRAY TRAIL BLAZER Explorations of electronic Bray, Co. Wicklow music and art. A new festival featuring electronic music, 6 April (tbc) digital and visual arts, film, www.gaelforceevents.com performances, installations, talks, demonstrations, ELVERYS SPORTS workshops and much more. CONNEMARA Be part of it! INTERNATIONAL MARATHON Waterford Festival of Food Maam Cross, Connemara, Co. Galway 11 - 14 April 7 April www.phaseonefestival.com www.connemarthon.com GREAT IRELAND RUN 2013 Franco-Irish Visit Nenagh Cycling Cork World Book Fest 2013 Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 Literary Festival Classic Cork City, Co. Cork 14 April Dublin City Nenagh, Co. Tipperary 23 - 27 April www.greatirelandrun.org 19-21 April 21 April A unique and lively WICKLOW ADVENTURE The Franco-Irish Literary A one day cycling festival. celebration of books and RACE Festival is celebrating Whilst top athletes battle it reading, bringing writers and Europe! Due to the Irish out to win the prestigious events to non-traditional Glendalough, Co. Wicklow Presidency of the EU and Killoran Slate Trophy, and innovative settings. 20 April the Gathering Ireland, the spectators can enjoy a www.wicklowadventurerace.com festival opens its doors country market, town walk, to writers from several street entertainers, live COOLEY LEGENDS HALF countries in Europe. music and a family MARATHON fun cycle! Carlingford, Co. Louth 20 April (tbc) www.cooleylegendshalfmarathon.wordpress.com www.francoirishliteraryfestival.com www.visitnenagh.net www.constantreader.ie DUNMORE EAST GOLF CLASSIC 2013 Irish National Cúirt International Dublin Bay Prawn Dunmore East, Co. Waterford Hunt Festival Festival of Literature/ Festival 28 April - 2 May Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Féile Idirnáisiúnta Howth, Co. Dublin www.discoverdunmore.com Co. Kildare Litríochta 24 - 28 April 23 - 27 April Galway City, Co. Galway A celebration of all things This 5 day festival is a 23 - 28 April Dublin Bay and all things national treasure mixing Ireland’s premier writer’s festival which has fun, the festival offers top class sport, fashion, hosted writers, poets, playwrights, songwriters, an interesting mix of food, music and the unique workshops, discussions, debates and lectures in street food fair, in-house atmosphere that attracts all aspects of the written word. specialities, music, family over 100,000 people every fun and a programme of year. The social and sporting walks, talks and seaside highlight of the racing antics. calendar!
www.punchestown.com www.galwayartscentre.ie www.dublinbayprawnfestival.com
FindMore out festivals more aboutand events The Gathering at www.discoverireland.ie 2013 and how to be part/whats-on of it www.thegatheringireland.com MAY// 2013
MAY BANK An Post Tour of Guth Gafa International European Club Rugby Sligo Cycle Documentary Film Finals Weekend HOLIDAY Sligo Festival AVIVA Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 The bank holiday weekend is packed full of 4 - 5 May 17-18 May events to keep everyone entertained, no Inishowen, Co. Donegal and Derry City matter what your interest. For many more Join the ‘Spin for All’ 10k 10 - 19 May Dublin becomes the epicentre of European suggestions and for a full list log onto on Saturday 4th May and club rugby with the staging of both the A unique film event in www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on cycle the 60k/100k/160k Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup on Sunday 5th May. It is a beautiful village with finals in May. The RDS will be the venue for a wonderful opportunity screenings for documentary the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday 17 FÉILE NA BEALTAINE lovers and film enthusiasts, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry for cyclists to enjoy leisure May, with the Heineken Cup showpiece going cycling and witness the discussions and debates on ahead the following day at the Aviva Stadium. 2 - 6 May www.feilenabealtaine.ie stunning Sligo scenery. social and environmental issues, workshops and lots CARTELL.IE RALLY of fun. OF THE LAKES www.ercrugby.com Killarney, Co. Kerry www.tourofsligo.ie www.guthgafa.com 3 - 5 May www.rallyofthelakes.com Bray Jazz Festival A CHORAL FEAST Celtic Series Tour de The Lismore Music Bray, Co. Wicklow Conamara Festival 3 - 5 May www.brayjazz.com A choral feast for the ears - make sure to take Clifden, Co. Galway Lismore & Blackwater Valley, Co. Waterford in one of the many choral festivals. The Cork 25 - 26 May 25 May - 2 June SMITHWICK’S KILKENNY International Choral Festival (1 - 5 May) starts ROOTS FESTIVAL this month and is followed the next week by Celtic Series Tour de A unique summer music Conamara will feature a opera festival in the stunning Various venues in Kilkenny City, the Navan Choral Festival (9 - 12 May) which 140km and 80km cycle surroundings of Lismore Co. Kilkenny also plays host to the National Choir of the Year Competition. In the North West don’t miss sportive on Saturday Castle and Gardens and 3 - 6 May www.kilkennyroots.com the Mayo International Choral Festival (23 - 26 25th May in Clifden and along the Blackwater River. a team trial challenge on RIVERFEST 2013 May) while the Limerick Sings International Choral Festival (31 May - 3 June) sees us into Sunday 26th May in Carna, Limerick City, Co. Limerick June and runs over the bank holiday weekend. Connemara over 40km. 3 - 6 May www.riverfest.ie Family entertainment www.corkchoral.ie on Sunday. www.mayochoral.com SLIEVE BLOOM WALKING www.limericksings.com FESTIVAL www.navanchoralfestival.com www.celticseries.ie www.lismoremusicfestival.com Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co. Offaly 3 - 6 May www.slievebloom.ie Listowel Writers’ Tattersalls The Cat Laughs Comedy THE CUP OF TAE FESTIVAL Week International Horse Festival Ardara, Co. Donegal Listowel, Co. Kerry Trials and Country Fair Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny 3 - 6 May www.cupoftaefestival.com 29 May - 2 June Ratoath, Co. Meath 30 May - 3 June 30 May - 2 June FESTIVAL OF THE FIRES An internationally acclaimed An internationally acclaimed festival literary festival devoted to The family will love the thrills which showcases the very best in Irish and The Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath bringing together writers and spills of this fabulous international comedy acts set in various 4 - 5 May www.festivalofthefires.com and audiences at unique event. You don’t have to be an venues around the beautiful medieval city and innovative events in the equestrian guru to enjoy the of Kilkenny. GREAT LIMERICK RUN surroundings of Listowel, weekend. This event combines Limerick City, Co. Limerick Co. Kerry. the highest standard of equestrian sports with good 5 May www.greatlimerickrun.com food, shopping, entertainment and family fun - a weekend not to be missed! www.writersweek.ie www.thecatlaughs.com www.tattshorsetrials.ie Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
*May Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Rory Gallagher Bloom International Tribute Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 Festival 2013 30 May - 3 June Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal Ireland’s premier gardening 30 May - 2 June and horticulture event, combining food, craft, and Rory Gallagher entertainment with show International Tribute gardens, live stages and Festival celebrates family activities. Ireland’s greatest rock ‘n blues star in his native town of Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. This is the biggest gathering of rock blues fans in Ireland. Bloom www.goingtomyhometown.com www.bloominthepark.com 30 May - 3 June
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on JUNE// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
*June Bank Holiday
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
TriAthy 2013 Ocean to City - Cork’s Flora Women’s Mini John Ford Ireland Athy, Co. Kildare Maritime Festival Marathon Symposium 1 June Cork City & County Starting Fitzwilliam Street Dublin and Various venues in Dublin City Centre finishing at St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Ireland’s fastest triathlon 1 - 8 June (tbc) 6 - 9 June (tbc) 3 June returns to the River Barrow Ocean to City Maritime A four-day symposium and festival celebrating at Athy for the seventh Festival celebrates Cork’s Women’s 10k race, with one of the world’s greatest film directors of all year running of this popular heritage and harbour. most of the participants time, the legendary Irish American – John Ford. event. There’s a race for The original ‘An Rás Mór’ fundraising for the charity In addition, a week long film school ‘gathering‘ everyone at TriAthy - from rowing race has grown into of their choice. Millions of will take place, attracting leading talent and the absolute beginner to the a festival including boat euros have been collected film enthusiasts from all over the world. seasoned veteran. Join in! trips, harbour & navy tours, for charity from this event workshops, films and over the past 30 years. family fun.
www.florawomensminimarathon.ie www.johnfordireland.org www.triathy.com www.oceantocity.com The Táin March WORLD SOUNDS Co. Louth This month there is an eclectic line up of musical events showcasing singers, musicians, 6 - 9 June groups and sounds from across the globe. The Táin March is a 4 day event that recreates Whatever your taste in music there is bound the march of Queen Maeve of Connaught from to be something this June that appeals! Tulsk in Co. Roscommon to Cooley in Co. Louth Forbidden Fruit Music to capture the Brown Bull of Cooley. Festival Kilmainham, Dublin 8 1 - 3 June (tbc) www.forbiddenfruit.ie
International Gospel Choir Festival European Athletics Team Championships Kilkenny City www.thetainmarch.com 22 - 23 June 13 - 16 June www.kilkennygospelchoirfestival.com Home from the sea- International Quilt Carlow Arts Festival European Athletics rosses point shanty Festival of Ireland 2013 Éigse - The Borris Team Championships and seafaring festival NUI Galway, University Road, Co. Galway House Hay Festival Santry, Dublin 9 Rosses Point, Co. Sligo 7 - 9 June 2013 Borris, Co. Carlow 22 - 23 June 14 - 16 June www.rossespointshanty.com Second annual quilt festival, offering the largest 8 - 9 June Europe’s premier group of quilts ever to be assembled in Ireland, This weekend brings international team athletics Carrick-on-Shannon with over 17 exhibits featuring hundreds of together leading competition involving 12 quilts from all over the world. international writers with of the top nations in the Water Music Festival continent. This will be the Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim the finest Irish scribes in a feast of talk, memoir, fiction, highest quality athletics 24 - 30 June competition ever to take www.carrickonshannonwatermusic.com debate, film, comedy and reading. place in Ireland. Drogheda Samba Festival www.athleticsireland.ie www.iqfoi.com Drogheda, Co. Louth www.eigsecarlow.ie www.dublinathletics2013.ie 28 - 30 June www.droghedasamba.com
Sea Sessions Surf and MIDSUMMER FESTIVALS Discover Ireland Irish Dubai Duty Free Irish Music Festival 2013 Open (Golf) Derby Bundoran, Co. Donegal The 21st of June is midsummer and what Maynooth, Co. Kildare The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare 28 - 30 June (tbc) better way to celebrate than taking in one 27 - 30 June 28 - 30 June www.seasessions.com of the many festivals happening across the country? Why not visit Galway Sessions The 2013 Irish Open will The most famous West Cork Chamber (17 - 23 June), Strawberry Fest (21 - 23 June be contested at Carton international horse racing Music Festival tbc), Dublin Pride (21 - 30 June), Loughcrew House on The Montgomerie event in Ireland featuring Bantry, Co. Cork Summer Solstice Festival (21 June - 14 July Course, designed by 7 times the best of racing, food, 28 June - 6 July tbc), Love Longford Summer Festival (21 - 30 European Order of Merit fashion and fun for all www.westcorkmusic.ie June) or Cork Midsummer Festival (21 - 30 winner Colin Montgomerie. the family. June) and make this summer solstice one to It’s always an exciting golf Westport Festival of remember. tournament with Music & Food big attendances. Westport, Co. Mayo 29 - 30 June www.westportfestival.com www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on www.europeantour.com www.curragh.ie
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com JULY// 2013 ARTS FESTIVALS Swift Satire Festival Castlebar Clonmel Junction Soak up some culture at some of the many Trim, Co. Meath International Four Festival 2013 arts festivals taking place throughout the 4 - 7 July Days Walking Festival Clonmel, Co. Tipperary month of July. With jam packed programmes A unique cultural, and Castlebar, Co. Mayo 5 - 14 July that are bound to suit everybody’s taste. fun-filled festival, dedicated 4 - 7 July A drama and music festival to the art of satire; featuring Kinsale Arts Festival Walk with the world in Castlebar during the that has brought colour and leading satirical comedians, 6 -14 July summer of 2013 and join in the 46th Castlebar diversity to the Clonmel politicians, media and Walks. These walks are all about having fun and community for the past Great art, theatre, music, literature, fantastic academics in celebration of forging friendships that span the globe and last 12 years, programming a food events and family fun in one of the the life, works and legacy of a lifetime. mix of high quality theatre, most beautiful seaside towns in Ireland Jonathan Swift. comedy, music and more. www.kinsaleartsfestival.com Earagail Arts Festival 6 - 21 July (tbc) Music, theatre, children's events, literature www.swiftsatirefestival.com www.castlebar4dayswalks.com www.junctionfestival.com and outdoor events in various locations throughout stunning Co. Donegal. www.eaf.ie West Cork Literary Galway Film Fleadh Festival Galway City, Co. Galway SUMMER SCHOOLS Galway Arts Festival Bantry, Co. Cork 9 - 14 July 15 - 28 July 7 - 13 July Ireland’s leading Willie Clancy Summer Celebrate the very best of the Irish and Literary festival featuring international film festival School international performing and visual arts at an extensive programme screens the best in Irish, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare one of Europe's leading international arts of 3 and 5 day workshops, European and world cinema 6 - 14 July festivals readings, book launches, through an all-inclusive, www.visitmiltownmalbay.ie www.galwayartsfestival.com panel discussions, editor educational, entertaining in residence sessions, and enjoyable programme. The Percy French Boyle Arts Festival lectures, main evening Summer School and 25 July - 3 August events and more. Festival Follow in the steps of Sky One's 'Moone Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon Boy' and visit Boyle at its best during the 8 - 12 July (tbc) annual Arts Festival. www.percyfrench.ie www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie www.galwayfilmfleadh.com www.boylearts.com Yeats International summer school Laya Healthcare Street Pig ‘n’ Porter Tag Season of Yeats Sligo Town. Co. Sligo Performance World Rugby Festival Various Venues, Co. Sligo 28 July - 9 August Championships Rosbrien, Co. Limerick 22 July - 5 August www.yeats-sligo.com Cork and Dublin 13 July (tbc) Sligo is the spiritual home of O'Carolan Harp and Cork 13 - 14 July / Dublin 18 - 21 July The world’s largest tag rugby festival with William Butler Yeats and his artist Traditional Music This free family festival 1800 fit male and female players aged 21-35 brother, Jack B. Yeats. Both have Festival Summer brings jaw-dropping jugglers, competing to find the Champion Team. a life history inextricably linked The party really kicks off in the 9000sq foot with Sligo. Season of Yeats…. School awe-inspiring acrobats Keadue, Co. Roscommon and spine-tingling sword marquee when all the tagging has finished! is the exciting festival in Sligo 29 July - 5 August swallowers to Ireland to celebrating the link between the www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie compete for the Street Yeats brothers William Butler and Performance World Jack B and Sligo. Featuring a mix Champion title. of theatre, music, film, readings and visual art. www.spwc.ie www.tagrugby.ie www.seasonofyeats.com Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Killarney Summerfest Galway Horse Racing Killarney, Co Kerry. Festival 27 July - 5 August Ballybrit, Galway Killarney Summerfest is one 29 July - 4 August of Ireland’s premier festivals The famous Galway Festival bursting with an eclectic is undoubtedly the highpoint range of activities to appeal of the summer season with to all ages and tastes. Enjoy seven glorious days and an array of free family nights of top class racing. entertainment and Galway will be buzzing! outdoor music.
Kinsale Arts Festival www.killarneysummerfest.com www.goracing.ie 6 - 14 July
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on AUGUST// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
*August Bank Holiday
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Ballyshannon Folk Big House Festival Waterford Spraoi The Joe Dolan & Traditional Music Celbridge, Co. Kildare International Street Mullingar Festival Festival 2 - 4 August Arts Festival Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal Big House Festival throws Waterford City, Co. Waterford 2 - 4 August 1 - 4 August open the doors and grounds 2 - 4 August The Joe Dolan Mullingar A sublime festival which of Castletown House for Ireland’s specialist street Festival will be a midsummer promotes the very best a weekend celebration theatre event offering mix of concerts, theatre in Folk & Traditional that continues a 300 year spectacular entertainment shows, dancing and family Irish music. old tradition of arts and on the streets of Ireland’s entertainment including a entertainment in Ireland’s oldest city, with a stunning farmers market. Family-fun only true palace. night-time street theatre and entertainment for those parade with over 200 lazy days of summer. performers, floats and special effects. www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com www.theperformancecorporation.com www.spraoi.com www.joedolan.com Discover Ireland Carlingford Oyster Dublin Horse Show Festival RDS, Dublin 4 Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth 7 - 11 August 8 - 11 August There’s something for Carlingford Oyster Festival promises four days everyone at the Discover of Oysters, Oysters, Oysters and lots of fun for Ireland Dublin Horse all the family! Featuring Morgan’s Ocean Fresh Show, with live music and Carlingford Oyster Pearl Competition. entertainment, art, fashion, shopping, food and the best in national and international equestrian competitions.
Rose of Tralee www.dublinhorseshow.com www.carlingford.ie 14 - 20 August
Kilkenny Arts Festival Rose of Tralee Masters of Tradition Celtic Cup 2013 Kilkenny City International Bantry, Co. Cork International Lacrosse 9 - 18 August Festival 14 - 18 August Tournament Venue tbc, Co. Dublin Ireland’s premier arts festival Tralee, Co. Kerry A celebration of Irish music offering 10 days of the best 14 - 20 August in its purest form. Artistic 15 - 18 August of Irish and international Director, Martin Hayes, The Celtic Cup 2013 theatre, music, film, craft, A flagship event on the Irish festival gathers the finest Irish International Lacrosse dance, literature, visual arts, calendar since 1959 with a magnificent musicians and gives them Tournament will feature street and children’s events. line-up of entertainment for all ages with an intimate space to expose the men’s national lacrosse parades, air show, circus, music, funfair & the heart of traditional teams of Ireland, Scotland, the crowning of the 2013 Rose of Tralee. Irish music. This year, all past roses, escorts and rose Wales and France, with centres worldwide will also be invited to Ireland hosting the third attend a Rose Gathering reunion and relive instalment of this major the magic of their ‘Rose’ experience. tournament. www.roseoftralee.ie www.kilkennyarts.ie www.westcorkmusic.ie www.irelandlacrosse.ie
Celebrating Our Charlie Chaplin Comedy Challenge Yourself Guinness International Heritage Film Festival Dunmore East Waterville, Co. Kerry Embrace the great outdoors with some Bluegrass Festival The month of August sees some exciting 21 - 24 August (tbc) fantastic events which are bound to Dunmore East, Co. Waterford challenge all fitness levels. Get your name events celebrating our heritage, our love 22 - 25 August of country sports and our agricultural A four day international comedy film festival down now for The Beast of Ballyhoura tradition. Take in an event as part of and cultural event taking place in the village 2013 (2 - 4 August), Gaelforce West (17 Fantastic Bluegrass National Heritage Week (17 - 25 August) at the heart of the renowned Ring of Kerry. August) or The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford music throughout the or visit our oldest festival Puck Fair (9 - The festival celebrates the creative genius of (24 - 25 August) Village of Dunmore 12 August) which celebrates its 400th Charlie Chaplin. East for the whole anniversary this year. Why not visit weekend. All venues Moynalty Steam Threshing (11 August), the free!!! Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show (11 August) or Irish Game and Country Fair (30 August - 1 September)? www.charliechaplincomedyfilmfestival.com www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on www.discoverdunmore.com
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com SEPTEMBER// 2013
Cape Clear Island DUBLIN FESTIVAL International SEASON Storytelling Festival There is no better time to visit Dublin than Cape Clear Island, West Cork during festival season. In September and October the city is packed full of theatre and 6 - 8 September arts festivals, it really is culture at its finest. A unique storytelling festival in a stunning setting. Each Dublin Fringe Festival year Irish and international 7 - 22 September storytellers and musicians are invited to perform. Dublin Culture Night A packed 3 days which 20 September includes walks, workshops and even set dancing! Arthurs Day Dublin Fringe Festival 26 September www.capeclearstorytelling.com 7 - 22 September Dublin Theatre Festival 26 September - 13 October Monaghan Rhythm Achill ROAR Adventure Gaelic Sports Events And also across the city look out for & Blues Festival - Race Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival, Harvest Time Blues Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo The GAA Hurling and Football Oktoberfest, Dublin Fashion Festival, Hard Championships culminate with the exciting Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan 7 September (tbc) Working Class Heroes and the Darklight All-Ireland finals being staged in Croke Park, Festival www.dublinfestivalseason.com 6 - 8 September The Achill ROAR Adventure Race is one of Dublin (8 and 22 September). Also don’t A 3 day festival of Blues Ireland’s best and most popular one day miss the Aer Lingus International Hurling Music, celebrating the adventure races with a choice of 3 race Festival (18 - 21 September) which sees original art form that gave distances to suit all levels of athletes. the best hurlers from across the globe birth to Rock & Roll. Late descending on Galway for a festival of ceol, night marquee with music craic and culture, as well as the first hurling until 3am; top acoustic acts competition of its kind. in The Market House; and 11 great blues acts in 7 www.gaa.ie great venues with no www.thegatheringireland.com cover charge! www.roar.ie www.harvestblues.ie
Dingle Tradfest 2013 36th Clifden Arts Tara Festival of the Corona Fastnet Short Dingle, Co. Kerry Festival High Kings Film Festival 12 - 15 September (tbc) Clifden, Co. Galway Hill of Tara, Co. Meath Schull, Co. Cork The 3rd year of Dingle Tradfest promises to 19 - 29 September 21 September 22 - 26 September be bigger than ever with the addition of The Poets, writers, thespians, You are invited to relive all the excitement, Film festival dedicated Wanderer’s Return sessions to the line-up. visual artists, classical drama, colour and majesty of crowning a to bringing together Dingle will be the hub of musical activity with musicians, playwrights and High King of Ireland at the Tara Festival of the established and first-time sessions, concerts and more! musical groups of every High Kings. Tara is known throughout history filmmakers to celebrate genre descend on the as being a major site of cultural, political and short film. Screenings, seaside town of Clifden religious meetings and now its unique story workshops, premiers, author for the annual Clifden Arts will be told through pageantry, drama, music, readings, discussions, puppet Festival, now in its 36th year. traditional crafts and sports. This is shows and family activities. a family friendly celebration which will enthral everyone! www.dingletradfest.com www.clifdenartsweek.ie www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on www.fastnetshortfilmfestival.com Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
National Ploughing Limerick Jazz Festival Sligo Festival of Focus on Food Championships Various venues in Limerick City Baroque Music Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co. Laois 27 - 29 September Sligo Town, Sligo September sees an array of food festivals popping up all over the country. 24 - 26 September Limerick will host its 2nd Jazz Festival in 27 - 29 September Tantalise your taste buds with a visit to Styled as Ireland’s Farming September in various venues around the city. Festival of baroque the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival (7 - 15 Festival, the Championships It will feature national as well as local acts and music featuring 2 major showcase the very best artists from the US and UK. Full line up of acts performers: the celebrated September), the Westport Food Festival of Irish food, farming and will be announced later in the year. French cellist Ophélie (6 - 8 September), the Waterford Harvest culture. It is a must attend Gaillard and Spanish soprano Festival (9 - 15 September), A Taste Of West event for those interested Nuria Rial – both appearing Cork (9 - 15 September), Midleton Food and in motoring, fashion, for the first time in Ireland. Drink Festival (14 September), Dunshaughlin machinery livestock, music Harvest Festival (26 - 29 September) or the and shopping. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (26 - 29 September)
www.limerickjazzfestival.com www.npa.ie www.sligobaroquefestival.com www.discoverireland.ie/food
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on OCTOBER// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
*October Bank Holiday
Cork Folk Festival Dingle Peninsula Food Helly Hansen Killarney Wexford Fringe Cork City Festival Adventure Race Festival 2 - 6 October Dingle, Co. Kerry Killarney, Co. Kerry Wexford Town and County The Cork Folk Festival is an 4 - 6 October 5 October 18 October - 3 November (tbc) annual music event, now in Taste trails, food markets, An adrenalin-packed Internationally regarded as its 34th year, the festival is cookery demonstrations, day of adventure where one of the most energetic & regarded as one of the most food workshops, wine and competitors complete a fun fringe festivals in Europe important and exciting folk artisan beer & cider tastings, choice of either 67K, 57K by festival goers, this cultural and traditional music events kids entertainment, live or 25K routes by running, fiesta is not to be missed. in Ireland. music and much more - hiking, cycling and kayaking it must be the Dingle across Killarney National Food Festival! Park. Voted ‘2011 Event of the year’ by Outsider Magazine. www.corkfolkfestival.com www.dinglefood.com www.killarneyadventurerace.ie www.wexfordfringe.ie Wexford Festival FAMILY FESTIVALS Opera AND GHOULISH Wexford Opera House, Wexford Town GATHERINGS 23 October - 3 November There are a host of festivals to keep the family entertained this October from Children’s Art One of the most loved Festivals to Halloween themed festivals:- opera festivals in the world, specialising in Baboró International the presentation of Arts Festival for rarely performed opera Children and Families and including a superb Galway programme of lunchtime concerts, afternoon short 14 - 20 October works and recitals. www.baboro.ie Wexford Festival Opera The Spirits of Meath 23 October - 3 November Halloween Festival www.wexfordopera.com Co. Meath 18 October - 3 November (tbc) Galway Comedy Sligo Live - Ireland’s Savour Kilkenny Food www.meathtourism.ie Festival Folk, Roots and Indie Festival 2013 Aisling Children's Various venues, Galway City Music Festival Kilkenny City & County Art Festival 23 - 28 October Sligo Town and surrounds 23 - 28 October Co. Longford Annual comedy festival 23 - 28 October A food festival with true 19 - 27 October (tbc) featuring the best Celebrating the best in Irish community heart run by www.aislingfestival.ie international comedy and international folk, roots a voluntary committee superstars and homegrown and indie music. A warm of Kilkenny people who Virginia Pumpkin talent. Held over six days intimate festival where are passionate about Festival over the October Bank visitors and locals mingle food. Growing it, making Holiday weekend. Over 50 it, cooking it, sharing it Virginia, Co. Cavan freely with many of the top comedy shows and events. musicians in these fields. and eating it – all will be 25 - 28 October (tbc) celebrated! www.virginia.ie
Galway AbooO www.galwaycomedyfestival.com www.sligolive.ie www.savourkilkenny.com Halloween Festival Galway City 25 - 27 October Guinness Cork Jazz Dublin Marathon 2013 WALK THIS WAY www.thelatinquarter.ie Festival Dublin City Cork City, Co. Cork 28 October Embrace autumn and take part in one of the Belvedere Halloween many walking festivals happening around 25 - 28 October One of the great European Spook Walks this time of year. Pack your bags for the East city marathons, taking Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Widely recognised as one of Clare Walking Festival (4 - 6 October), the place in Dublin City on the Europe’s top jazz festivals, Nire Valley Comeragh Mountains 20th Annual 26 - 28 October October Bank Holiday. This the event continues to go Autumn Walking Festival (11 - 13 October), www.belvedere-house.ie will be the 34th year and from strength to strength the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival (11 - 13 it will be run through the with a range of jazz of wide October), the Connermara Four Seasons Samhain Abhainn - capital’s historic Georgian appeal - all happening in Autumn Walking Festival (18 - 20 October) Ballina's Halloween streets and its magnificent the beautiful city of Cork in or towards the end of the month the Footfalls Festival Phoenix Park. late October. Wicklow Walking Festival (25 - 28 October). Ballina, Co. Mayo 28 - 31 October (tbc) www.discoverireland.ie/walking www.discoverireland/whats-on www.guinnessjazzfestival.com www.dublinmarathon.ie
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com NOVEMBER// 2013
Mad for Movies Kilkenomics Festival Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny November sees some exciting film 7 - 10 November (tbc) festivals taking place. The Corona Cork Film Festival (10 - 17 November) boasts a Economics festival moderated by some of our wide-ranging programme that includes an brightest & funniest stand-up comedians who eclectic mix of big budget pictures, world put economists, financial analysts and other cinema, innovative independent films, specialists under the spotlight to talk through documentaries and short films from all over important issues. It’s serious, but it’s fun too! the globe. Meanwhile in Kilkenny, SUBTITLE European Film Festival (18 - 24 November tbc) takes places for a second year, don’t miss this unique opportunity to catch some of the most popular European films that can’t be found at the multiplexes! Rugby League World Cup www.corkfilmfest.org www.kilkenomics.com 9 November www.subtitlefest.com
25th Anniversary Sligo Allingham Arts Upperchurch Walking International Choral Festival Weekend Festival Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal Upperchurch, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Sligo Town, Co. Sligo 8 - 10 November 8 - 10 November 7 - 10 November Allingham Arts Festival Annual walking weekend with walks to suit Four days of music & features art, writing, drama, beginners, families and experienced walkers. singing, competitions, adults and children’s Refreshments served. Set dancing classes and concerts with street and workshops, evening music sessions in local pubs. church performances, 50 entertainment, children’s choirs competing and entertainment and a craft €6,500 in prize money. fair. Lots of free events for all Come back to Sligo for the the family. Festival’s 25th anniversary & the Gathering 2013! Corona Cork Film Festival
10 - 17 November www.sligochoralfest.com www.allinghamartsfestival.com www.upperchurch.ie
Spirit of Voice Festival Sneem International Rugby League World Dublin Book Festival Galway City, Co. Galway Folklore & Cup 2013 Temple Bar, Dublin 8 8 - 10 November (tbc) Storytelling Festival Thomond Park, Limerick City 12 - 17 November (tbc) Spirit of Voice Festival celebrates its 10th year Various venues in Sneem, Co. Kerry 9 November The Dublin Book Festival is a with another exciting schedule featuring vocal 8 - 10 November Ireland take on Australia showcase for Irish Publishers. performances & spoken word artists in concert A weekend of concerts, in Group A of the Rugby There are talks, panels, & workshop events. Featuring music genres workshops, lectures, walks League World Cup in readings and workshops over from hip-hop to Sean Nós to opera! and tours with a theme of the only game of the the week with events for all folklore and storytelling for tournament that takes place ages and tastes. Come and all ages. Performers from in Ireland. join some of the foremost Ireland and abroad will be names in Irish writing. led by local well-known seanachi Batt Burns.
www.spiritofvoice.com www.sneemstorytellingfestival.com www.rlwc2013.com www.dublinbookfestival.com Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Irish Baroque Dundalk Festival of Kenmare Choral Orchestra at the Ardee Light & Culture Festival Baroque Festival Dundalk, Co. Louth Various venues in Kenmare, Co. Kerry Ardee, Co. Louth 22 - 24 November (tbc) 29 November - 1 December (tbc) 15 - 17 November An event of light, music and culture involving Following the success The Irish Baroque Orchestra schools, community groups and businesses of the inaugural 2012 takes up residence in the with street theatre, entertainment and plenty festival, 2013 will celebrate town of Ardee for the annual of other cultural activity. choral music at its best baroque festival. through performances and competitions while showcasing Kenmare, a designated Heritage Town. Don't miss out! Irish Baroque Orchestra at the Ardee Baroque Festival www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on www.kenmarechoralfestival.com 15 - 17 November
More festivals and events at www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on DECEMBER// 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
*Christmas Eve *Christmas Day *St. Stephen’s Day
29 30 31
*New Year’s Eve
Winter Wonderland at A Cork Christmas Winterval - Ireland's Winter Wonderland in Westport House Celebration Christmas Festival Skibbereen Westport, Co. Mayo Grand Parade & Bishop Lucey Park, Cork City Waterford City, Co. Waterford Skibbereen, Co. Cork 23 November - 24 December 29 November - 22 December 1 - 23 December (tbc) 1 - 24 December (tbc) (weekends) (Fridays to Sundays) (tbc) Winterval is a delightful Santa Claus is coming to town! The elves Visit Westport House's A Cork Christmas Christmas festival packed will take you on a journey through Winter Winter Wonderland where Celebration welcomes you with seasonal events and Wonderland in Skibbereen. See the polar bears, you will be met by Santa, home for Christmas with activities set in unique penguins, reindeer & lots more! Mrs Claus and their Elves! free family events including heritage sites around You will experience a blizzard a festive lighting installation Waterford City. of Christmas spirit as you in Bishop Lucey Park and step into the stunning 18th Christmas crafts and century House. food markets on the Grand Parade. www.westporthouse.ie www.corkcitycelebration.ie www.winterval.ie www.winterwonderlandskibb.com IBO presents Handel's CHRISTMAS Messiah CAPERS Dublin City 6 December Soak up the Christmas atmosphere this December at the many festive events on The IBO presents a period performance of Handel's around the country. For a full list of events famous oratoria, "Messiah", log onto www.discoverireland.ie/whats-on with guest conductor, choir and excellent soloists. Dublin at Christmas Dublin City 12 November - 25 December www.dublinatchristmas.ie Winterval - Ireland’s Christmas Festival Christmas and New www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com 1 - 23 December (tbc) Year in Kenmare Kenmare, Co. Kerry Éigse Dhiarmuid Uí Christmas Racing 30 November 2013 - 1 January 2014 Shúilleabháin Limerick, Dublin www.kenmare.ie Cúil Aodha / Baile Mhúirne, Co. Cork 26 - 29 December 6 - 8 December (tbc) Christmas with For wonderful racing, food, A traditional music, song and dance weekend entertainment and a festive Creative Ardagh to commemorate the life and work of atmosphere why not pay a Ardagh, Co. Longford Diarmuid Ó Súilleabhain, singer and journalist. visit to one of the country's 14 - 15 December 2013 (tbc) two Christmas Racing Festivals? Head to Limerick www.creativeardagh.com for the Christmas Horse Racing or Dublin Tintean Theatre for Leopardstown Winter Wonderland Christmas racing. Ballybunnion, Co. Kerry A Cork Christmas Celebration www.limerickraces.ie 1 December 29 November - 22 December (tbc) www.eigse.ie www.leopardstown.com www.tintean.com Christmas Evening at The Castle Walk Killarney at NYE Dublin Christmas Time Dublin City Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Killarney, Co. Kerry 31 December 2013 - 1 January 2014 1 - 23 December (selected dates) 27 December Get set to ring in the New www.shannonheritage.com Try a range of different Year in Dublin. Whether you walks including mountain, are young or old, a Dubliner woodland and lakeshore or a visitor, performer or Duckett’s Grove guided treks. For full details spectator, the NYE Dublin Christmas Craft and of walks, routes & other Festival has something Food Fair adventures please exciting for you. Concerts, street performances and Rainstown, Co. Carlow see website. Winter Wonderland family entertainment create 8 December (tbc) a special atmosphere to www.carlowtourism.com at Westport House countdown to 2014. 23 November -
www.killarney.ie 24 December (w/ends) www.nyedublin.ie
Find out more about The Gathering 2013 and how to be part of it www.thegatheringireland.com 2013// AT A GLANCE JANUARY MAY 15-28 Galway Arts Festival OCTOBER 25 July-3 Aug Boyle Arts Festival 31 Dec 12 -1 Jan 13 NYE Dublin 1-5 Cork International Choral Festival 2-6 Cork Folk Festival 27 July-5 Aug Killarney Summerfest 17-20 Shannonside Winter Music Weekend 2-6 Féile na Bealtaine 4-6 Dingle Peninsula Food Festival 28 July-9 Aug Yeats International Summer School 18-20 Yeats Winter School Gathering 3-5 Bray Jazz Festival 4-6 East Clare Walking Festival 29 July-4 Aug Galway Horse Racing Festival 21-25 Mozart’s Masterworks 3-5 Cartell.ie Rally of The Lakes 5 Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race 29 July-5 Aug O’Carolan Harp and Traditional Music 22-27 Temple Bar Tradfest 3-6 The Cup of Tae Festival 11-13 Nire Valley Comeragh Mountains 20th Festival Summer School 23 Limerick Racecourse National Hunt Racing 3-6 Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival Annual Autumn Walking Festival 25-27 Ardara Country and Western Weekend 3-6 Riverfest AUGUST 11-13 Carlow Autumn Walking Festival 25-27 Music for Galway Midwinter Festival 3-6 Slieve Bloom Walking Festival 14-20 Barboró International Arts Festival for 1-4 Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival 27 Pro-Cathedral Concert Series 4-5 Festival of the Fires Children and Families 2-4 The Beast of Ballyhoura 27 Jan and 3 Feb Hell and Back Winter Challenge 4-5 An Post Tour of Sligo Cycle 18-20 Connemara Four Seasons Autumn Walking 2-4 The Joe Dolan Mullingar Festival 5 Great Limerick Run Festival 2-4 Big House Festival FEBRUARY 9-12 Navan Choral Festival 18 Oct-3 Nov (tbc) Wexford Fringe Festival 2-4 Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival 1-3 Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival 10-19 Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival 18 Oct-3 Nov (tbc) The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival 7-11 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2-3 Safety Direct Galway International Rally 17-18 European Club Rugby Finals Weekend 19-27 Aisling Children’s Art Festival 8-11 Carlingford Oyster Festival 8-18 (tbc) Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 23-26 Mayo International Choral Festival 23 Oct -3 Nov Wexford Festival Opera 9-12 Puck Fair 9 Hennessy Gold Cup 25-26 Celtic Series Tour de Conamara 23-28 Galway Comedy Festival 9-18 Kilkenny Arts Festival 10 Ireland Vs England (Six Nations) 25 May-2 June The Lismore Music Festival 23-28 Sligo Live 11 Moynalty Steam Threshing 13-16 Cork Spring Poetry Festival 29 May-2 June Listowel Writers’ Week 23-28 Saviour Kilkenny Food Festival 11 The Tullamore Show and AIB National 14-24 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival 30 May-2 June Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair 25-27 Galway Abooo Halloween Festival Livestock Show 14-17 Nenagh Silent Film Festival 30 May-2 June Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 25-28 Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 14-18 Masters of Tradition 16-17 Dingle Walking Festival 30 May-3 June The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival 25-28 Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival 14-20 Rose of Tralee International Festival 20-24 The 14th Gathering Traditional Festival 30 May-3 June Bloom 26-28 Belvedere Halloween Spook Walks 15-18 Celtic Cup 2013 International Lacross 21-24 Tedfest 31 May-3 June Limerick Sings International Choral Festival 28 Dublin Marathon Tournament 22-25 Russel Memorial Weekend 28 (tbc) Virginia Pumpkin Festival 17 Gaelforce West 25 Feb-3 March 12th Annual Corofin Traditional Festival JUNE 28-31 Samhain Abhainn-Ballina’s Halloween Festival 17-25 National Heritage Week 1 TriAthy 21-24 (tbc) Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival MARCH 1-3 (tbc) Forbidden Fruit Music Festival NOVEMBER 22-25 Guinness International Dunmore East 1-3 Ennis Book Club Festival 1-8 (tbc) Ocean to City-Cork’s Maritime Festival 7-10 (tbc) Kilkenomics Festival Bluegrass Festival 3-10 24th Cork French Film Festival 3 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 7-10 (tbc) Sligo International Choral Festival 24-25 The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford 4-17 Seachtain na Gaeilge 6-9 (tbc) John Ford Symposium 8-10 Upperchurch Walking Weekend 30 Aug-1 Sept Irish Game and Country Fair 9 Ireland Vs France 6-9 The Táin March 8-10 (tbc) Spirit of Voice Festival 9-15 Dublin City Festival of Russian Culture 7-9 The International Quilt Festival SEPTEMBER 8-10 Sneem International Folklore and 14-18 St. Patrick’s Festival 8-9 Carlow Arts Festival Éigse Storytelling Festival
6-8 Cape Clear Island International FI/22391-12 15-17 Connemara Four Seasons Spring Walking Festival 13-16 International Gospel Choir Festival 8-10 (tbc) Allingham Arts Festival Storytelling Festival 15-18 Dingle International Film Festival 14-16 Home From The Sea-Rosses Point Shanty 9 Rugby League World Cup 6-8 Monaghan Rhythm and Blues Festival 28 March-1 April Galway Food Festival & Seafaring Festival 10-17 Corona Cork Film Festival 6-8 Westport Food Festival 30 March-3 April Easter Racing 17-23 Galway Sessions 12-17 (tbc) Dublin Book Festival 7 (tbc) Achill Roar Adventure Race 30-31 North Leitrim Glens 19th Walking Festival 21-23 (tbc) Strawberry Fest 15-17 Irish Baroque Orchestra at Ardee Baroque 7-15 Clarenbridge Oyster Festival 21-30 Dublin Pride Festival 7-22 Dublin Fringe Festival APRIL 21 June-14 July (tbc) Loughcrew Summer Solstice Festival 18-24 (tbc) SUBTITLE European Film Festival 8 GAA All Ireland Final Hurling 1-30 Dublin: One City, One Book 21-30 Love Longford Summer Festival 22-24 (tbc) Dundalk Festival of Light and Culture 9-15 Waterford Harvest Festival 2-7 The International Pan Celtic Festival Carlow 21-30 Cork Midsummer Festival 29 Nov - 1 Dec Kenmare Choral Festival 9-15 A Taste of West Cork 5-7 Clifden Traditional Music Festival 22-23 European Athletics Team Championships 12-15 (tbc) Dingle Tradfest 6 (tbc) Bray Trail Blazer 24-30 Carrick on Shannon Water Music Festival DECEMBER 14 Midleton Food and Drink Festival 7 Elvery’s Sports Connemara International Marathon 27-30 Discover Ireland Irish Open (Golf) 12 Nov - 25 Dec Dublin at Christmas 18-21 Aer Lingus International Hurling Festival 11-14 Waterford Festival of Food 28-30 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby 23 Nov - 24 Dec Winter Wonderland at Westport House 19-29 36th Clifden Arts Festival 14 Great Ireland Run 28-30 Drogheda Samba Festival 29 Nov - 22 Dec (tbc) A Cork Christmas Celebration 20 Dublin Culture Night 19-21 Franco Irish Literary Festival 28-30 (tbc) Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival 30 Nov - 1 Jan Christmas and New Year in Kenmare 21 Tara Festival Of The High Kings 19-21 Phase One: Electronic Music & Arts Festival 28 June-6 July West Cork Chamber Music Festival 1 Tintean Theatre Winter Wonderland 22 GAA All Ireland Final Football 20 Wicklow Adventure Race 29-30 Westport Festival of Music and Food 1-23 Christmas Evening at The Castle 22-26 Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival 20 Cooley Legends Half Marathon 1-24 (tbc) Winter Wonderland in Skibbereen 24-26 National Ploughing Championships 23-27 Irish National Hunt Festival JULY 1-24 (tbc) Winterval Ireland’s Christmas Festival 26 Arthur’s Day 21 Visit Nenagh Cycling Classic 4-7 Swift Satire Festival 6 IBO Presents Handel’s Messiah 26 Sept-13 Oct Dublin Theatre Festival 23-27 Cork World Book Festival 4-7 Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival 6-8 (tbc) Éigse Dhiarmuid Uí Shúilleabháin 26-29 Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival 23-28 Cúirt International Festival of Literature 5-14 Clonmel Junction Festival 8 (tbc) Duckett’s Grove Christmas Craft & Food Fair 27-29 Limerick Jazz Festival 24-28 Dublin Bay Prawn Festival 6-14 Kinsale Arts Festival 14-15 Christmas with Creative Ardagh 27-29 Sligo Festival Of Baroque Music 28 April-2 May Dunmore East Golf Classic 6-14 Willie Clancy Summer School 26-29 Limerick Christmas Horse Racing Festival 26-29 Galway International Oyster & 6-21 (tbc) Earagail Arts Festival 26-29 Leopardstown Christmas Horse Racing Festival Seafood Festival © Copyright Fáilte Ireland PRINTED IN IRELAND 7-13 West Cork Literary Festival 27 Walk Killarney at Christmas Time 8-12 (tbc) The Percy French Summer School & Festival 31 Dec 13 - 1 Jan 14 NYE Dublin 9-14 Galway Film Fleadh Dates tbc Pig N Porter Tag Rugby Festival Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the completion of this brochure. Fáilte Ireland cannot however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such Dates tbc Seasons of Yeats are brought to our attention, future publications will be amended accordingly. Some sporting activities may be their nature be hazardous and involve risk. It is recommended Cork 13-14 July/ Laya Healthcare Street Performance World in such cases to take out personal accident insurance. While most operators would have public liability insurance it is desirable to check with the establishment or with the operator concerned as to the level of cover carried. It is recommended that you pre-check the details of listed events before travelling. Dublin 18-21 July Championships