What's On in Ireland

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.

July 10, 2010 to July 18, 2010.
This increasingly popular arts festival now in its sixth 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 24, 2010;
Billing itself as “Small but Massive”, this one-day festival has grown from small beginnings to an extravaganza with 4 stages and over 50 acts, mainly new and emerging Irish bands and artists.

It’s friendly and carnival like atmosphere saw it voted the most family friendly music festival in Ireland in 2008.

July 29, 2010 to August 1, 2010.
The Irish Open, which dates back to 1927, is extremely popular as a spectator event, as is the pro-am which takes place before it – so if you plan to attend, book early.

The venue this year is the beautiful Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, a great venue and one where non-golfers will find plenty to do away from the course.

July 30, 2010 to August 8, 2010.
This is every bit as much as social event as a sailing regatta, which isn’t to say that the competition is not keen, it is, fiercely.

Day time sees quality racing in many different classes on the water, while by night there a fantastic party atmosphere ashore with numerous events, official and unofficial.

July 31, 2010 to August 1, 2010.
The main focus of this ‘Boutique Festival’ is music, but there is much more besides, including comedy, burlesque, art exhibitions and in 2009 live performances from the Rocky Horror Picture show.

It all takes place in the grounds of a 17th century castle, to which ticket holders have access during the festival.

August 4, 2010 to August 8, 2010.
This is the big event of the year for Irish show jumpers and horse breeders, a hugely competitive event with classes for all types of horse from tiny ponies to thoroughbred stallions.

And it’s not just the horses who are in competition. It’s an event for the style conscious too, with hotly contested best-dressed events for both women and men.

August 4, 2010 to August 10, 2010.
One of the premier traditional music festivals in Ireland, Feakle always has an excellent line up and is a very friendly festival, with lots of local participation.

As well as music there is dancing, storytelling, a ceilí and the tours of the local area, which is worth visiting in its own right.

August 16, 2010 to August 22, 2010.
This is Ireland’s biggest annual celebration of Irish traditional music, singing and dance and draws massive crowds each year. In 2009 it returns to Tullamore for a second year.

While the main events of the Fleadh are competitive – with competitions for instrumentalists, singers, dancers and groups – there is always lots of music on the streets and sessions in just about every pub.