Ireland is a country of beautiful rolling countryside with fantastic cities and towns. Dublin is a bustling, vibrant city where there is always something fun going on and the month of May is no different. Spirits are high as spring is in full bloom and the start of festival season is upon us, so what better way to embrace the warmer weather than heading out to a Irish festival yourself. Here are our six favourites.
Dublin Dance Festival
From the 2nd to the 20th May the Dublin Dance Festival hits town, and what a treat it is too. Bringing the best international dancers to Irish audiences of all ages and backgrounds, it gives Irish dance artists opportunities to create partnerships that otherwise would have been impossible. Aside from that its a beautiful event to see and will definitely make you want to get moving.
There is all sorts going on including family fun if you fancy taking the little ones down there, outdoor events and heaps of live music & voice events.
International Literature Festival
The International Literature Festival comes to Dublin from the 19th - 27th May and gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. You’ll find discussions, debates, workshops, performances and screenings, so if you love to read then this is the one for you. Children’s fiction is also really well respresented at this Irish festival so its one for all of the family.
Gin Fusion
During the May bank holiday weekend of 4th to the 7th May comes Gin Fusion. Hosted at the Bernard Shaw and the Eatyard in Dublin, the Bodytonic team bring you gin, gin and more gin, oh and some awesome music too.
There will be a variety of events going on including gin tastings (obviously), workshops on cocktails and food pairing, and a pop-up market.
There will be loads of food stalls, DJ’s spinning tunes and it promises to be a fun filled weekend.
Vantastival
Another Irish festival happening over the bank holiday weekend is Vantastival, a fabulous family festival on the 3rd and 4th of May in Beaulieu House and Gardens, County Louth. The emphasis is on leading a nomadic lifestyle for the weekend so campervans are encouraged. There are loads of great gourmet food stalls, festival traders and fantastic childrens activites, the whole family will have a great time.
The Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival
During late April/early May (28th April - 1st May) comes the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival and if you love your blues and rockabilly music you’ll be in your element at this Irish Festival. You’ll wind your way through the medieval streets lapping up the huge range of music in the 30 or more venues, hosting over 40 Irish and international acts. There are ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night.