Festivals and Events in Ireland [amended 8 January 2023]

There is always something to celebrate from the past in Ireland - most events are just an excuse for drinking! Here are some relevant to the greater Dublin area and beyond:

• 11-14 January 2023: BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. The cream of Irish talent can be seen at the RDS (near Landsdowne Road DART station) and it is well worth a look.
• March: Arklow Music Festival. This is primarily a schools competition and the choral competitions are well worth attending. Arklow is on the Dublin-Rosslaire rail line.
• March: St Patricks Festival. The big one at a town or city in Ireland but especially Dublin. The Saint's day is 17 March.

• May: Vale of Avoca Melody Fair, Co. Wicklow [Avoca is the BBC's location for "Ballykisangel" - end of May] NOTE: This festival is sadly defunct, following a fire at the Vale hotel.
• May: Fleadh Nua, Ennis, Co. Clare, May 2023. Trad Irish music & culture.
• June: Skerries Arts Festival, Co. Dublin
• June: Kildare Derby festival (coincides with Irish major horse race)
• June 23 - July 2, 2023: West Cork Chamber Music, Bantry. Top artistes and fantastic settings.
• July: Liberties Festival, Dublin [The Liberties is an area west of St. Patrick's Cathedral).
• July?, 2023; Joe Mooney Summer School in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Plenty of Ceol agus craic (music and fun)!
• July (end of): Donabate/Portrane Summer Festival, Co. Dublin (easy access by train)
• July 17-30, 2023: Galway Arts. What better excuse to visit the west in July?
• August: Bray International Festival of Dance and Music, Co. Wicklow (easy access by DART). I hope it is happening this year.
• 2023 TBA: Kilkenny Arts Festival - friendly and fun festival in a great little city.
• August 6-14, 2023: Fleadh Ceoil at Mullingah. Weekend of trad and the craic is mighty.
• September - October: Dublin Theatre Festival 28 September- 15 October 2023
• October: Wexford Opera Festival 24 October - 5 November, 2023
• October TBA: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork
• October: Belfast Festival 12-29 October 2023.

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