Festivals

  Opera lovers will delight at this “most friendly of festivals” which shines a light on rare masterpieces.   The pretty harbour town of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East becomes a magnet for opera fans in the autumn when it stages Wexford Festival Opera (17 October – 1 November), a critically acclaimed celebration of rare operatic gems and emerging talent. Now in its...

  Killarney will raise a glass to amazing liquids as the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival makes its debut on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at Killarney Racecourse. A celebration of flavour and craftsmanship, the festival promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, showcasing the rich diversity of the country's drinks industry—from whiskeys and gins to craft beers, ciders, vodkas, liqueurs, and much more. Proudly sponsored...

Cork’s thriving food scene will step into the spotlight next week as Cork on a Fork Fest returns for its fourth year from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th August. Organised by Cork City Council, this five-day celebration of food, flavour, and community spirit will serve up a packed programme of nearly 100 events across the city — from pop-up...

  This summer, fall in love with food, Cork City, and maybe even each other, at Cork on a Fork Fest, taking place from August 13th–17th. Whether you're planning to impress someone new or celebrate a long-time flame, the festival is offering a jam-packed menu of nearly 100 food-filled events across the city, from pop-up feasts and fun tastings to foraging...

Reviving romance: the magic of matchmaking in County Clare In an age of digital dating, one Irish town is dedicated to finding love the old-fashioned way, with a matchmaking festival that’s been bringing people together for more than 165 years Each September, as the silage is cut and the summer crowds drift home, something unique happens near the Burren region of...

The Masters of Tradition festival is a lens through which travellers can see into the musical soul of Ireland. Curated by world-famous fiddler Martin Hayes, Masters of Tradition (20–24 August) is a unique festival experience that combines music, history, storytelling and place. At its heart is authenticity and connection through a celebration of the masters of traditional Irish music who...

Ireland’s equine excellence showcased in new immersive Horse Country experiences. Discover the passion and skills that have made Ireland a world leader in thoroughbred breeding and racing through 15 unique equine experiences. Ireland is an island of horse lovers, and its extraordinary equine heritage is internationally recognised. Irish-bred thoroughbred horses, racehorse trainers and jockeys are among the most accomplished on...

Trad mad? Beat a path to Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is an unforgettable experience for musicians and spectators alike. Wexford town in Ireland’s Ancient East is tuning up for the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will welcome over 650,000 people to a sensational...

With UNESCO celebrating its 80th birthday this year, we look at some of Ireland’s next great heritage sites in waiting, from lunar landscapes to astronomical treasures This year marks 80 years since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) was established in 1945. One of UNESCO’s most celebrated initiatives is the World Heritage Sites programme, which recognises and...

Ireland’s arts festivals offer an electrifying range of events showcasing outstanding creative talent from around the world. Ireland has a year-long calendar of top-notch arts festivals and some of the biggest and best are lined up for the summer months. Here’s a peek at what’s on offer at three of the island’s most dynamic and distinctive arts festivals. Galway International Arts...