Festival

Boyle Arts Festival

21-30 July: Having evolved into a 10-day event, the Boyle Arts Festival this year has a stellar lineup encompassing some of the town’s top venues. Declan O’Rourke will kick things off on 21 July with a concert in King House Historical and Cultural Centre. The action will move to the Church of Ireland on 22 July, as singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy promises to treat fans to old and new favourites. Other acts that will perform over the course of the festival include Anúna, Regina Nathan, the Celtic Tenors, Eddi Reader, Carole Coleman, John B Keane’s The Successful TD and much more. For a full lineup and tickets, see www.boylearts.com.

Dublin International Piano Festival

22-30 July: The annual Dublin International Piano Festival (DIPF) returns to the capital for the fifth year running, taking place across nine days with a new season of exciting performances, masterclasses and seminars. This showcase of some of the world’s finest pianists will be held at various venues across Dublin city, including the National Concert Hall, Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane and Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) Conservatory of Music and Drama. A full programme of events and tickets information can be accessed on www.pianofestival.ie.

Music

Seán Keane

26 July: Singer and musician Seán Keane brings his popular concert to Westport Town Hall Theatre this summer. Performing across 10 Wednesday nights, he will be joined on stage by Pat Coyne, Fergus Feely, David Doocey and Stephen Doherty. Keane’s blend of country, folk and blues has created a unique and unforgettable sound spanning 10 solo albums. Some of his much-loved songs – such as Isle of Hope Isle of Tears, Galway to Graceland and Home away from Home are sure to be heard on the night. Tickets start at €22 from www.westporttheatre.com.

Theatre

Mise Éire – I Am Ireland

24 July: Enter into the world of Irish history with Mise Éire – I am Ireland, a musical production that includes tales of warrior Cú Chulainn and Pirate Queen of Connacht Grace O’Malley. It merges stunning visuals of Irish landscapes with a selection of Irish music, song and dance creating an authentic experience for audiences. This production at the Black Box in Galway allows audiences to visit times in Irish history when people were forced to emigrate en masse and when the proclamation was read aloud on the steps of the GPO. Tickets start at €25 and are available from www.tht.ie.

Comedy

Brendan Grace

21 July: Brendan Grace, one of Ireland’s best-loved comedians, is bringing his latest show to the INEC Killarney in Co Kerry. Celebrating 40 years in the comedy business, Grace’s latest show features some brand-new material and also some old favourites, legendary character Bottler is sure to make an appearance. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ie.

Film

Dunkirk

21 July: Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this World War II thriller centres around the evacuation of allied troops from the French city of Dunkirk before Nazi forces took hold. The story is told from three perspectives – land, sea and air. The movie stars Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance and Cillian Murphy. Music is by Hans Zimmer, a long-time collaborator with Nolan.

Dancing Diary

Connacht

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Hotel. Big Band: 25th July, Patrick Feeney. Kavanaghs Bar, 21st July, Ger Long, 22nd July, Ger Long, 23rd July, Michael Regan. Social Dancing (5-8pm) 23rd July, Brendan Magee

Galway: Oranmore, Keane’s, 22nd July, Gerry Guthrie

Leinster

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown Gaa, 23rd July, Glen Flynn

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 22nd July, Dave Lawlor

Wexford: Killag, Bannow Rathangan Showgrounds, 30th July, Jimmy Buckley, Nathan Carter, Cliona Hagan, Mike Denver & Lee Matthews

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 21st July, Michael English

Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, 26th July, Patrick O’Sullivan

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Hotel, 24th July, Caitriona O’Sullivan

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 26th July, Dermot Lyons

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 22nd July, Robert Mizzell

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 22nd July, Nightingales

Ulster

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown Hotel, 24th July, Johnny Brady

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 21st July, Jim Devine, 22nd July, Declan Nerney, 23rd July, Jimmy Buckley

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 22nd July, Patrick Feeney

Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies , 21st July, Declan Nerney

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 23rd Monaghan, Gerry Guthrie

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 21st July, Derek Ryan

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 22nd July, Jimmy Buckley