What's On in Ireland

January 2, 2009 to December 19, 2009.
Many of the Irish people who emigrated to Europe during the 17th and 18th century left an indelible mark on their adopted countries, whether as soldier, scholar, priest or merchant.

This exhibition tells their story through books, manuscripts and images from museums, galleries and archives all over Europe.

January 12, 2009 to October 31, 2009.
For fans of WB Yeats this exhibition is a must, including as it does many items from the Library’s extensive collection of Yeats manuscripts.

But even those with only a passing interest will enjoy the insight it gives into daily life in the Ireland in which the poet lived.

June 17, 2009 9:00 pm to July 10, 2009 9:00 pm.
This eclectic series of events, held in a marquee in Cork’s Docklands, started when the city was European Capital of Culture in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength since.

The 2009 line up is as varied as ever, and includes acts as diverse as The Priests, Simple Minds, Rod Steward, Des Bishop and 50 Cent.

June 27, 2009 to July 5, 2009.
This festival held annually in Bantry offers classical music lovers a varied and packed programme of concerts and recitals from popular works to those less well known.

Doing the whole festival is not for the faint hearted - there are more than 35 events over 9 days - but anyone in the area can just dip in and out for one or two events.

July 4, 2009 to July 12, 2009.
This is Ireland’s premier traditional music summer school, held annually in memory of the late, great piper Willie Clancy.

Students from all over the world flock to Miltown Malbay for daily classes taught by masters in Irish music and dance. There is also a programme of lectures, recitals, dances and exhibitions and many informal sessions.

July 4, 2009 to July 12, 2009.
A lively and varied festival which includes theatre, dance, music, comedy and spectacle. A lot of events take place on the street and are loud and colourful - this is a week that younger visitors will hugely enjoy.

July 5, 2009 to July 11, 2009.
This Bantry based festival continues to grow and expand, attracting Irish and international writers and commentators to week of readings, workshops and seminars.

There is music too, and art as well as a particularly good programme for children. And all in West Cork, a pleasure to visit at any time.

July 10, 2009 to July 12, 2009.
This is Ireland’s biggest music festival, with 3 main stages and more than 60 rock/indie acts performing over three days.

Held outdoors at Punchestown Racecourse, it is as famous for its mud and the city of tents that springs up annually as for its music.

July 11, 2009 to July 19, 2009.
This increasingly popular arts festival now in its fifth year takes place at various locations in and around the Co Cork town probably more famous for its food.

The programme is eclectic and includes theatre, music of various types, visual arts, comedy and a good children’s programme.

July 17, 2009 to July 19, 2009.
Colourful street spectacles, live music, and extreme events are at the heart of this festival whose events take place mostly on the streets of Tullamore.

It’s very much a community affair with kids especially involved and enjoying the chances it gives them to dress up and get active.