Hay Festival

3-6 July: The world-renowned Hay Festival in Kells, Co Meath, brings together authors from around the world. Festival highlights for 2014 include Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans, and Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan, co-authors of The Full Story of 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden. Visit www.hayfestival.org/kells

The Promenade Festival

4-6 July: This family-fun festival, celebrating classic Irish seaside fun, takes place in Tramore, Co Waterford. The event celebrates the work of the emergency services and will showcase their skills. There will also be street performers, sand art, music and much more. For more information, visit www.thepromenadefestival.com

Clonmel Junction

4-13 July: Promising a distinctive mix of high-quality Irish and international theatre, circus, dance music and street theatre, this festival features entertainment to suit all ages. Tickets for the festival and a full programme of events can be found on www.junctionfestival.com

Stradbally Family Fair

6 July: Stradbally Family Fair and National Hound Show returns to the Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co Laois. It is an equine and country pursuit showcase with pony club games, show jumping, a hunt chase and the national showing of foxhounds. There will also be a presentation of Hungarian cavalry and horse archery.

Literary Festival

6-12 July: The West Cork Literary Festival takes place across various venues in Bantry. The programme includes free readings in Bantry library and bookshop, afternoon seminars, book launches, panel discussions, coffee sessions with an editor and the opportunity for Munster novelists to enter the JG Farrell Award.