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Temple Bar Traditional Irish Music &
Culture Festival
Dublin
January 2008
The Temple Bar district of Dublin comes
alive with a series of events to
celebrate traditional Irish customs.
Numerous venues host authentic Irish
music and dancing along with workshops,
street theatre, and much more.
St. Patrick's Festival
Dublin
13 March -17 March 2008
The St. Patrick's Day holiday is honored
through out the world, but nothing
compares to the festivities that can be
found in Dublin. The festivities begin
five days before St. Patty's day and
last all the way until the huge St.
Patrick's Day parade. Events range from
music, food, fireworks, and dancing.
Irish Grand National
Dublin
April 2008
Held at the Fairyhouse Racecourse, this
event has been running since 1870 and is
one of Ireland's most prestigious
affairs. The event is traditionally held
each Easter Monday and is over three
miles long.
Ross Carbery Oyster Guinness Festival
Ross Carbery
April 2008
The coastal town of Ross Carbery is host
to this savory event where you can find
oysters deliciously prepared. Enjoy
traditional Irish music as you sample
the delectable mollusk with of course, a
pint of Guinness.
Cork International Choral Festival
Cork
30 April – 5 May 2008
Attend this Gala and you will see
amateur and professional choral
performers from Europe and around the
world. The event has become world
renowned and is hosted by the Cork City
Hall where five days of competition and
world-class performances are held.
Galway Early Music Festival
Galway
15 May - 18 May 2008
At this event you can enjoy early music
and performances such Medieval, Baroque,
and Renaissance. The festival features a
lively street parade along with
workshops, theatre events, and food.
Leixlip Festival
Leixlip
May – June 2008
This unique event attracts thousands to
the town of Leixlip during its June bank
holiday weekend. The festival has taken
place each year since 1990 and features
entertainment for the entire family.
There are live concerts, theatre events,
and a street carnival.
Taste of Dublin Festival
Dublin
June 2008
Come to Dublin Castle to dine on some of
the city's finest cuisine from area
restaurants and chefs. The food is
accompanied by live jazz and theatre
performances along with a large
selection of wine to complement the
dishes available for sample.
Dublin Writers Festival
Dublin
11 June - 15 June 2008
This festival celebrates not only the
best of contemporary Irish writers, but
also the best international writers the
world over. Readings, discussions, and
interviews allow for exploration of this
diverse mix of world literature.
Expected at the 2008 festival are
writers J.P. Dunleavy, Tobias Wolff, and
Marion Keyes among others.
Street Performance World Championship
Dublin
13 June - 15 June 2008
Merrion Square Park hosts the annual
world championship for street
performance, where for three days
excitement reigns. Here you will see the
best in acrobatics, miming, and juggling
compete as they vie for your vote.
Galway Arts Festival
Galway City
14 July - 27 July 2008
Attracting over 170,000 visitors, this
leading arts festival for the Republic
of Ireland plays host for some of the
country's best artists in a cavalcade of
dance, music, street performance, visual
art and literature in Galway City each
year. Every form of art is represented,
with the inclusion of a film festival
and a fine art exhibition. This event is
truly can't miss for any art lover.
Cork International Folk Dance Festival
Cork
23 July - 27 July 2008
Folk dancing takes center stage for this
festival; both local and international
troupes come together to celebrate and
display their cultural dances. This a
wonderful opportunity to see not only
the best folk dancing that Ireland has
to offer, but also a diverse mix of
dancers from as far away as the
Philippines.
Puck Fair
Killorglin
August 2008
This fair is almost unknown in origin,
dating back to as early as the early
17th century. That does not matter to
the people of Killorglin, who each year
searches out King Puck out in the
mountains to proceed over the fair. King
Puck, a wild goat, is crowned king and
sits atop a throne for the three day
festival. You'll see the great tradition
of Ireland at this fair, as well as
plenty of food, drink, and
entertainment.
Birr Vintage Week
Birr
15 August - 22 August 2008
Anyone interested in classic vehicles
will have to check out this annual
celebration of all things motorized.
Everything, from completely refurbished
classics to antique tractors, is
displayed and is part of the week's
festive parade. Annual events include a
fly-in by the Ormond Flying Club,
costume competitions, film nights and a
photography competition.
Electric Picnic
Stradbally Hall Estate
29 August - 31 August 2008
Up to 30,000 revelers head to
Stradbally's Hall Estate for a weekend
of camping and music. Admission includes
camping and access to the great music
for the weekend. Featured this year are
The Roots, Franz Ferdinand, Henry
Rollins and Sinead O'Connor.
The Garden Heaven Show
Naas
September 2008
The Punchestown Racecourse becomes green
at this annual garden exposition. Here
you will see on display over 50 nursery
exhibits as well as many varieties of
plants and trees available for purchase.
The Cork Art Fair
Cork City Hall
26 September - 28 September 2008
The fourth annual contemporary Cork Art
Fair promises to delight with an array
of artists from Ireland and around the
world. This year, the Chernobyl
Children's project will benefit from the
opening night, where participating
artists donate 10% of sales to the
international charity.
Dublin Electronic Arts Festival
Dublin
October 2008
This is one of the most comprehensive
music festivals offered in Ireland. Not
only will you see the best musicians
taking the stage over the ten day event,
you will also see local and
international record labels, promoters,
and visual designers looking to find
exciting new collaborations and
projects.
Wexford Festival Opera
Wexford
16 October - 2 November 2008
The Wexford Festival Opera is the
definitive festival for opera, known
around the world for its joyful
rediscovery of rare or forgotten works
by famous composers. This year, a newly
rebuilt theater houses the festival,
which is the first event to be hosted in
the Wexford Opera House.
7Up Christmas on Ice
Dublin
December 2008
This series of events welcomes the
Christmas season to Dublin's RDS Arena.
Here, you can catch Santa gliding along
the ice, learn a few new skating tricks,
or relax in the Cozy Café next to the
Belgian Chocolate Fountain. Children can
skate in their own rink complete with
snow slide and puppet show. Bring
appropriate footwear for the hourly
snowfalls!
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