What's On in Ireland

June 10, 2010 to June 13, 2010.
This annual foodie fest features tastings from some of the best restaurants in Dublin, alongside cookery demonstrations, food markets, outdoor music performances and more.

It’s held in the beautiful Iveagh gardens, a place that is not well known but is perfect for al fresco eating and adds to the festival hugely.

June 12, 2010 to June 27, 2010.
Encompassing theatre, dance, music, visual arts, food, street performers and even circus, this 16 day festival in Ireland’s ‘real capital’ is nothing if not varied.

June 16, 2010 to August 1, 2010.
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 25, 2010 to July 3, 2010.
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.

June 30, 2010 to July 4, 2010.
This festival, showing mainly films not previously screened in Ireland, is aimed not just at the Dublin gay community but at anyone interested in film.

There is a particularly strong shorts programme, as the festival is a nominating festival for the Iris Prize for the Best International Gay and Lesbian Short Film.

July 3, 2010 to July 11, 2010.
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 3, 2010 to July 11, 2010.
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 4, 2010 to July 10, 2010.
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 8, 2010 to July 11, 2010.
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 9, 2010 to July 18, 2010.
Having ’something for everyone’ is a common claim that isn’t always delivered on, but this eclectic festival in Co Donegal delivers in spades.

Events cover theatre, comedy, music, poetry and the visual arts and take place at venues throughout the county, with a particularly strong programme of family and children’s events.