April 30, 2010 to May 2, 2010.
This oddly named traditional music festival is held in Ardara, a truly lovely part of Donegal, and it’s small scale makes it a friendly event to attend.
It’s all fairly low key, with trad sessions in the local pubs and music workshops making up the bulk of the events.
February 24, 2010 to February 28, 2010.
A lively weekend of traditional music & dance which celebrates the rich culture and diversity of traditional Irish music and dance.
Events are very varied and include music workshops, sessions and concerts, lectures and céilí.
February 1, 2010 to February 5, 2010.
This annual event run by the Traditional Music Society at University College Cork is a low scale, friendly one which attracts a very talented bunch of musicians. There are sessions and concerts every day of the festival, in the evening and at lunchtime.
September 11, 2010 to September 13, 2010.
Tulla is a place steeped in traditional music and this annual event draws some of the best, and best known, musicians in the country to the small town.
While the programme is of a very high quality, just as enjoyable are the many informal sessions that take place in the pubs and on the streets.
October 1, 2010 to October 3, 2010.
Traditional singing is an art that it takes a little time for the uninitiated to appreciate – for lovers of the style this is a mecca, for those who’d like to learn more about it, it’s the perfect place to start.
A very friendly festival with strong local involvement, visitors are made extremely welcome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 26, 2010 to March 1, 2010.
This annual event which draws thousands of traditional music lovers to the tiny village of Doolin is held in memory of local tin whistle and flute player Micho Russell, and his brothers Gussie and Packie.
The headline concert in 2009 features Líadan, a hugely popular 6 member all female band who play in a unique style which blends the old with the new.
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Dominated by the river Shannon, with the imposing King John’s Castle on its banks, Limerick is a proud city with much to be proud of.
It’s impossible to mention Limerick without mentioning rugby – it’s much more than a game for Limerick people who follow the exploits of the locally based Munster team with a passion and fervour unrivalled among sports fans anywhere.
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The heritage card gives access to dozens of historic sites, scenic areas, parks and gardens in Ireland for a real bargain price.
Even if you are spending less a week in Ireland you will probably get enough value from this card to justify its price – any longer than that and it’s a complete certainty
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Irish lace, modern or antique, is hard to find and expensive, as the tradition of lace making has declined considerably from it’s peak in the late 1900s.
A revival of interest in old crafts means new lace makers are now appearing around the country doing very beautiful work that is worth seeking out.
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Though perhaps better known for its pubs than its restaurants, Galway has plenty of good places to eat too.
Being a university city means there are plenty of options for those on a tight budget and things have improved in the last few years at the upper end also.
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