writersweek.ie
Over the last number of years, literary festivals have been popping up all over our tiny island, which is no bad thing. However, if you want to experience the oldest of them all, you need to attend Listowel Writers’ Week. Over the course of five days, visitors, tourists, artists, writers and poets will flock to the heritage town of Listowel to celebrate the beauty and power of the written word.
This year’s lineup includes An Evening with Merlin Holland (Oscar Wilde’s only grandson), talks with Katriona O’Sullivan, Neil Jordan, Liz Nugent, Colm Tóibín, Niall McMonagle and Dearbhla Mescal, cómhrá le Áine Ní Ghlinn, book launches, writing masterclasses, poetry readings and so much more.
whennextwemeet.ie
Celebrating its fifth year, this gorgeous event takes place in Raheen House, Clonmel, and promises festival-goers a June bank holiday weekend brimming with cracking music, wellness sessions, great food and a relaxing atmosphere.
Headlined by The Waterboys and Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill, the 800-capacity boutique festival has become one of Ireland’s loveliest music gatherings – intentionally small-scale, artist-focused, and rooted in community. As well as a Maker’s Market, this year’s event will also have a dedicated chill-out space.
skerriesukulelefestival.com
A relative newcomer to the music festival scene in Ireland, the Skerries Ukulele Festival is now in its fourth year and planning to welcome strummers from all over the country. As well as workshops for adult beginners and children, the festival kicks off with an open mic night, where you can show off your skills or sit back and watch others take to the stage.
The craic will be mighty on Saturday afternoon, as ukers congregate for a Flashmob, followed by the Busk on the Festival Bus.
corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science
For curious minds who want to know how everything works, Cork’s Carnival of Science offers two days of mind-blowing discovery and scientific experimentation to satisfy all ages. The free outdoor science celebration returns to Fitzgerald Park this June and promises a fantastic STEM experience that families can explore together.
Leading the impressive line-up this year is the Science of Hogwarts, a brand-new show that brings audiences into a world where physics and everyday reactions take on an almost magical quality.
Visitors can expect a packed programme of live performances, interactive exhibits, roaming entertainment with jaw-dropping experiments being performed mid-air and lots more besides.
ballinasalmonfestival.ie
Dubbed ‘The Salmon Fishing Capital of Ireland’, Ballina is once again gearing up to host one of the longest-running community festivals in the country. Celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage, this brilliant event has everything from family-friendly activities, live music and street performances to fireworks, heritage events, and, of course, the famous International Salmon Festival competitions. There’s also a river swim race, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and a chance to see who’ll be crowned the Lady of the Moy.
eaf.ie
Definitely one of the coolest events on the summer calendar, this bilingual festival has a great mix of live music, visual arts, theatre, outdoor events and weird creative experiences.
If you’re not familiar with the magnificence of Donegal, it’s also a great way to see it as the programme runs across the county rather than staying in one site.
ocarolanharpfestival.ie
It might sound outrageously niche but there’s actually a lot more to the O’Carolan Harp Festival than just harp-playing. While it does play host to a prestigious harp competition as well as recitals, there are also music and song events, walks, a fun run, a parade and the internationally renowned Door Dancing Competition.
For hardcore harp fans, the concert on 31 July promises an unforgettable celebration of harping, spanning from
baroque traditions to contemporary works.
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