Summer might be the season that we most readily associate with festivals, but there are a ton of events getting underway around Ireland this month. Here are some picks of the bunch. You might want to get a wriggle on though, some are already underway.
Tulca Festival, Galway
Wall of Death Hell Rider – among the works to be shown
Tulca is a two-week long festival which aims to bring art to the people of Galway. It is now in its eighth year and has become known for delivering the best in local, national and international art in all media, with particular attention focused on new media and performance. This year’s event will feature local and international exhibitions, unexpected live-art performances, discussions, talks with artists. Admission is free to all events.
Tulca takes place in a variety of locations throughout Galway including the Arts Centre, Galway Museum and Galway University Hospital and this year’s curator is artist Michelle Brown. The festival has been running since 5 November and winds up on 20 November.
Click here for more info.
Ennis Trad Festival, County Clare
The Ennis Trad Festival brings together the very best of Irish traditional musicians, singers and dancers in a relaxed and informal atmosphere from 11 to 15 November in a variety of venues throughout the town of Ennis. The programme of free day and night music sessions includes evening and night-time concerts, recitals, singing, music master classes, presentations, CD launches, CéilÃ, a trad disco and Ard Ghaisce na mBuÃonta – the Senior Céilà Band Competition.
This year’s headline acts include Cathal Hayden, MáirtÃn O’Connor, Seamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins, Any Old Time, The Dave Munnelly Band, and The Brock McGuire Band with special guest Noel Battle. Monday night’s festival finale concert will feature Charlie Harris, Maeve Donnelly, Eamonn and Geraldine Cotter.
Click here for more info.
Thoroughbred Trail weekend, Kildare
Action at Punchestown
The thoroughbred trail weekend gives equine enthusiasts the chance to go behind the scenes at the races, and includes a trip to top trainer’s yard. The event, which runs from the 12-14 November, gives race fans the chance to see the action Punchestown Racecourse and an opportunity to go along to the  yard of trainer Dessie Hughes, who has trained steeds such as Hardy Eustace, Central House, Schindlers Hunt and Colonel Braxton.
This weekend is a must for those who wondered about the details of the behind the scenes preparations and operations of a racecourse on Race Day. Your host will also organise some surprises during the day, and a tipster will be on hand to mark your cards.
Click here for more info.
Bulmers Comedy Festival, Tipperary
Jason Byrne at last year’s event
The Bulmers Comedy Festival in Tipperary has established itself as one of Ireland’s premier comedy festivals. From 17 to 21 November some 30 top comedians will descend on Clonmel for five days of shows.
Since 2009 the festival has three elements; The Bulmers Comedy Festival with stand up, sketch and comedy variety shows from Ireland and abroad. The second element of the festival is The Comedy Theatre Festival showcasing comedy plays like Waiting for IKEA. The Comedy for Kids Festival, meanwhile, holds family-friendly plays and performances with a focus on younger audiences.
Over the last four years this festival has continued to grow in size and scope and 2010 promises to be the most exciting program yet.
Click here for more information.
Sligo International Choral Festival
Music lovers from across Ireland and abroad will be arriving in the northwest for Sligo’s International Choral Festival, which takes place from the 12 to 14 November. The two-day festival of music and signing has come to be seen as one of Ireland’s premier choir events and a string of international choirs will also be involved in performances.
If you would rather take in the singing than get stuck in yourself, you will also be kept well occupied by what has become a buzzing town. The county has also earned a reputation for being a focal point for surfing and other marine activities.
Click here for more info.
Log on to the Discover Ireland website for more information on these and other festivals around the country.
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