A small island with a big heart, Ireland is a soul-stirring destination – a world unto itself, with wave-lashed cliffs, rolling green hills and historic story-filled castles. The scenery is enchanting, the culture is captivating, and the people will give you a welcome that will warm your heart. Ireland is unique, and a trip here will make memories that last a lifetime. Delve into Irelands Ancient East, where history flows through the landscape; feel the oceans blast on the Wild Atlantic Way as you travel a coastline like no other; or experience the drama of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Airports 

There are 10 airports offering international flights on the island of Ireland: 

• Belfast International Airport
• Belfast City (George Best) Airport
• City of Derry Airport
• Cork Airport
• Donegal Airport
• Dublin Airport
• Ireland West Airport Knock
• Kerry Airport
• Shannon Airport
• Waterford Airport 

Visitors to Ireland will need their passport at all times when travelling internally on the island of Ireland.  

Cruise Ports

• Belfast
• Cork
• Dublin
• Dún Laoghaire
• Derry-Londonderry
• Waterford  

How many hotels are located in Ireland?

From cheap and cheerful to luxurious castle living, Ireland has accommodation to suit everyone. Ireland’s accommodation is extremely varied – you’ll find a warm welcome and a tasty meal wherever your adventures take you. There are many different types of accommodation on the island of Ireland. Ensuring all budgets are catered for - Luxurious Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Self-Catering, Caravan & Camping Parks, even Ancient Castles and Lighthouses! 

Spoken Language

English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the two official languages in the Republic of Ireland. Everyone on the island of Ireland speaks English, but such is our cosmopolitan way, in our cities and towns, you’re also likely to hear chatter in a variety of accents from Polish and Korean to Japanese and Brazilian – all you have to do is keep your ears open  

Currency used in Ireland

There are two currencies in use on the island of Ireland, so come prepared. 

Republic of Ireland In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro. One euro consists of 100 cent. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. 

Remember, higher denomination notes such as €100, €200 and €500 will not normally be accepted in retail outlets, so bring cash in lower denominations when you’re coming to Ireland.   

Northern Ireland currency In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the local currency. One pound sterling consists of 100 pence. Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. Coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.   

Credit and Debit cards Credit and debit cards Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to withdraw cash from ATMs (although this usually is accompanied by a fee). You can also withdraw cash from ATMs with your Mastercard or Visa debit card. Fees will still be charged but at a lower rate to credit cards. Ireland uses a “chip and pin” system for debit and credit card transactions. Most retailers will accept swipe cards but please note this is not always guaranteed. It is recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure.  

Top Phrases to know

Most people you’ll meet will have a cúpla focal (a few words) of Irish and locals, especially in Gaeltacht areas, always appreciate any effort to speak the local language. If you feel like having a go, here are a few phrases to get you started…

• Céad Míle Fáilte (A Hundred thousand welcomes). Phonetically: Kay-od mee-leh foyle-cha!
• Ar maith leat damhsa? (Would you like to dance). Phonetically: air-wai-lat-dowsa.
• Dha Guinness le do thoil (Two Guinness, please).Phonetically: gaw-Guinness-leh-duh-hull.
• Nach bhfuil an aimsir go h-álainn?! (Isn’t the weather gorgeous?) Phonetically: knock-will-on-iym-shur-guh-hawling
• Conas ata tú? (“How are you?”) can also be used as a greeting. Phonetically, it sounds like cunus-ataw-two.
• Sláinte (“cheers” or “good health”) is usually used when raising a glass. Phonetically, it sounds like slawn-cha.  

Emergency Contact

For Emergency Police, Fire, and Ambulance:

Republic of Ireland: Tel: 112 or 999 

Northern Ireland: Tel: 999   

Vehicle Breakdown 

Republic of Ireland Should you wish to avail of the services of the Automobile Association in Ireland, you will need to register for a minimum of a year’s membership with them. This will cost approximately €220. Automobile Association (AA) Breakdown Service Tel: 1800 66 77 88;    

Northern Ireland When seeking roadside assistance in Northern Ireland contact the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), which is the equivalent of the AA. The RAC website lists prices for short-term cover and roadside assistance. Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Breakdown Help Tel +44 (0) 844 891 3111

Dublin

Meet Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, founded by Vikings, buzzing with traditional pubs and home to some of the friendliest locals on the planet 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS : Guinness Storehouse | Dublin Castle | Trinity College | Phoenix Park | Kilmainham Gaol |4DU National Gallery 

KNOWN FOR : Great food | Traditional pubs | UNESCO City of Literature | Warm welcomes | Viking history | Shopping 

TRANSPORT HUBS : Dublin Airport | Dublin Port | Heuston Train Station | Connolly Train Station | Busáras Bus Station Dublin’s streets are a busy jostle of past and present – a 1,000-year-old mix that has inspired writers, visitors and political firebrands alike. Walk these streets and you'll be taking a journey through history, from the city’s Viking roots by the banks of the river Liffey, to its atmospheric medieval churches with their mummified remains and holy relics, along gracious Georgian streets and past grand buildings, where illustrious and sometimes scandalous deeds took place. You'll marvel at the ancient illuminated manuscripts on show at Trinity College, get lost in the city's numerous museums, explore the lush expanses of the Phoenix Park, and enjoy the peace of a quiet stroll through St Stephen’s Green. Better still, follow Dublin’s Discovery Trails – a story-filled series of routes that make the city come to life.  

Belfast: Titanic City

A culture-packed hub of history, fine food, spectacular scenery and even the Ship of Dreams. Come on up north and discover that Belfast energy

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: Titanic Belfast |St. George Market | Black Taxi Tour|Ulster Museum|Botanic Gardens| Belfast City Hall| 

TRANSPORT HUBS: Belfast International Airport | George Belfast City Airport | City of Derry Airport | Port of Larne | Belfast Port Welcome to Belfast – or “how ‘bout ye”, as they say here! This modern city is an eclectic medley of cultural treasures, with its mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. At Titanic Belfast, delve into where it all began for the Ship of Dreams; or take a journey through the city's past to its vibrant present at the visitor exhibition in imposing Belfast City Hall. If you're hungry, Belfast is stuffed with delectable delis and bakeries, or you can get a taste of everything at the world-famous St George's Market (open Friday to Sunday). Outside the city, you can follow in the footsteps of legends at the Giant's Causeway, dive into an exciting range of watersports at beautiful Strangford Lough, or wield your broadsword like a member of the Kingsguard on a Game of Thrones® locations tour. And as the sun begins to set on another adventure-filled Belfast day, the city dons a whole new face for a night of music and merriment.  

Irelands Ancient East

Wander through time At first sight, Ireland’s Ancient East is carpeted by lush landscapes and idyllic towns and villages. But this land is steeped with over 5000 years of history. From exploring the medieval streets of Carlingford to wandering through Cobh, a charming seaside village and the last port of the Titanic, you are sure to discover the magical secrets of Ireland’s Ancient East. Ireland’s towns and villages are full of charm, fascinating historic attractions and best of all, great food, drink and a buzzing music scene. Whether you’re dropping into a town or village for a browse around the shops or restaurants, or picking a base for a few days of exploring the sights, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting.  

Wild Atlantic Way

From the wind-whipped tip of Malin Head to the safe haven of Kinsale Harbour, wrap yourself in the wilderness of the west coast of Ireland on the world's longest defined coastal touring route. The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. So whether you drive it from end-to-end, or dip into it as the mood strikes, it's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Northern Headlands: Rocky. Remote. Romantic. Beneath skies streaked with Northern Lights, follow the curve of the coast from this island’s northernmost point at Malin Head, past lonely Fanad Head Lighthouse to the sweeping Slieve League cliff
• Surf Coast: Wave-riding thrill-seekers and sensitive souls alike lose their hearts to the Surf Coast, where pounding waves and poetic silence exist side by side. From Mullaghmore and Downpatrick Head to Yeats Country and beyond, prepare to be inspired
• Bay Coast: Secluded beaches? Check. Indigo waters? Check. Sheep-spotted hills? Check. Keem Strand, Killary Fjord and Derrigimlagh Bog weave between Mayo and Galway in a bountiful display of Ireland’s inherent beauty. The Bay Coast has been waiting for you
• Cliff Coast: This is where the island’s most improbable landscapes meet. Some were shaped by the Ice-Age, others resemble the moon, and all are worthy of pilgrimage. Take in the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and The Burren, in all their weather-beaten splendour
• Southern Peninsulas: The five great peninsulas of the southwest knit together like a finely tuned melody. Answer the mysterious call of the deserted Blasket and Skellig Islands; or see if you can spy Mizen Head on the horizon from the Dursey cable car
• Haven Coast: Stories of siege cling to the salty air at the Old Head of Kinsale. Once a Viking trading post and medieval fishing port, gourmet food and whale-watching cruises now reign supreme. You’ll leave with a sea shanty in your heart

Food

When it comes to food on the island of Ireland, you need to start at the very beginning. The purity of the natural produce here has made the island one of the most talked-about food destinations in Europe, with an emphasis on artisan cheese, exceptional beef and lamb and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. The green pastures, deep valleys and abundant waters surrounding the island have helped create outstanding natural flavours that you won’t get everywhere else. From sublime smoked salmon to the creamiest butter imaginable, Ireland’s food boasts an impeccable provenance and can be best enjoyed here – in the very place it comes from. 

There’s nothing quite like following a food journey from producer to plate – and Ireland is peppered with opportunities to get more involved with your food. Just look at some of the excellent markets such as The English Market in Cork, the Temple Bar Food Market in Dublin and the St George’s Market in Belfast.

For the chance to get your hands on raw ingredients and craft some magic of your own, you can take your pick of working farms, cosy cookery schools, and food festivals.  

Drink

Whiskey Ireland is in the thick of an Irish whiskey renaissance. Super-fashionable and with a great mix of new, artisan and heritage brands, it’s all about whiskey with an extra ‘e’ right now. Distilleries in Ireland are creating some of the world’s finest whiskies, whether blended, single malt or single pot still, and with atmospheric old whiskey bars, intriguing whiskey tours and new brands launching all the time, there’s never been a better time to visit the home of what the Irish call “uisce beatha” – water of life. 

All of Ireland’s whiskey distilleries come with their own unique history and tradition. Take a tour and you can uncover the fascinating history behind this ancient craft, as well as discover how each  distillery uses distinct ingredients to create their own taste, texture, colour and smell. And from the modest Dingle Whiskey Distillery in County Kerry to the landmark Tullamore Dew Distillery and Visitor Centre, there’s a distillery around almost every corner.

So, you’ve discovered all about Irish whiskey, now it’s time to try it. There are great little whiskey pubs all over Ireland, while whiskey drinking has gone upscale at places such as 37 Dawson Street and the Dingle Whiskey Bar in Dublin, and the Hudson Whiskey Bar in Belfast. Or why not try these excellent traditional pubs, winners of the Irish Whiskey Awards. 

1. Palace Bar, Fleet Street, Dublin: Established in 1823, the Palace is one of Dublin’s great literary pubs with a Victorian interior and whiskeys such as Tyrconnell 18-year-old single malt. 

2. Garavans, Galway city: A proper “local” pub, this beautiful old pub with its oak-panelled interior is a Galway gem, with over 125 whiskeys available. 

3. Dick Mack’s, Dingle: Nothing beats Dick Mack’s on a quiet afternoon. It’s something really special. Take a seat and enjoy the unique surroundings, and a delightful whiskey. 

4. Duke of York, Belfast: Snuggled down a cobbled alleyway, this historic pub is simply gorgeous, with an esteemed selection of whiskeys to choose from.

Car/Taxis

For anyone planning to travel around Ireland by road, it is essential to be prepared. The information contained here will provide a broad background to road laws in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (the island of Ireland). Roads in Ireland Roads in Ireland are generally of a high standard. They range from motorways and dual carriageways to secondary roads with two-way traffic and winding country lanes. In the Republic of Ireland, motorways are prefixed with an “M” (for example M50). National roads are prefixed with an “N” (for example N18). Secondary roads may also be dual-carriageways or have two way traffic. Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an "M" for motorway; an "A" and a "B" for primary and non-primary roads. Signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometres, while in the North miles are used.  

Train

Ireland’s rail networks serve the island with Irish Rail in the Republic and Northern Ireland Railways operating in Northern Ireland. The Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) serves Dublin’s coast and city area from Howth and Malahide in north County Dublin via Dun Laoghaire in south County Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow. Another way to travel in Dublin city is by Luas, the light rail service that travels across the south and west of the city including the city centre areas.   

Bus

Bus Éireann’s network of local, city, commuter and long-distance bus services connects communities throughout Ireland. View bus details here  

January

Out to Lunch Festival, Belfast || January 5-28  
Festival at the Black Box, Belfast – an offshoot of the main Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 

Temple Bar Tradfest, Dublin || January 24-28  
A lively four-day celebration of traditional Irish music and culture featuring live performances from some of Ireland’s top musicians, as well as children’s events and much more.

IMBOLC International Music Festival, Derry || January 28 – February 4  
An eclectic mix of new music, intimate performance and music for all. All in inspiring locations – from churches, historic buildings to cafés and bars.  

February

St Valentines Festival, Dublin || February 10-14 
Celebration of love, romance, music, literature, arts and technology across Dublin City Centre. Website yet to launch but further programme info can be found at the link above 

Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Dublin || February 22 February - March 4 
Ireland’s premiere film event, featuring exciting international cinema, the best new Irish cinema and a retrospective of much loved classics.   

March

Home of Saint Patrick Festival, Armagh and Downpatrick || March 3-19  
A unique festival in the cities, towns and countryside of Saint Patrick’s homeland in Armagh and Down, celebrating the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saint.  

Belfast Nashville, Clayton Hotel Belfast || March 7-11  
A captivating series of concerts, musical showcases, workshops. The five-day festival will showcase over one hundred performers and thirty concerts celebrating the art of song writing and featuring a wide variety of music styles from across the world.  

Féile an Earraigh, Belfast || March 12-18  
A wide variety of arts and cultural events in the week leading up to and including St Patrick's Day. It animates the city with activities such as Irish traditional music sessions and dancing, master-classes, school workshops, concerts, tours and walks, debates and discussions, dramas, exhibitions, literary events, youth and sporting events and family based activities. 

St Patrick’s Festival, Dublin || March 15-19  
The Dublin St. Patrick’s Festival is the celebration of Ireland’s National Holiday, with over 4 full days of entertainment.  

Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival || March 21-25  
The very best of Irish and international writers. Literary fiction is at the heart of the festival but events cover an array of genres including a family and schools strand and a dedicated poetry programme.   

April 

Cork International Choral Festival, Cork || April 18-22  
Brings a city to life with song with over 5500 voices coming from all over the world.  

Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif, Wild Atlantic Way || April 20 April – May 8 
Starting in Kinsale and finishing on the Inishowen Peninsula, this Sportif will give riders stunning climbs and sweeping descents along Europe’s longest coastal cycling route.   

May

Dublin Dance Festival, Dublin || May 2-20  
Dublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on the Irish arts calendar, bringing together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance.  

City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, Derry || May 3-7 
Van Morrison headlines this annual celebration of jazz and big bands from all over the world.  

Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots, Kilkenny || May 4-7  
Since 1998 the festival has attracted some of the finest names in the Americana/Roots canon.  

International North West 200, Portrush || May 13-19  
Thrilling Motocross Road Race, in the stunning location of Portrush, Northern Ireland.  

International Literature Festival, Dublin || May 19-27  
Readings, discussions, debates, workshops, performance and screenings, the festival creates a hotbed of ideas in the City of Words. 

Fastnet Film Festival, Schull West Cork || May 23-27  
Takes place every year in the picturesque fishing village of Schull on the south-west coast of Ireland. Screening short films from all over the world.  

Battle for the Bay, Dollymount Beach, Clontarf, Dublin || May 26-27  
The best kitesurfers, extreme sport lovers and spectators from around the globe compete in one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world.  

Listowel Writers Week, Listowel, Co. Kerry || May 30 - June 3  
A well-loved annual event in the literary calendar for established and upcoming authors alike.  

Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair, Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath, Co. Meath || May 30 - June 3 
Ireland’s premier eventing show, combining the Olympic sport of 3 day eventing, an equestrian triathlon of dressage, cross country and showjumping, with all the shopping, good food, bars, entertainment and fun of a country fair.

Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, Ballyshannon, Donegal || May 31 – June 3 
Celebrating the world famous guitarist in the town he was born. The line up includes Wilko Johnson & his band, several other top line concerts as well as nightly blues & rock pub sessions.  

Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Kilkenny || May 31 – June 4 
Comedy festival held each year in Kilkenny City with a world-class programme that blends top Irish and international talent.  

Bloom in the Park, Dublin || May 31 – June 4 
Ireland’s largest Gardening and Food exhibition in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.   

June

AVA Festival, Belfast || June 1-2  
Electronic music festival featuring international acts such as Jeff Mills, Marcel Dettmann, Ben UFO, Denis Sulta, Fatima Yamaha, Rebekah, Job Jobse, Midland, Bicep and many more.  

Ireland Bike Fest, Killarney || June 1-4 
Ireland Bike Fest is an international motorcycle festival based in Killarney, South-West of Ireland, a perfect base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.

Open Ear, Sherkin Island Cork || June 1-4 
Electronic music festival featuring walks, visual art and sound installations in the beautiful setting of Sherkin Island.  

Donegal International Rally, Donegal || June (dates TBC)  
Three days of spectacular rallying – from the fabled Knockalla coast road, to the lush green farm lands of Carnhill, to the wide open bog land landscape of Glen. The rally will be followed by over 70,000 spectators with close to 200,000 viewers on TV and online. 

Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Westport || June 8-10  
Featuring international acts.

Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork || June 15-24  
Cork's largest annual arts festival Encompassing theatre, dance, music, visual arts, food, street performers and circus. 

 Bloomsday, Dublin || June 16 Joyceans all over the world congregate in Dublin to celebrate the life and work of its favourite author – with Ulysses readings, performances, breakfasts, walks, conferences and visits to the pub.  

Belsonic Belfast Music Festival, Belfast || June 16-24 
Belsonic returns to Belfast for its annual instalment of fantastic music acts from around the globe. The year sees international acts The Script, Gavin James, Liam Gallagher and Picture This take to Ormeau Park. 

Sea Sessions Bundoran || June 22-24  
A surf, beach and music festival in Donegal.

West Cork Chamber Music Festival || June 29 - July 8 
The West Cork Chamber Music Festival is one of the leading chamber music events in Europe, attracting local, national and international audiences alike.   

July

Clonmel Junction Festival, Clonmel, Tipperary || July 2-8 
Live music, theatre, street performance, comedy, visual art, food events and much, much more.  

Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clar || July 7-15  
Held annually since 1973 in memory of the piper Willie Clancy. The Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is Ireland's largest traditional music Summer School.  

Galway Film Fleadh, Galway || July 10-15  
A six-day international film event celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Welcoming the diversity of filmmaking from all around the world, all generations and cultural backgrounds. Luminaries of the craft and everyday cinephiles come together within an intimate environment to share the wonder of cinema.  

Earagail Arts Festival, Donegal || July 11-29  
19 days of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus & carnival on Ireland’s North West Atlantic seaboard.  

West Cork Literary Festival, Bantry || July 13-20 July 
Week-long celebration of literature in West Cork, a place of unparalleled beauty in the Wild Atlantic Way.  

Galway International Arts Festival || July 16-29  
Fabulously accessible and fun arts festival in the West of Ireland.

 Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry || July 14-22  
The festival will host the stopover of the Clipper Round the World Race 2017-18. Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts.  

SuperCupNI, North Coast of Northern Ireland || July 22-27  
This international youth football tournament is eagerly anticipated by football people all over the British Isles and farther afield.  

Armoy Road Races, Armoy, Co. Antrim || July 28-29  
Featuring some of the biggest names in motorcycling, this event sees the beautiful country roads around Armoy and the Causeway Coast transform into a race track each year.  

Foynes Air Show, Limerick || dates TBC 
Foynes Air Show is a thrilling and exciting Air Show. The rich aviation history of Foynes and its location on the Wild Atlantic Way provides a spectacular backdrop to the display.   

August

Féile an Phobail, Belfast || August 2-12  
The 30th instalment of the festival, established in 1988 as a direct response to the conflict in the north of Ireland. Its purpose was to celebrate the positive side of the community, its creativity, its energy, its passion for the arts, and for sport & the regeneration of West Belfast. 

Spraoi international Street Arts Festival, Waterford || August 3-5 
Spraoi takes over the streets and squares of Waterford and turns Ireland's oldest city into a series of giant stages. Street-theatre artists and musicians from around the world create three days of stunning entertainment and virtually all events are free.  

Dublin Horse Show || August 8-12 
The pinnacle event the Irish Sport Horse calendar and is the ultimate day out for any horse lover, with 1,500 horses and ponies competing in over 130 classes and competitions across the five days. With Ladies Day, children’s events, crafts exhibitions and more there is something for everyone.  

Kilkenny Arts Festival || August 9-19  
The festival presents a range of art-forms in an accessible and engaging environment in Kilkenny City and its environs.  

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Droghada, Co. Louth || August 12-19  
The biggest traditional music festival on the planet.

Rose of Tralee International Festival, Tralee || August 17-21 August 
One of Ireland's largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 59 years in 2018. The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish descent from around the world to County Kerry, Ireland for a global celebration of Irish culture.  

Ulster Grand Prix, Belfast, Dates TBC 
The World’s Fastest Road Race (motorcycle race).  

NI Open, Dates TBC 
Following the success of the inaugural competition in Galgorm in August 2014, the PGA Europe run event should be a major draw again in 2018. 

Happy Days Beckett Festival, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Dates TBC
The world’s largest annual multi-disciplinary festival for Irish Nobel Prize for Literature Winner, Samuel Beckett.   

September

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival || September 7-16  
Celebrates all that is unique about West Cork - the food, the producers, the landscape and the people - the magic ingredients.  

Arts over Borders Festivals || Dates TBC. 
The northern literary lands consist of eleven border counties, each of which has a powerful landscape connection to either a giant of literature or a great literary text.

Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif, Wild Atlantic Way || September 8-26 
Starting in Kinsale and finishing on the Inishowen Peninsula, this Sportif will give riders stunning climbs and sweeping descents along Europe’s longest coastal cycling route.  

Dublin Fringe Festival || September 8-23  
The Dublin Fringe Festival is one of Ireland’s largest performing arts festivals and includes music, dance, street theatre, puppetry, visual arts and comedy. 

Clifden Community Arts Festival, Co. Galway || September 12-23  
Literature, music, visual art, theatre, film workshops and performances in Ireland’s longest running community arts festival.  

Culture Night, all locations across the island of Ireland, September (date TBC). 
Late night culture for all the family! The island of Ireland will come alive with free entry into hundreds of venues including churches, museums, galleries, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres across the island.  

Dublin Theatre Festival || September 27 - October 14  
Established in 1957, the festival is the oldest dedicated theatre festival in Europe, and one of the last surviving English language theatre festivals in the world.  

Oktober-Fest Dublin || Dates TBC Galway International Oyster Festival, Galway || September 28-30. 
This is the most internationally recognized Irish festival after St Patrick’s Day and the world’s longest running Oyster Festival.  

Belfast International Arts Festival || dates TBC. 
Every year, the largest festival of its kind on the island of Ireland brings the best of international art to Belfast.  

October

Open House, Dublin || October 13-14 (dates TBC)
Ireland's largest architecture festival, showcasing outstanding architecture for everyone to experience. Buildings that aren't usually accessible to the public and buildings of architectural merit open their doors for one weekend.  

Vodafone Comedy Carnival, Galway || October 23-29  
Over 50 unmissable shows by Irish and international acts, featuring comics, improv, theatre, mime, table quizzes, photography, hip hop, and soccer commentary.  

Sligo Live, Sligo || October 24-29 
Celebrates folk, roots and indie music on the last weekend in October. Since 2005 the festival has highlighted Sligo’s vibrant contemporary music scene and rich musical heritage intermingled with international stars.  

Wexford Festival Opera, Wexford || October 19 October - November 4 
One of the world’s leading opera festivals, breathing new life into forgotten masterpieces for over 66 years, bringing thousands of opera lovers to Wexford from all over the world.  

Cork Guinness Jazz Festival || October 26-29 
An annual music festival held in Cork City every year since 1978. The festival is Ireland's biggest jazz event and attracts hundreds of musicians and thousands of music fans to the city each year.  

Conversations Festival, Mount Stewart, Co. Down || (Date TBC) 
An inspiring line-up of speakers, authors, artists and presenters will be participating in this year's Mount Stewart Conversations Festival. 

Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin || October 26-29  
Dublin City will celebrate 4 Days of Living Stories & 4 Nights of Deadly Adventures. Bram Stoker Festival 2018 has something for everyone in its gothically-inspired programme of events.  

Macnas Halloween Parade, Galway || date TBC 
The largest free event in the West of Ireland. Over 40,000 people line the streets every year to be awed and amazed by this epic scale of storytelling, as the company unleashes creative chaos and invention.  

Halloween in Derry-Londonderry || October 28-31 (TBC) 
Europe’s largest Halloween party takes place over 4 days, features a parade and fireworks over the River Foyle. Voted "best Halloween destination in the world" by a USA Today readers' poll 2015. Ghoulish events and frightful fun for all the family.   

November

Atlantic Sessions || date tbc 
Cafes, restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and music venues across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae will be lit up with gigs from the finest performers across Northern Ireland.

Cork Film Festival || November 9-18  
Ireland's largest and first film festival and one of Cork's most significant and popular annual cultural events.  

CS Lewis Festival, Belfast || dates TBC 
Taking place over four days, this festival recognizes and celebrates author CS Lewis both his life and his legacy to the world.  

Jonathan Swift Festival, Dublin || November dates TBC 
Celebrating the life and work of Ireland’s most popular author. Listen to ballads from 300 years ago, take walking tours around Swift’s Dublin. Immerse yourself in Swift's life and work, and hear from contemporary writers, musicians, historians and performers.  

Friendship Four, SSE Arena, Belfast || Dates TBC 
Watch Boston/Belfast Sister city’s battle it out in the SSE Arena with The Friendship Four Tournament. 

Belfast Basketball Classic, Belfast || Dates TBC 
Witness history as Sport Changes Life presents the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic   

December

Other Voices Dingle || dates TBC December 
A three-day festival of music, song and story has evolved, on the streets and laneways, in the pubs, cafés and restaurants of Dingle, at the very edge of Europe.  

New Year’s Festival Dublin || December 29 - January 1 (dates TBC) 
Gather together in the heart of Dublin for the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration the city has ever seen. The NYF Countdown Concert will feature top live music to ring in the New Year. 

Laura Griffin ||  Marketing Assistant

Email: lgriffin@tourismireland.com Address: 2 Bloor St. West, Toronto ON M4W 3E2 Phone: +1 (416) 925 6368  

Social Media

Facebook: DiscoverIrelandCA 
Twitter: GoToIrelandCA 
Instagram: tourismireland