Here in Ireland we are so very fortunate that throughout the year and up and down the country we have an abundance of fantastic festival and events that are continually attracting visitors from near and afar! A hard task to pinpoint just 10 Events and reasons to visit Ireland, here in alphabetical order is our choice of the ones that must be experienced whilst on your vacation in Ireland.
The Belfast Festival at Queens is one of Ireland’s largest international art festivals and takes place at the end of October / beginning of November.
Attracting a host of internationally recognised acts in art, comedy, dance, literature, music and theatre the festival began as a small event on Queen’s University Campus in Belfast and has expanded rapidly over time to become one of the largest events of its kind in Ireland.
Happening every two years within the month of July and once sponsored by Ford Motor Company for many years, and sometime also referred to as Ford Week, Cork Week is Ireland’s largest international sailing regatta.
Attracting entrants from all over the world, this premier international sailing event includes participants from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Channel Islands, England, France, Isle of Man, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, United States and Wales as well as from here in Ireland.
A Dublin institution, The Dublin Horse Show is one of Ireland’s largest events that happens each year during August. One of the highlights of the summer, this major Irish event attracts tens of thousands of people to Ireland from all over the world.
The premier event in the Galway calendar, The Galway International Oyster Festival takes place each September and sees people from all over the world descend on Galway to sample the famous Oysters of Galway Bay and enjoy the legendary craic of the West of Ireland.
One of the biggest events in Ireland and a feast of live entertainment, gourmet food, fine wine and of course oysters! The Galway International Oyster Festival attracts some 10,000 or more people from all over the world.
A tradition that dates back to 1869 and involved major race events over 7 days, The Galway races happens each year at the end of July / beginning of August.
The highest prize kitty in excess of €200,000 and although there are many highlights to The Galway Races, one event that always attracts plenty of attention is the popular Ladies Day, which normally falls on the Thursday during the Races week.
Happening every October, The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is Ireland’s biggest jazz event and attracts over 1,000 musicians from over 30 countries to play at venues throughout Cork city. With fringe events happening throughout the festival, The Cork Jazz Festival in association with Guinness continues to get bigger year-on-year.
Situated on the west Cork Coast not far from Cork City, Kinsale is a quaint fishing port that has long been associated with finest seafood and gourmet food, and each October it holds its annual Kinsale Food Festival.
Renown for a host of culinary delights, appearances from celebrity chefs and a range of entrainment for the whole family, the famous Kinsale Food Festival celebrates the very best of cuisine within the Kinsale Good Food Circle.
The world renowned Kinsale Sevens, takes place in the beautiful historic town of Kinsale situated on the southern coast of Ireland in County Cork every May.
A fun weekend for all – year on year the Kinsale Sevens attracts players, rugby enthusiasts and visitors from around the world all of which are looking to enjoy some good rugby, entertainment and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Kinsale, which is just a short drive from Cork city.
Every year during the month of September the small spa town of Lisdoonvarna, near to the Burren in Country Clare, with a population of just 800 attracts crowds of over 20,000 people to the world famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival .
Europe’s largest singles event, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival attracts new visitors and old to enjoy the music, dancing, racing, good times, plenty of fun and of course to find love!
Attracting visitors and contestants from all over Ireland and the World to the town of Tralee in County Kerry, The Rose of Tralee is Ireland’s premier beauty festival and happens each year in August