What's On in Ireland

October 2, 2010 to October 11, 2010.
Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest events in Ireland and has been held each October for longer than anyone knows.

The fair draws massive crowds for a week of competition alongside dealing in horses and other livestock. There are also fun fairs, street performers and numerous other events.

October 16, 2010 to October 30, 2010.
Since 1951 Wexford has been bringing lesser known operas to a loyal and appreciative audience that travels annually from all over the globe.

There are lots of fringe events for everyone to enjoy too, from music sessions in pub, to street entertainment, art exhibitions and local tours.

October 21, 2010 to October 24, 2010.
Held in honour of a celebrated local fiddle player, this weekend celebrating traditional music is very popular with musicians.

There is a distinct style of playing in this region of Ireland, which is wonderful to listen to and also great for those who love to dance.

October 22, 2010 to October 25, 2010.
Since 1978 Ireland’s biggest and longest established jazz event and has hundreds of musicians and many thousands of music fans to the city for an annual feast of jazz of all kinds.

As well as the core performance there are fringe events taking place throughout the city and it is a festival known for the friendly welcome given to visitors.

November 4, 2010 to November 13, 2010.
The ‘opera’ of the title is fairly loosely interpreted and the shows range from grand operas to modern Broadway and West End shows as well as the occasional original show.

The festival celebrates its fiftieth year with a return to its newly renovated home, Waterford’s Theatre Royal.

November 4, 2010 6:00 pm to November 7, 2010 6:00 pm.
Ennis is a good place to hear traditional music at any time, but during this festival it is the only place to be, with hundreds of formal and informal sessions taking place.

It’s a very relaxed and friendly affair, so even those with only a passing interest in the music will enjoy it, those who love Irish music will be in heaven!

November 5, 2010 to November 7, 2010.
This festival covers a wide range of styles, with a huge number of performance of sean nós, rap, choirs, gospel, soul, slam, poetry, overtone, opera and storytelling taking place at many venues throughout the city.

November 13, 2010 to November 14, 2010.
One of Ireland’s premier choral events which sees choirs from Ireland and abroad converge on Sligo for a weekend of competition and concerts.

The festival also takes to the streets, with choirs performing for the passing public.

November 19, 2010 11:00 am to November 21, 2010 11:00 am.
While primarily a trade show, this is a great place to get a feel for what’s happening in the Irish visual arts world, with exhibits from more than 100 artists and galleries and anyone can attend.

A special showcase of emerging Irish artists is included – so the keen-eyed may well spot some stars of the future.

November 26, 2010 to November 28, 2010.
A weekend of events held annually in celebration of the life and work of one of Ireland’s most famous and loved poets, Patrick Kavanagh.

An important focus of the weekend is the awarding of the prestigious Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award.