Music

The fabulous medieval city of Kilkenny makes a stunning backdrop to its annual international arts festival. Whether you’re into theatre, art, dance, opera, literature, music or all of the above, you’ll find a mouth-watering collection of the very best in home-grown and international acts coming to Kilkenny. Every year, for 10 days in August, Kilkenny comes alive with a feast of artistic entertainment for all. The city’s oldest and largest non profit festival now draws more than 80,000 visitors annually who come and partake in all that Kilkenny has to offer.

Founded and curated by long time Irish residents, Swiss violinist Maya Homburger and English bass player Barry Guy, the Barrow River Arts Festival presents, in one packed weekend, a programme of classical music, free improvised jazz, theatre and visual art in two beautiful settings along the River Barrow in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow - Duiske Abbey and Borris House. Taking place annually in April, box Office: 059 917 2400

Cashel Arts Fest is a 10 day festival of music, visual art, theatre, comedy, film, talks, workshops, family and children's events. A voluntary committee work hard year-round to bring an exciting and varied programme of events to Cashel each November. The festival endeavours to provide opportunities for all sections of the community to engage with a variety of art disciplines in an enjoyable and meaningful way, liasing with local primary and secondary schools as well as youth groups and organisations involving older people. Workshops for young and old will take place throughout the festival.

The Clonmel Junction Festival is a nine-day annual cultural celebration taking place in Clonmel, South Tipperary. Having begun in 2001 with nine events over five days, the event has doubled in size each year and now hosts over 70 events. For nine days, the town is transformed with hand-made banners and flags adorning the streets with the theatres, pubs and cafes pulsating with vibrant music and theatre from all over the world.

The annual Guinness Bluegrass Festival takes place in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford in August. It promises to be a great weekend of bluegrass music for enthusiasts and lovers of great music. Top American, European and Irish acts playing over four days. A full programme will be available at the pubs and hotels prior to the start of the festival. There is no entry fee and each of the groups play at all of the venues throughout the weekend - and from as early as 12noon on the Saturday and Sunday.

Imagine Arts Festival is a unique celebration of the arts in Waterford City. The festival showcases all forms of the arts, from film and theatre, to music and dance plus everything in between. It gives everyone an opportunity to experience and participate in a broad range of creative arts. Imagine features live performances and special workshops for all ages and interests. The festival also gives new local young talent a platform to exhibit their work along with established international artists. Events are held in a number of locations across the City with some free events. The festival takes place annually in late October.

The JFK Dunbrody Festival was established in 2001 to celebrate the two iconic tourist attractions in New Ross, The Dunbrody Famine Ship and the ancestral home of President John F. Kennedy. The festival is multifaceted, with live open air music, markets, arts and crafts and with a particular focus on international connections and the Irish Diaspora. The focal point of the festival is the Dunbrody Famine Ship, and the surrounding area which has international appeal. Taking place in late July. The Guinness Pub Music Trail features a variety of styles along with lots of other activities over the weekend. The vision for the future is to reach out to the Irish Diaspora throughout the world bringing them back home for a weekend of culture and enjoyment.

The Lismore Music festival is a unique Summer Music & Opera Festival in the scenic town of Lismore, standing on the Blackwater River. The Festival takes place each year on the June Bank Holiday weekend in the surrounds of the spectacular Lismore Castle. Attendees are urged to arrive early to enjoy a three course opera picnic with wine in the romantic castle gardens. A Prosecco and Wine Bar within the castle walls is present for the weekend. Tickets are available from Lismore Heritage Centre, Jonathan Ackroyd Jewellers, and online at www.lismoremusicfestival.com. Tickets and accommodation sell quickly so early booking is recommended.

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival takes over the city centre of Waterford on the August Bank Holiday weekend and transforms the streets and squares of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city into a series of giant stages. Street-theatre artists and musicians from around the world, mainly from Ireland, Netherlands, U.K., France, Italy, Catalonia, West Africa and U.S.A. create three days of stunning entertainment and virtually all events are free. The programme starts daily around lunchtime and runs late into the night. A highlight is the annual Spraoi Parade where hundreds of costumed performers, giant floats, live music and special effects combine to create a wonderful cultural experience. The event now attracts audiences in excess of 100,000 people to the city.

Wexford Fringe Festival, is based around Wexford Opera Festival and features 18 days and nights of fun, culture, an eclectic range of over 250 fringe events, something to appeal to all ages and interests. Over the past 50 years the Fringe has grown into one of Ireland's largest cultural events featuring dramas, light opera, exhibitions, the Guinness Singing & Swinging Pubs Competition, fairs for antiques, poetry, trad sessions, books, food and much more.