Festivals and Events [amended 13 February 2008]

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:

• January: Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 9-13 Jan. 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 4-12 March. 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. NEW
• March 15-17: Guinness Storehouse have a Paddy's weekend festival including four floors of live music and dance with brass and samba bands, a burlesque cabaret, jazz, bluegrass, unplugged sessions and traditional Irish music. See details and 10% reduction on the standard storehouse tickets.
• May: Dublin International music festival
• 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. Trad Irish music & culture.
• May: Cork International Choral Festival
• May: West Cork Chamber Music, Bantry. Top artistes and fantastic settings.
• June: Skerries Arts Festival, Co. Dublin
• June: Kildare Derby festival (coincides with Irish major horse race)
• June: Pipeworks Music Festival, Dublin 20-29 June, 2008.
• July: Liberties Festival, Dublin [The Liberties is an area west of St. Patrick's Cathedral).
• July (end of): Donabate/Portrane Summer Festival, Co. Dublin (easy access by train)
• Late July: 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.
• August: Kilkenny Arts Festival 8-17 August 2008
• August: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann [www.clonmelfleadh.com]. Weekend of trad and the craic is mighty!
• October: Wexford Opera festival 16 October - 2 November 2008 [normally October but Opera house being rebuilt)
• October: Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork 24-27 October 2008
• October: Dublin Theatre Festival 25 September- 12 October 2008 [note earlier dates]
• October: Belfast Festival at Queen's 17 Oct - 1 November 2008

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