What's On in Ireland

March 12, 2010 to March 17, 2010.
Dublin holds Ireland’s biggest St Patrick’s day festival, a six day non-stop series of events, day and night, with something for all ages.

The big event is the annual parade through Dublin’s streets, with participants traveling from all over the world to take part in what is an increasingly colourful spectacle.

March 13, 2010 to March 14, 2010.
For Petrolheads from all over Ireland St Patricks weekend each year means it’s time to head south to this long established rally.

Events take place on the narrow, winding and very beautiful roads around the west-Cork town of Clonakilty – it can be hardy weather down there in March, so prepare for the worst!

March 17, 2010;
The annual national day is celebrated in cities and town across Ireland with parades and festivals of various types taking place almost everywhere.

While the biggest event is the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, those who can’t make it to the capital will have plenty to entertain them, and there are even some less frenetic events for those who prefer a quieter pace.

March 18, 2010 to March 21, 2010.
The 2009 festival had a comedy theme, with showings in unusual venues such as the local bowling alley and cattle mart. We don’t yet know what 2010 will bring, but it will be good!

Dingle knows how to party and as well as the festival events there is lots of lively music and entertainment in the local public.

March 22, 2010 2:00 pm to March 25, 2010 2:00 pm.
From a small beginning in 1997 as the Irish Schools Video Competition, this festival has grown to a full blown festival, showcasing up to 200 films by young film-makers annually.

Budding film-makers aged between 7 and 18, compete for the title of Young Irish Film-maker, with the award ceremony an important part of the festival.

March 25, 2010 to March 28, 2010.
The largest poetry event in Ireland brings both poets and lovers of poetry from throughout Ireland and abroad to the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire.

As well as lectures, reading and discussion there are children’s events and the presentation of several poetry awards. And a great social side too – yes, poets can party!

April 3, 2010 to April 5, 2010.
This is a double event, with arts in its various guises for the adults while the kids enjoy their own special Bumble Bee Festival.

Its very much an activity based event, with lots of opportunity to dress up and join in, and is strongly community based, so visitors who attend will have ample chances to meet and socialise with local people.

April 4, 2010 5:00 pm to April 6, 2010 5:00 pm.
One of the premier events on the the Irish racing calenders, this 4 day festival always has highly competitive racing, especially in the featured events, the Powers Gold Cup Novice Chase, Irish Grand National and the Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle.

It’s very much a family event, with lots of entertainment to keep those less enthusiastic about the horses happy.

April 6, 2010 to April 11, 2010.
An annual event which takes place in Donegal celebrating the music and culture of six Celtic nations – Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany and Ireland.

It is primarily a competitive event, but there are also concerts and enough varied sessions to keep anyone with an interest in Celtic music very happy.

April 15, 2010 to April 30, 2010.
A rapidly growing and increasingly popular film festival which focuses mainly on films with a socio-political theme and includes speakers and seminars as well as showing full length and short films.

There is also a good and lively social side and those who have not visited Belfast before will get a real flavour of that city’s renowned hospitality.