Monday 4 July 2016

Ireland: Events in July

Good evening guys! Happy 4th of July and Independence Day to the American readers! With everything going on in the world, crazy politics, countries under attack and scary dynamics in world economies, finding something to take focus off of these things and turn attention to whats important is crucial in having that mental balance.
Summer is here! It's July, which means school is out for most, if not everyone and that means boredom will strike quickly and parents being driven up the walls becoming too frequent which, speaking from experience, I tend to do the driving. But July is full of things to do and places to go. There's lots of fun events to go to all over the places, it's just a matter of finding them!
Here are a list of some events in Ireland happening in July, for those travelling and looking for entertainment:


  • Munster:
    • 1-9 July- West Cork Chamber Music Festival: An event established in 1995, now in its 21st year is has "grown from a small voluntary organisation to a company which is dedicated to bringing the highest caliber of musical experience to Ireland" and the "day is full of music from morning to midnight". For more information, check out: http://www.westcorkmusic.ie/
    • 4-10 July- Clonmel Junction Festival: A non-profit event in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and strive to bring the "highest quality arts events to Clonmel and its environs". Clonmel is situated on the banks of the River Suir and is said to be the "Best shopping town in the south east of Ireland". For more information, check out: http://www.junctionfestival.com/
    • 5-10 July- Ballyheigue Summer Festival: This festival in Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry. This festival plays host to events like: sandcastle competitions, pig racing, puppet shows, table quizzes, gladiator fighting etc. Ballyheigue is a coastal town in County Kerry with many beaches, so it can appeal to a lot of interests. More info- http://ballyheigue.ie/wordpress/summer-festival/
    • 11-17 July- Limerick Pride Festival: With a thriving LGBT community, the Pride event in Limerick is a staple in the LGBT calender. Events are ran in gay-run or gay friendly venues. Dating back to 2007, the events attracts hundreds of people. With so much changing for the community over the years, it's a real celebration. More information- http://limerickpride.ie/
    • 20-24 July- Kilrush Traditional Music and Set Dancing Festival: Open Air ceilis, concerts, workshops, and music and dance displays, this festival in Kilrush feeds nicely to the traditional music setting in Co. Clare. With more live music in the local pubs, the Kilrush Trad Music and Set Dancing Festival shows off real traditions in Ireland. For more: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Whats-On/kilrush-traditional-music-set-dancing-festival-2016/511986
    • 29-31 July- Spraoi International Street Arts Festival; Based in Co. Waterford, with Street theatre, parades, music and things for the kids. Being in Waterford is lovely but going to Spraoi would be something exciting to go to and see in the country. For more information on Spraoi, check out: http://www.spraoi.com/##
  • Connaught:
    • 5-10 July- Cairde Sligo Arts Festival: This is an event in July that celebrates culture diversity and inclusion in Sligo. With a variety of events like, stand up, visual arts, music and performances, the Cairde Festival brings the community and visitors together. This event plans to turn Sligo into "a kaleidoscope of exciting & colorful cultural fun and entertainment. For more info- http://cairdefestival.com/
    • 11-24 July- Galway International Arts Festival: An experience that needs to be had by everyone. A mix of performances, visual art, theatre and spectacle. The things you'll experience at GIAF you will never forget. It brings passion, art and inspiration to the Tribes City. This is the 21st International Arts Festival in Galway. For more info- http://www.giaf.ie/
    • 13-17 July- The CWMF: The Carrick Water Music Festival in Carrick on Shannon, Country Leitrim which is all about bringing music and art to Leitrim and is sure to please a wide range of artistic taste, For more info- http://carrickwatermusicfestival.com/
    • 19-24 July- Sligo Jazz Festival; Another event set in Yeats County. The Sligo Jazz Festival brings Jazz lovers from all over with artists like: The Impossible Gentlemen, Liane Carroll, Federico Malaman and other artists that will come to Sligo for the festival. More information at- http://www.sligojazz.ie/
    • 21- 30 July- Boyle Arts Festival: It seems July is full of Arts Festivals in the West! Another art festival to look at in the west of Ireland is Boyle Arts Festival in County Roscommon. With many events, music, performances, readings, etc. The Arts Festival in Boyle is set to bring the community out and show its culture with readings from Lisa McInerney (2016 Desmond Elliot winner) announced. More info- http://boylearts.com/
  • Leinster: 
    • 1-31 July- PhotoIreland Festival: An event that brings critical awareness to photography in Ireland, which is important for Irish culture. The first event was launched in 2010 and has been a success. "PhotoIreland is committed to the cultivation of a deeper and critical understanding of photography" Events are spread across Dublin. For more information- http://2016.photoireland.org/diary/
    • 8-10 July- City Spectacular Dublin: A free event in Dublin in Merrion Square. Amazing performers and spectacles grace Merrion Square. Contortionists, beat boxers, magicians and other fun stuff will keep you entertained for the award-winning festival. More at- http://cityspectacular.com/dublin
    • 15-17 July- Longitude 2016: A music festival held in Marley Park. Big names to grace the stage this year include Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Laura Mvula, Diplo and many more. For more info- http://www.longitude.ie/
    • 22-24 July- KnockanStockan Festival: This Independent Music and Arts Festival, held in Blessington Lakes, Country Wicklow, bring a diverse form of art and music to Wicklow. Food, Music, Dance, BYOB, acrobats and so much more. More info at: http://knockanstockan.ie/
    • 23 July- Punchestown Music Festival: Held in Country Kildare with international singer Lionel Richie performing, this music festival will bring a big crowd and will play host to other singers including Shane Filan and James Morrisson. More info at: https://www.thebestof.ie/local/naas/events/feature/punchestown-music-festival-2016
  • Ulster:
    • 8-10 July- Swell Festival: A music and arts festival held in County Donegal. DJs, Spoken word, music, live art and other performances. This festival will be held on Arranmore Island in Donegal. "5 stages. 3 Days. 1 Venue" For more info- http://swellfestival.com/
    • 8-24 July- Earagail Arts Festival: Another event held in County Donegal. This event goes all over the country of Donegal. Be sure to check out for events stretching from Ardara to Arranmore- http://www.eaf.ie/
    • 13-17 July- Soma Festival: Held in Country Down, the Soma Festival offers great experiences in art and literature, providing workshops and readings. This event brings a real sense of culture to Country Down. More info at- http://www.somafestival.com/
Ireland is a great place for festivals during the summer! When on your travels, take these events and fun activities into consideration. Some are in places that may not be big tourist areas in Ireland and you may find new experiences enjoyable. Check out the websites and make sure to like their social media pages! 
If you're travelling around Ireland during certain dates and want info on what to do and where to go, leave a comment below or contact me through email!
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