Festivals and Events in Ireland [amended 14 April 2011]

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 January 2011: RTE National Symphony Orchestra Horizons: Kevin O'Connell's Symphony (world premiere). This free lunchtime orchestral concert includes an introduction of his piece by the composer. For more on the composer, see www.kevinnoconnell.com.
• 12-15 January 2011: 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. Trad Irish music & culture.
• May 21, 2011: Culwick Choral Society, Sea Symphony, Mendelssohn Hebrides, etc, 8pm National Concert Hall, Dublin.
• May 27-31, 2011: Cork International Choral Festival
• 15 May 2011: Family Day in The Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2, from 1-5pm, Sunday 15 May 2011. Enjoy our entertainers and face-painters – all free of charge. Bring your own picnic! See www.onefamily.ie to register and to find out how to win a €1000 prize.
• June: Skerries Arts Festival, Co. Dublin
• June: Kildare Derby festival (coincides with Irish major horse race)
• June 24 - July 2, 2011: West Cork Chamber Music, Bantry. Top artistes and fantastic settings.
• 30 June - 3 July 2011; The eight Guitar Festival of Ireland with great concerts and masterclasses.
• July: Liberties Festival, Dublin [The Liberties is an area west of St. Patrick's Cathedral).
• July 16-23, 2011; 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 11-24, 2011: Galway Arts. What better excuse to visit the west in July?
• July 29-31, 2011: Waterford's Spraoi Street Festival, with plenty of music and entertainment.
• August: Bray International Festival of Dance and Music, Co. Wicklow (easy access by DART). I hope it is happening this year.
• August 5-14, 2011: Kilkenny Arts Festival - friendly and fun festival in a great little city.
• August 13-22,2011: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at Cavan, Co. Cavan. Weekend of trad and the craic is mighty.
• September - October: Dublin Theatre Festival 29 September- 16 October 2011
• October: Wexford Opera Festival 21 October - 5 November, 2011.
• October: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork 28-31 October 2011
• October: Belfast Festival at Queen's 15-30 October 2010 [awaiting 2011 dates]

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