ENTER into foodie heaven at Taste of West Cork. Taking place in various towns, villages and islands across the area from 8-17 September, this food festival is a must for gourmands the world over and is also noted as the perfect way to explore this unique corner of Ireland. For 10 days in September, take advantage of all the region has to offer. Sample the creations of guest chefs, take part in a variety of daily workshops, or head out on a historic or scenic walk with a local tour guide. You’ll be spoilt for choice. For more information and a full list of events, see www.atasteofwestcork.ie.

EXPERIENCE one of the world’s most beautiful coast lines by taking part in Achill Quest. This amazing adventure race allows participants to run along Keel beach, cycle the Wild Atlantic Way and kayak across Keel lake. The routes are designed to be challenging, inspiring and a real test of endurance for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants can choose from the 63km expert route, the 31km sports route and the 18km mini route. For more information and to register online, visit www.questadventureseries.com.

DIVE into history at the Kennedy Summer School, taking place from 7-9 September in New Ross, Co Wexford. This leading festival of Irish and American history, culture and politics promises three full days of entertaining, thought-provoking, educational and newsworthy discussions, along with book launches, film screenings and much more. A star-studded lineup of guests is set to feature at the summer school, including Barack Obama’s speech writer Cody Keenan, RTÉ’s Washington correspondent Caitriona Perry, Ryan Tubridy, Bressie, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD Mary Lou McDonald, TD Joan Burton and Bergen-Belsen concentration camp survivor Tomi Reichental.

IMMERSE yourself in the aromas, sights and sounds of the Waterford Harvest Festival. A highlight in the culinary calendar, this event promises to fill Waterford’s streets from 8-10 September, taking place in various locations around the city. Now in its ninth year, Waterford Harvest Festival will focus not only on the region’s great food producers, but also on the region’s chefs and restaurateurs. Along with a whole host of new events, popular favourites such as the Ballybriken Fair, Farm to Fork, WIT Calmast science workshops, Gintastic lunches and many more will return. For more information, see www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

EXPLORE Ireland’s capital as you have never seen it before at the Dublin Fringe Festival, taking place from 9-24 September. The Fringe Festival is an annual curated arts festival, which focuses on a fresh and innovative approach to the arts. Audiences will be treated to the newest and very best of theatre, music, comedy and more. Some of the festival’s highlights include Whoosh, a wordless performance of music and movement at the Lir Academy and Spliced, an innovative presentation that both questions and celebrates the GAA. For ticket prices and a full lineup, see www.fringefest.com.