Upcoming Festivals and Events in Ireland
There are some important dates to remember if you are thinking about visiting Kilkenny. All of the events below are easily reachable from the self catering cottages at Croan Cottages.
As well as these festivals, we have also prepared itineraries to help you plan days out while you are on Holiday at Croan Cottages. Details are provided in each of our self catering cottages and we have listed some of the suggestions on the Recommended Days Out page on our website.
We have also listed some of the activities available in Kilkenny for those travelling with Children. Visit our Kids Activities page for more details.
There really is something here for everyone:
January
New Year's day
The Wellie Race and Parade, Castlecomer. This event takes place annually on New Years Day. http://www.wellierace.com/
February
Waterford New Music Week Waterford Institute of Technology, in association with Garter Lane Arts Centre, will present the eleventh Waterford New Music Week from 21st March to 25th March 2011.
It is the only contemporary music festival in the South East of Ireland. It celebrates national and international contemporary composition and performance.
LAWLORS HOTEL JAZZ FESTIVAL Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. (Mid February)
Non stop Jazz all weekend.
March
St. PATRICK'S DAY, 17th, Events throughout the South East all week
April
SÉAN DUNNE WRITERS FESTIVAL, (Late March - Early April) Waterford
The festival is entirely free and is charged with the development of a new cannon of works. Contact Garter Lane 051-855038 email: arts@waterfordcity.ie
May
Guinness Feile na nDeise Festival (every May Bank Holiday weekend)
Traditional/Jazz/Bluegrass festival. http://www.feilenandeise.com/
Rhythm and Roots International Music Festival, Kilkenny (every May Bank Holiday weekend)
The Carlsberg Kilkenny Rhythm n' Roots Weekend focuses on introducing cutting edge acts to Ireland. http://www.kilkennyroots.com/
JOHN ROBERTS WEEKEND May Bank Holiday annual celebration of the life and work of Waterford architect John Roberts (1714 - 1796). A mixture of formal and informal elements http://www.johnrobertsweekend.ie/
FESTIVAL OF THE SEA links and celebrates the people and cultures of coastal communities of the south-east of Ireland and south-east Newfoundland/Labrador. An alternating biennial festival with the Irish launch in 2005, linking County Waterford's Dunmore East, Passage East, Cheekpoint and Ring and County Wexford's Ballyhack, Duncannon, Kilmore Quay, Fethard-on-Sea & Hook Head with the different communities of the Cape Shore and Irish Loop on the island of Newfoundland.
Email alexbkelly@hotmail.com
June
Cat Laughs International Comedy Festival, Kilkenny (every June Bank Holiday weekend)
It has established a reputation for relaxed shows and performances by leading comedians from these islands, Europe and even America. http://www.thecatlaughs.com/
IMMRAMA, Lismore Festival Of Travel Writing, Waterford, three full days of Literature, arts, music and cultural activities for all interests and ages. Music, literature, readings, performances, street and indoor theatre, exhibitions, art, history, photography and competitions. website
MARITIME FESTIVAL, Waterford City. Celebrating "Waterford of the Ships" - web site Activities include: - Family Entertainment, Model Boat Display, Model Boat Making Workshop, River Suir Exhibition, Power Boat Racing, Air Sea Rescue, Laser Display, Festival Ball
SOUTH EAST GARDENS FESTIVAL, Waterford, early June, a trail of 15 private gardens, ranging from cottage style gardens to colourful attractively designed new gardens. Phone +353 (0)51 384273
Open Deep Sea Angling Competition, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058-41395 or 058-46401
Éigse Carlow Arts Festival (Early June)
A ten-day celebration of visual art, performance, dance, music, literature, street spectacle, craft and film, Éigse Carlow Arts Festival is one of Ireland's largest arts festivals. http://www.eigsecarlow.ie/
Carlow Regatta (June)
Rowing in nearby Carlow has been popular since 1859. the highlight of this year is the annual regatta which attracts thousand of entries from both Ireland and overseas.
Military re-enactment at Duncannon Fort (June)
The Munster Military Vehicle and re-enactment Group will assemble a gathering of veteran military vehicles and an assorted number of historical re-enactors from varied times in Irish and World history. www.thehook-wexford.com/heritage/
Waterford International Choral Festival
International, non-competitive festival for amateur choirs in all categories.
July
Clonmel Junction Festival (Early July)
An extensive range of events which includes theatre shows for adults, children and families and music events ranging from Jazz to Rock and from World Music to Traditional. http://www.junctionfestival.com/
South Tipperary Garden Trail, Clonmel (July TBC)
Tours through award winning gardens
Cashel Summer Festival
Live Music, free outdoor concerts, family field day, literary events, Art Exhibitions, Theatre. http://www.cashelsummerfestival.com/
JFK Dunbrody Festival, New Ross
International Festival celebrating the maritime history of New Ross and its connection with the Kennedy family. Live open air concerts, visiting naval vessels, hot air balloons, helicopter rides, children's events, River regatta, Norman day and fireworks. http://www.jfkdunbrodyfestival.org/
TráFest MUSIC WEEKEND Street Concerts in Tramore, Co. Waterford. Pub gigs every night for Early to Mid July. www.spraoi.com
August
Duncannon International Sand Sculpting Festival Competition & Exhibition
Festivals Duncannon, Wexford
Sand sculpting competition, fun for everyone!
+353 (0)87 235 5478 Early August
Waterford Spraoi Festival
For three days, the streets and quays of Waterford city are transformed into a huge stage featuring an international cast of musicians and street theatre performers. All events are free. http://www.spraoi.com/
Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre -
Concert Venues Kilkenny City, Kilkenny
+353 (0) 56 7769424
Graiguenamanagh Regatta and Rowing Festival, Co. Kilkenny (August Bank Holiday weekend)
Reputed to be the oldest Regatta on Irelands inland waterways. The entire town gather to see local and visitor alike compete on the river in swimming and diving costumes, and most special of all, racing in 'cots', which are the traditional small fishing craft of the Barrow. Music abounds in the Pubs, football matches and other events are also timed to coincide with the Graiguenamanagh Regatta.
Thomastown, Music Festival (Early August)
Traditional Music will be played in local venues around the village of Thomastown, throughout the weekend.
Kilkenny Arts Festival (Early August)
The fabulous medieval city of Kilkenny makes a stunning backdrop to its annual international arts festival. Kilkenny Arts Festival takes place over 10 days in August and plays host to some of the world's leading artists and performers in a range of art forms. Widely acclaimed for its unique mix of art forms and venues, this year's festival will feature music - classical, jazz and traditional Irish - visual art, theatre and dance in unusual spaces around the city, literature and film, a full range of events for young people, and outdoor events in the city and county. http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/
Carlow Floral Festival (First week of August)
The festival promises lots of floral fun and facts with gardening and floral workshops, arts and crafts demonstrations, musical performances and superb street entertainment.
LISMORE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL, West Waterford
Horse Racing, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Tel: 051 381425, Early August http://www.tramore-racecourse.com/
DUNMORE EAST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. Last week in August, since 1994. http://www.waterford-dunmore.com/
Iverk Agricultural Show (4th September)
The Iverk show dates back to 1826 and still flourishes to this day. It is now estimated to be one of the largest agricultural shows in the country, attracting patrons from the 32 counties. http://www.iverkshow.com/
September
Waterford Fringe Festival (19th - 28th September)
Waterford Fringe Festival is a multi-disciplinary Arts Festival to coincide with The Waterford International Festival Of Light Opera. http://www.waterfordfringefestival.com/
Waterford International Festival of Light Opera
A classic among events, the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera is long established, popular and polished. It gathers some of the leading Music Societies from throughout these islands. http://www.waterfordfestival.com/
NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK, Late August - Early September, Nationwide.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/
ANGLING OPEN DEEP SEA COMPETITION, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058-41395 or 058-46401
Kilkenny Celtic Festival (Late September - Early October)
Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital, in the Sunny South East of Ireland, is where the varying threads of Ireland's Celtic traditions and history can best be explored. Although mainly a Norman town, its majestic castle, lofty cathedral, five medieval abbeys, together with its meandering streetscape create a special and particular feel to this ancient Irish city. http://www.celticfestival.ie/
October
Nire Valley Walking Festival, Waterford (First or Second week in October)
Festival of walking for enthusiasts of all levels.
Carlow Autumn Walking Festival (First week in October)
This walking festival allows experienced walkers to enjoy the invigorating challenge of Carlow's mountain treks while novices will find peace and tranquillity on quiet country routes. Knowledgeable local guides will lead the way.
National Conker Championships, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny (Last Sunday in October)
Open-to-all Conker competitions for all ages culminating in the crowning of the Irish Conker Champion. In addition to conkering there will be lots of other activities for all ages as well as plenty of hot food and drink. http://www.freshfordinfo.ie/
'IMAGINE' - Waterford Arts Festival (20th October - 31st October) nine mini festivals all in one theatre, film, music, comedy, dance, literature, visual, craft and children - a platform for local talent and a showcase for international artists. The annual festival is a vibrant mix of the traditional and contemporary, well-established acts, special commissions, Irish exclusives and European premieres. http://www.waterfordartsfestival.com/
November
Duiske Concert Season (4th - 6th November)
A unique chance to hear Classical and Traditional music in a 13th century setting.
December
Kilkenny On Ice will run from December 3rd to January 22nd 2012. Christmas has finally come to Kilkenny – with the most exciting festive event for all the family! Located at Cillin Hill, Kilkenny. Indoor skating and REAL ICE! No synthetic ice here, it's all the real deal.