Features

Enjoy the spectacle and pageantry of Georgian Armagh at the historic city’s award-winning festival. The annual Georgian Festival (28 November 28 to 1 December) recreates the flavour of late eighteenth-century Armagh with tours, talks, theatre, music, light shows, markets and costumed characters animating its historic buildings and streets. History buffs will enjoy the guided Georgian walking tours, which give an...

Indulge your inner film critic at Dublin’s festival of cinematic excellence. The award-winning Dublin International Film Festival (20 February – 2 March 2025) is Ireland’s premier film festival and is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Each spring, the festival showcases over 100 Irish and international feature films, documentaries and shorts including several Irish premieres and one-off showings, attracting...

Presenting 82 events over 10 days, the Sound of Belfast festival celebrates Northern Ireland’s capital as a UNESCO City of Music. Belfast’s thriving and diverse musical landscape and rich musical heritage garnered it the prestigious title of City of Music in 2021. With a vibrant music scene that spans all genres, Belfast’s beat can be felt in the streets, pubs,...

Ennis Trad Fest is a joyous celebration of Irish traditional music in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. With a long and rich musical heritage, the picturesque County Clare town of Ennis on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has been called the traditional music capital of Ireland. Year round its pubs and streets are filled with music but for five days every year...

A weekend of free events celebrating Dublin’s vibrant contemporary art scene opens up a world of visual wonders to everyone. Dublin Gallery Weekend (8–10 November) presents a special programme of exhibitions and events, including artists’ talks, guided tours, performances, demonstrations and discussions, in Dublin’s top galleries. With free entry to exhibitions in 12 of the city’s art galleries, it offers an...

Dublin’s New Year Festival invites you to three days of fabulous lights shows, street entertainment and top-class music events. NYF Festival, 2023. It’s the party of the year, and in a city that loves to party, that’s saying something. Dublin’s dynamic New Year Festival opens in new window (30 December – 1 January) sees out the old year and rings in...

The only NCAA Division 1 men’s ice hockey tournament to take place outside of North America, the Friendship Four is back in Belfast this November. Founded by The Odyssey Trust and held in Belfast since 2015, the Friendship Four sees four top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 men’s ice hockey teams battle it out to win the Belpot...

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of a luxury stay in a hotel on the island of Ireland. Escape from the busyness of Christmas to a luxury hotel in Ireland where opulent comfort, fabulous festive food and entertainment, and the warmest of welcomes await. Ashford Castle, County Mayo Sitting by the shores of Lough Corrib, magnificent five-star Ashford Castle is the pinnacle...

For the perfect Christmas experience head to Ireland’s lively Christmas markets filled with fabulous artisan food, crafts, entertainment and festive cheer. Where better to soak up the festive vibe than at a sparkling Christmas market. Here are some of the top choices across the island of Ireland. Waterford Bigger and brighter every year, Waterford Winterval (15 November to 23 December) brings...

The tranquil beauty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is the perfect setting for a cycling holiday. With a range of off-road trails that offer scenic, stress-free cycling, the heartlands of Ireland are an ideal place for cyclists of any age and ability to enjoy some slow adventures. As well as beautiful waterside and woodland trails, and routes through picturesque towns and villages,...