A fun load of festivals all summer long
During National Heritage Week a whopping 1500 events celebrating our natural, cultural and built heritage take place all around Ireland. This year the Heritage Council is focusing on Ireland’s Built Heritage. During the week, over 600 built heritage events will take place with many sites and houses being made accessible to the public for the first time! The majority of events throughout the week are FREE to attend and there is something for everyone…You can take a traditional Indian dance workshop at the Chester Beatty Library, explore Athlone Masonic Hall on its second only opening since 1739, view Olympic posters dating back to 1952 in Donegal, take a tour of Beamish & Crawford Brewery in Cork, walk through hurling history in Tipperary, experience the iconic bells of Christ Church, learn about the big wheel used to spin wool in Galway, attend a re-enactment of the 842nd anniversary of Strongbow’s marriage to Aoife in Waterford, view the cars and motorcycles that raced in the Curragh from 1947-1967, tour Scattery Island in Clare, take a family tree masterclass in Kilkenny, learn how to restore old photographs in Wexford, tour Dunleckney Manor & Gardens in Carlow, enjoy an Edwardian tea party in Wicklow, explore prehistoric technology in Kerry, digitally record your memories of Sligo, and take a nostalgic look at Clanbrassil Street and the Jewish Community through storytelling.
Check out our fantastic competitions, great prizes and download our free smart phone App for the most convenient way to access Heritage Week Events, all on www.heritageweek.ie
DON’T miss the Rose of Tralee International Festival — the flagship event on the Irish Festival calendar since 1959 — next month in the Kingdom of Kerry.
This year’s Festival runs from the 17th to the 21st August with a magnificent line-up of FREE entertainment to suit all ages and tastes. Everyone will love the Rose of Tralee Street Carnival with lots of FREE entertainment including — THREE Rose Parades, TWO spectacular Fireworks Displays, the Skyfest Air Show, live music from Jedward, Royseven, Aslan, The Saw Doctors, Mike Denver, Twist & Pulse and more.
There are MORE magnificent events in the Dome including – Gift Grub starring Mario Rosenstock; the Rose Selections on RTÉ, The Kerryman Irish Independent Fashion Show and International Rose Ball! Tickets for Dome events and the concert featuring Jedward are available from www.roseoftralee.ie. See you at the Rose of Tralee International Festival from 17th to 21st August.
The art of the shanachie is as old as Irish history, and the Cape Clear Storytelling Festival, now in its 18th year, honours that tradition to the full. One of the most renowned international events of its kind, it invites accomplished tellers from around the world to join the best Irish representatives. This year Ed Stivender from the US, Daniel Morden from Wales, and our own Diarmuid O Drisceoil will be there, along with the UK’s new National Storytelling Laureate, Katrice Horsley. Music will be provided by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. “It’s wonderful to see and hear the storytellers from different cultures,” says festival co-director, Gerry Clancy. That’s what makes it all so special.” He reminds everyone to make sure of their accommodation before going over, though. Cape Clear itself is part of the experience, with heritage walks and even a storytelling boat trip on the schedule, along with workshops, story swaps, concerts, and children’s events. And this year there is a special Irish Day — Lá Scéalaíochta agus Scoraíochta — on the Saturday at Coláiste Chiáráin. It’s going to be an amazing weekend.
Aug 31 – Sept 2. www.capeclearstorytelling.com.
Terryglass will be familiar to boating enthusiasts as a popular stop-off on Lough Derg, but the picturesque Tipperary village hosts a very hands-on arts festival too.
Events like contemporary dance (5 years -adults), cupcake creations (6 years- adults), decorative masks (9 years- adults) and horn and harp workshops (all ages) share a very practical emphasis.
Adult events include comedian Gary Jermyn’s one man show My Life as a Chat Show Host and performances by singer/ songwriter Jack L in Terryglass Church.
There’s also street theatre on Sunday August 19 with the Macnas tale of the Cockroach and the Inventor while Terryglass Square provides the backdrop for a very unique piece of three dimensional pavement art specially created for the festival by international street artist Julian Beever.
The original Guinness Jazz Band provides the music on Terryglass Quay on Saturday night August 18 followed by the now traditional after dark monster fireworks display which will light up the night sky for miles around.
Terryglass Arts Festival (087 2181663; www.terryglassartsfestival.ie) runs from August 15- 19. The workshops cost from €5 to €20, while My Life as a Chatshow Host and Jack L concerts are priced at €10 and €25 respectively.
OH my my this promises to be a rocking July, as Dear Old Skibbereen, deep in the heart of West Cork plays host to Skibb Beats. This all-weather festival is the collective brainchild of 3 local men whose nostalgia for the good times and love of native music inspired them to reawaken Skibbereens’ passion for summer fun. The central location of the venue makes for safe and secure entertainment for revellers. With free buses and security staff at hand to assist with enquiries.
Following their sell out shows last summer Irelands best loved band the Saw Doctors grace Skibb Beats on Saturday night . Renowned for their live performances they can be relied on to stoke the fires and bring back a festive vibe.
Sundays sees 3 of Irelands most respected singer/songwriters woo us with their intimate acoustics. Culminating in a crescendo of sound as they mingle their individual styles and take to the stage together.
Ticket sales have been lively, to be expected at a recession busting 20euro per night. See website for online booking with ticketmaster, and a list of designated pick up areas for Skibbeats free bus services. Along with main marquee , there will by food stalls, a full bar and special deals in local B&Bs, hostels and local campsites.
Confirmed so far are the Sawdoctors, Mundy, Cathy Davey & JackL, with Skibbereens Vintners Association promising plenty of apres entertainment as pubs and clubs heat up for a weekend of pure sound.
An abundance of” good auld craic “is the deal on July 28 and 29 as West Cork plays host to the Skibb Beats Festival. . Where better to experience the best of Irish talent.
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