WE’RE bang in the middle of the summer festival season, and July shows no signs of letting up. Practically every weekend is cram-packed with music and/or arts festivities all around the country, ranging from Kinsale Arts Week to the Galway Film Fleadh to a national scarecrow festival. So get planning.

In Portugal, fadó means destiny, and it also describes a style of music that is characterised by mournful tunes.

A West Cork town opens its doors to the world this summer as famed Bantry Bay hosts a major international maritime event.

Denise Hall reveals Bantry’s 215 years old link to the Atlantic Challenge

A LONGBOAT washed ashore in west Cork more than 200 years ago is being brought back to life by a project to help young rowers preparing for international competition.

TWO Irish rowers who cheated death after being capsized mid-Atlantic described how a massive wave pulverised their boat to “matchsticks.”

The middle of the Atlantic Ocean in a 22 foot rowing boat may not be the most comfortable place in the world, but for Gearoid Towey and Ciaran Lewis, the support they’re getting from home is making it worthwhile, as Declan Colley discovered.

Ellen MacArthur, who is toast of world yachting after becoming the youngest and fastest woman ever to sail around the world, is set to take on another major maritime challenge.