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How to enjoy a summer of Irish culture, music, arts and dance

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Anyone in the market for a relaxed summer break, staying in privately owned accommodation and spending their days enjoying the best that cultural Ireland has to offer is in luck.

From Irish folk festivals to jazz concerts; open air theatre to film, Ireland has plenty to offer music and culture fans this summer.

Wherever an exciting arts event is taking place, there is a Hidden Ireland country house, countryside B&B or cottage within a highly manageable travelling distance.

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival
Waterford, 2 – 4 August

An eclectic programme of street music, theatre and arts events takes place in Waterford at the start of August, culminating in a colourful parade of performers, costumes, fireworks and special effects.

One not to be missed.

A warm and welcoming family festival that really does have something to offer visitors of all ages.

Choose from around 200 acts descending from around the world, all completely free to watch and enjoy. Delicious street food available too, showcasing the best that Waterford has to offer.

Kilkenny Arts Festival
Kilkenny, 8 – 18 August

This popular festival is over 50 years old and still going strong!

Showcasing the very best of choral works, opera, chamber music, dance and theatre, this highly cultural, searingly beautiful programme is sure to have something to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether they lean towards the classical or yearn to experience something more contemporary.

Full programme, dates and booking information online.

Electric Picnic
Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, 16 – 18 August

Irish arts and music events don’t come much bigger than Electric Picnic. Especially since global pop sensation Kylie Minogue will be headlining, along with Calvin Harris and Kodaline. This annual rock ‘n’ roll festival offers music, comedy, theatre and holistic health in a colourful mix of heady summer fun. Even if you don’t manage to bag yourself a ticket to the main event, the area will be alive with visitors and attractions and you might even be able to spot a famous face or two in town.

Masters of Tradition
Bantry, Cork, 21 – 25 August

For an authentic, traditional Irish music experience, head over to this charming festival in Bantry on Cork’s west coast. Masters of Tradition offers its visitors exactly what you might expect, with lively, beautiful traditional music from talented musicians and singers. Listen to enchanting performances from Celtic instruments such as the concertina, Scottish small pipes, Uilleann pipes and Irish fiddle. Or get lost in the dreamy world of Celtic folksong. Enjoy the ultimate Irish cultural event this summer.

Dublin Fringe Festival
Dublin, 7 – 22 September

Why should Edinburgh be the only place for some Fringe fun? If you are planning a late summer break in Ireland’s capital city this year, take a look at the exciting programme of new and emerging acts making their professional break-through in this multi-disciplinary arts festival. You might be lucky enough to be in at the start of Ireland’s next huge star’s comedy or musical career! Details of acts, dates and venues are available online.

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Ideas for enjoying a family break – things for children to see and do this summer

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Summer is almost here and with it will come the long school holidays, stretching out gloriously in front of us.

If you are planning to spend some, or even all of it in Ireland, then read on for some ideas to help keep children of all ages entertained, active and loving summer in the Emerald Isle.

Active kids

Ireland is blessed with easily accessible, stunningly beautiful coastlines offering a plethora of activities for sporty children.

From paddle boarding, water-skiing and surfing to sailing, hiking and fossil hunting, Ireland’s beaches and coastal resorts are fantastic for keeping the whole family fit all summer long.

Other options for active kids include numerous golf clubs, tennis courts, gyms and leisure centres located across the island and open all summer long.

Historical Ireland

History buffs may well appreciate a look round the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, or the City Sightseeing hop on-hop off bus that shows off the many delights of the Republic of Ireland’s vibrant capital city.

Another historical delight is Blarney Castle and Gardens in County Cork, where, folklore has it, you can also kiss the famous Blarney Stone to receive the gift of eloquence.

Explore Ireland’s links to the tragedy of the sinking of HMS Titanic at the Titanic Experience in Cobh in County Cork.

This moving museum is based in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, close to the departure point for the final group of passengers who boarded the fateful ship in 1912.

Nature fans

Ireland’s diverse nature and expansive countryside is second to one.

Nature fans are spoilt for choice. Ancient forests and woodlands offer fascinating walking and wildlife-watching options with trees for the kids to climb and signposted family trails to keep youngsters amused along the way.

Other options include the many wildlife parks, sanctuaries and nature attractions around the country.

Examples include Dublin Zoo in Dublin, Burren Birds of Prey Centre in Clare, Connemara National Park in County Galway, The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, County Cork, Secret Valley Wildlife park in Wexford and Wild Ireland in Burnfoot, County Donegal.

Adrenaline adventurers

Children will love to let off some steam after months coped up in the classroom.

This can easily be done during a trip to Ireland. Rollercoaster fans will enjoy a trip to Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) in County Meath, which also has a fantastic zoo and lots of space to run around.

The Aqua Dome in Tralee, County Kerry lives up to its name with plenty of pools, wave machines and water slides to explore.

Funtasia Theme Park in Drogheda, County Louth has plenty for adults and children too, including Pirate’s Cove for small adventurers and casinos for the grown-ups.

Great for wet weather fun.

Culture vultures

Ireland is famed for its folk dancing and lively music.

You can enjoy concerts, theatre, comedy nights, outdoor film showings, opera and dance in several different locations.

Look online for full details of music festivals happening too, including the famous Longitude Festival in Dublin at the end of June, All Together Now Festival in Waterford in early August and Electric Picnic in County Laois in mid-August.

Check out Ireland’s links to famous writers and artists too, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Francis Bacon.

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