Ireland is a fantastic place to visit during the Summer months, as this is the season when some of our best festivals kick off.
We really do have something to suit every age and taste. There’s music festivals like Oxegen, the Cork Midsummer Festival and of course Fleadh Cheoils in little towns and villages the length and breath of the country. We also have some literature festivals such as Listowel Writers Week and the Bard of Armagh Festival, arts festivals like the Galway Arts Festival and the Kilkenny Arts Festival and some food festivals and fairs – the most popular being the Galway Oyster Festival. There is even a Matchmaking Festival (for the singleton’s among you!) and one of the longest running festivals in the country – ‘Puck Fair’ which involves the crowning of a goat!
So if you’re visiting Ireland this Summer be sure to join in on the celebrations – Check out our top 5 festivals this Summer!
1. Killarney Summerfest 1st – 15th July 2007
This is one of the best family festivals in Ireland! It’s held in the picturesque town of Killarney in County Kerry. It really has something for all the family, like children’s workshops, a funfair, a magic show, a parade, street entertainment, busking and of course, the annual Teddy Bears Picnic in the National Park, where the kids can enjoy a bouncing castle, face painting and lots more.
The town will also host a food market, a French Market, a holistic health fair and an arts and crafts fair. And if you’re feeling a bit energetic you can join the 5km Fun Run, the Ring of Kerry Cycle or enjoy a day out at the Killarney Regatta or Killarney Races.
You will be well entertained at this years Summerfest – FAME the Musical will be performing at the INEC in the Gleneagle Hotel from 26th – 30th June.
The highlight of this year’s Summerfest is sure to be the arrival of American rock chic ‘Pink’ who plays in Fitzgerald’s Stadium on Saturday 14th July. A second concert will be announced shortly as well as the line up of gigs for midnight at the INEC.
So if you’re in the beautiful south west of Ireland during early July, pop into Killarney and check it out for yourself.
Book your accommodation in Killarney now – click here!
2. Galway Races July 30th-August 5th 2007
This is probably one of the best and most colourful race meetings in Ireland. It is held in Ballybrit Racecourse just outside Galway city in County Galway, so it’s well worth a visit if you happen to be touring the west of Ireland around this time!
Thousands of people flock here each year to witness the electric atmosphere, the craic and the excitement that comes with this festival. It runs for 7 consecutive days and each day is sure to be action packed. This year features Mad Hatter Day, Ladies Day and the Big Bash.
Whether you’re a race goer or a socialite or you just want a great day out, then head here.
Due to the popularity of this festival it’s advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible – so check out our availablity now!
3. Rose of Tralee 17th-21st August 2007
This is an International Festival attracting people from all corners of the globe. It is held in the town of Tralee, in County Kerry in the south west corner of Ireland. The ‘Rose of Tralee’ is a famous song about a girl named ‘Mary’ who was so ‘lovely and fair’ that she was called the Rose of Tralee. Now each year girls from Ireland and all over the world come to Tralee to take place in this pagent which is held over two nights and televised live.
This festival also brings with it a fun fair, lots of street entertainers and buskers, parades, fire works and open air concerts, so there’s something for all the family!
Tralee is only a short distance from the towns of Dingle and Killarney and it’s about a 2 hour drive from Shannon International Airport, so if you happen to be in the south west during these dates it’s worth checking out this festival!
We’ve lots of accommodation in Tralee so book it now to avoid dissapointment!
4. Kilkenny Arts Festival 10th-19th August 2007
The Kilkenny Arts Festival is one of the biggest and colourful arts festivals in Ireland. So it’s well worth dropping into the medieval city of Kilkenny if you find yourself touring the south east.
You’ll be enthralled and entertained by theatre and dance, classical music, jazz, traditional music, visual art exhibitions, literature and film presentations, workshops, storytelling, performance poetry and lots of street entertainment.
This year is said be even bigger and better with a superb line up of International and Irish artists. So whether you’re an art lover or you just want to witness the colour, excitement and spectacle of an arts festival, then put these dates in your diary and make for Kilkenny!
We’ve lots of approved accommodation in Kilkenny city so book now!
5.Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 19th-26th August 2007
If you’re looking for a festival that’s jam-packed with traditional Irish music, song and dance then make your way to this years All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil! Fleadh Cheoil translates as “Festival of Music” and although there are fleadh cheoils right throughout the country, this Summer the All-Ireland Fleadh is been held in the town of Tullamore in County Offaly, right in the heart of Ireland.
Up to 12,000 performers from all over Ireland and beyond will take part in different competitions with the highlight of the week long event being the All Ireland Senior Ceili Band competition.
You are sure to witness only the best in music, dance and song at this festival, as to perform in the competitions you’ll have to qualified from the regional fleadhs. Of course, every pub and street will have live entertainment so for a real Irish experience, head to Tullamore to enjoy lots of ‘craic agus ceoil’.
With 250,000 people expected to attend from all over the globe, it’s advisable to book your accommodation early. We’ve lots of accommodation in Tullamore – check it out now!
Have you been to any festivals in Ireland? We would love to hear what you thought! Any stories, comments or tips on where to go and what to enjoy this Summer are welcome!
