EXPERIENCE the Brigid of Faughart Festival, which runs until 4 February at Faughart Dundalk and Ravensdale Co Louth. The event is a celebration of Brigid as both saint and goddess, and the Celtic festival of Imbolc at the beginning of spring. The emphasis of this festival is to revisit and reclaim the richness of the traditions associated with Brigid of Faughart. This is the 11th year of this unique modern festival, with events for the whole family to enjoy. For more information see www.brigidoffaughart.ie.

INDULGE in the beauty of the night and take part in the Kinnitty Castle Knight Run, taking place on 2 February in Co Offaly. This demanding 10km trail starts at the renowned four-star Kinnitty Hotel before ascending under a full moon through the glorious Slieve Bloom Mountains. Competitors will traverse wearing head torches to the top valley of the Blooms, where they will then travel down a fully way-marked route back to the castle. There will be a DJ to commence the race and light refreshments at the finish line. For details see www.myrunresults.com.

DISCOVER the talents of The Vanbrugh and Michael McHale at The Ardhowen Fermanagh Theatre on 5 February. This will be their first season as a chamber music group following the retirement of violinist Gregory Ellis. The Vanbrugh is Ireland’s longest-established string quartet and will be offering audiences the opportunity to indulge in the riches of the piano quartet repertoire in collaboration with acclaimed Belfast-born pianist, Michael McHale. See www.ardhowentheatre.ticketsolve.com for further details.

ENJOY the Eigse na Brideoige Festival, which takes place in various centres in the Gaeltacht areas of Iveragh in south Kerry from 2 February to 4 February. Each year a different theme – a person, place, organisation or any facet of that heritage – celebrates an aspect of the social and cultural heritage of the area. The weekend includes music, song and poetry preformed through live converts and informal sessions. The timing of the Éigse is intended as a celebration of the Brídeog tradition celebrating St Brigid’s day and the coming of spring. For more see www.eigsenabrideoige.com.

CELEBRATE the Country Music Weekend taking place at the Falls Hotel and Spa, Ennistymon, in Co Clare. Running from 2 February to 4 February, this will be a weekend for country lovers to step out onto the dance floor and jive the night away. With a lineup including Jimmy Buckley, Cliona Hagan and Michael Sexton, the variety of talent on offer will be second to none. The Falls Hotel and Spa is also offering packages for the weekend including overnight stays, so why not whisk your loved one off for a romantic jiving weekend? For further details visit www.fallshotel.ie.

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