http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Waterways_Ireland_Docklands_Summer_FestivalDates TBC Location: Grand Canal Dock and Plaza, Dublin The Waterways Ireland Docklands Summer Festival's purpose is to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy an exciting world class urban recreational environment. The refurbished canal dock, originally build in the 1790s, now provides a world-class recreation space right in the centre of Dublin. The mix of on water activities is designed to give everybody an opportunity to participate or sit back and enjoy the show. The newly developed Grand Canal Plaza and surrounding quays provide a uniquely modern and dynamic unban space for all the family to enjoy. The local cafes, bars and restaurants, many of which face onto the water, provide wonderful al fresco facilities. These are complemented by the festival's many on land attractions and activities located on Grand Canal Plaza. On water activates include a wakeboarding competition, charity rubber ducky race, tour of naval vessel, water sport 'Come and Try It' sessions in sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and a canal barge gathering. On land activities include food market, corporate golf challenge, street performers, balloon artists, face painters, fun fair attractions, open air art gallery & children's arts centre in the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre. Good clean fun for all the family! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Franco_Irish_Literary_FestivalDates TBC Now a significant date in Dublin's annual literary calendar, The Franco-Irish Literary Festival, held in Dublin, is preparing for its 15th edition continuing the tradition that led to Dublin's nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature.  The Festival is organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy. Our intention is to invite Irish and French writers.  We feel sure that it will be a great success and hope for significant participation from our English-speaking audience.  For that reason simultaneous interpretation will be provided. All events open to the public - Admission Free. More Details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_One_City_One_BookDublin One City One Book is a project designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of April. 2013 featured Strumpet City by James Plunkett. Partners across the city are organising imaginative, fun, informative events. See also: www.dublinonecityonebook.ie Furthur Details to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/St_Patricks_Festival_2014The St. Patrick's Festival 2014 will come alive again with pageantry, carnivals and free entertainment from 14th – 17th March 2014, drawing from the very best in Irish and international talent. The principal aim of St. Patrick’s Festival, since its inauguration, is to develop a major annual international festival around the national holiday over which the ‘owners’ of the festival, the Irish people, would stand proud. It sets out to reflect the talents and achievements of Irish people on many national and world stages, and it acts as an exciting showcase for the manifold skills of the people of Ireland, of every age and social background. As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish. Futhur details of The St.Patrick's Festival to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dine_in_Dublin_in_MarchDates TBC Dine in Dublin, the bi-annual event, celebrates the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Jameson_Dublin_International_Film_Festival_2014Dates TBC An acclaimed and popular showcase of world cinema, the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival is dedicated to presenting and supporting the very best in Irish and international film. Held annually each Feburary since 2003, the eleven day event showcases 130 feature films, alongside public interviews, industry workshops and masterclasses. Over 70 directors, actors and producers attend the festival to meet Irish filmmakers and audiences and discuss their work; recent guests include Marjane Satrapi, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Tilda Swinton, Colin Firth, John Sayles, Glenn Close, Mike Leigh, Daniel Day Lewis, Patricia Clarkson, Paolo Sorrentino and Kristin Scott Thomas amongst others. The 2013 lineup included a special focus on Scandinavian Cinema, workshops with Margery Simkin and Tobias Lindholm and a special concert of the film music of Dario Marianelli. The very popular Audience Award was won by the Irish Documentary Broken Song and thefestival bestowed its annual Volta Awards for Career Achievement upon Tim Roth, Costa-Gavras, Danny DeVito & Joss Whedon. The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF) is Ireland's largest feature film festival which takes place in Dublin city centre every February JDIFF proudly held its tenth anniversary in February 2012, to an audience of over 40,000. Over the course of the eleven day festival the event presents over 140 feature films, public interviews, industry workshops and master classes with international guests.The festival celebrates film and presents the very best of international and Irishfilm to an audience who each year vote for the best feature film. In addition, the festival bestows its annual Volta Awards for Career Achievement to key international figures in the film industry and in 2013, recipients included. Tim Roth, Costa-Gavras, Danny DeVito & Joss Whedon http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Chinese_New_Year_Festival_DublinDates TBC 2014 celebrates the Year of the Horse. Established in 2008 the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF) showcases the best of Sino Irish Culture in Ireland and 2014 marks the seventh year of this internationally recognised festival. As Dublin continues to build on its twinning with Beijing, the festival is delighted to deliver our high profile cultural programme including many diverse and exciting events. DCNYF would like to thank everyone involved for assisting in all ways to make the Festival such a success and we would like to wish you the very best for a prosperous and healthy year ahead. Keep an eye on our website as we will have further events and links we will be supporting throughout the year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/NYE_DublinCelebrate New Year’s Eve 2013 in Dublin with the street party to beat them all - NYE Dublin Festival. The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class acts taking to the College Green stage for the Countdown Concert. The main event of the NYE Dublin Festival is the New Year's Eve Countdown Concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival.  In addition, there are a series of free events over the course of the two day festival including: fireworks display in St. Stephen's Green; Procession of Light through Dublin's streets broad and narrow; 5 festival zones located around Dublin City Centre and the Big Brunch which takes place in Meeting House Square on New Year's Day. So, whether you are young or old, native Dubliner or visitor, performer or spectator, NYE Dublin has something exciting for you. We can't wait to party with you in Dublin and celebrate the arrival of 2014. More information to come..... http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bram_Stoker_Festival Dates to be confirmed 3 days, over 30 events, 3 strands – Film & Theatre, Street Animation, Literary Dublin City will celebrate the life, work and legacy of Irish horror novelist Bram Stoker and his gothic novel 'Dracula'.  The three-day festival will peel back the layers of the city to reveal Stoker's Dublin. Prepare for a  weekend for all the family with walking tours through the lane-ways and hidden steps of the Victorian macabre of the city; literary workshops exploring horror writing with award winning authors for both teens and adults; Stoker-themed theatre, lively discussions on all things vampire, and a highlight being an evening of spooky spectacle from renowned street theatre company Spraoi in the grounds of Dublin Castle.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dine_In_DublinDine in Dublin, the bi-annual event brought to you by Dublintown.ie, returns again on Monday 21st to Sunday 27th  to celebrate the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Open_House_DublinOpen House Dublin is the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Open House Dublin 2013 will take place from 4 to 6 October 2013. Over one weekend, almost 100 buildings of all types and periods will open up their doors to allow citizens and visitors to explore the architecture of their city, with special tours by hundreds of professionals and enthusiasts, along with other associated events, completely for free.    As the city is constantly evolving, Open House Dublin allows you to get close to buildings and urban spaces and offer a new perspective. The festival showcases the wealth and breadth of Irish architecture, from the splendour of Georgian Dublin to the breathtaking contemporary spaces and places. The event showcases the most iconic buildings in the city as well as the smallest, most beautiful interventions.   The Irish Architecture Foundation, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 30,600 building visits in 2012. Established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.  Open House Dublin is part of Open House Worldwide, a network of currently 19 cities on 3 continents, inviting everyone to explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment. Open House Dublin is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, and Dún Laoghaire County Council. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Hard_Working_Class_Heroes_2013Don’t you love being the first of your friends to source the next big thing in music, especially when it comes in the very hip form of Hard Working Class Heroes? Jamming (literally) 100 bands into 6 venues over just three days this is the Festival that will set Dublin rocking. We’re talking Meeting House Square, The Button Factory, The Workmans Club, The Mercantile, Twisted Pepper and The Grand Social hosting a bunch of box-fresh bands unleashing the newest, most original musical sounds into your ears and the world. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Theatre_Festival Dublin Theatre Festival has been a major cultural and civic event in the city's calendar since 1957. The Festival is a forum for participation, celebration and togetherness. Dublin is a wonderful place, rich in songs and stories, in culture and history. It is this wealth that continues to inspire our artists and to encourage our citizens. The Festival stages major international theatre of scale, and has hosted productions by the world's most highly regarded artists, while also premiering work by the giants of Irish theatre. Asides from hundreds of main-stage productions, it presents a multitude of special events which includes master classes from the world's top practitioners, artist development programmes, film screenings, symposiums, schools workshops and panel discussions. In 2012, the Festival presented 561 performances in 21 venues and set Dublin city ablaze with the most invigorating exciting theatre in the world. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/IFI_Stranger_than_Fiction_2013IFI Stranger than Fiction, Dublin’s Documentary Film Festival is back! The hugely popular Festival which showcases the best of Irish and International documentary film, will run over 4 days from September 26th – 29th 2013. Premiering films that cross a diverse range of subjects and styles, offering a breadth of topics, expression and perspective, the Festival is designed to appeal to a wide audience – offering something for everyone. 2013 will be the 10th edition of IFI Stranger than Fiction and will feature the hottest of new international documentary film and the best of current Irish productions. Since 2001, IFI Stranger than Fiction has premiered Irish documentaries including Pyjama Girls, The Liberties, and Bloody Sunday – A Derry Diary. International hits such as The Imposter, The Yes Men Fix The World, Sleep Furiously, Forgetting Dad, and Jesus Camp and Oscar-winning documentaries such as Born Into Brothels have all had their Irish premiere at IFI Stranger than Fiction. IFI Stranger than Fiction has been inherent in promoting new Irish work and has premiered work from Irish film makers such as Paul Duane, Alan Gilsenan, Pat Collins, Tanya Doyle, Sé Merry Doyle and Barrie Dowdall. International guests to the Festival include: Bart Layton, Roger Graef OBE (Hold me tight let me go), Gideon Koppel (Sleep Furiously), Mike Bonanno (The Yes Men Fix the World), Nick Fraser (BBC Storyville), Chico Colvard (Family Affair), Matt Harlock (American: The Bill Hicks Story), and Rick Minnich (Forgetting Dad). Call For Entries: Sumission Details IFI Stranger Than Fiction is accepting entries of Irish and international short documentaries (under 20-minutes) and for Irish feature-length documentaries (over 60-minutes). International features are programmed on an invitation-only basis and no entries in this category will be accepted. All Irish feature-length entries must be Dublin premieres. For short documentaries, no premiere status is required but preference will be given to shorts that are Dublin premieres so please indicate in your submission. Films that have been broadcast on Irish television or on a channel available to Irish television audiences should not be entered and will not be considered. There is no entry fee. To enter, send two non-returnable DVDs of your film to IFI STRANGER THAN FICTION, Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Include in your package an A4 sheet with the film title, running time, credits (producer, director), a synopsis of the film of less than 300 words. Please also email these details to strangethanfiction@irishfilm.ie along with three high-resolution images from the film. Alternatively, short documentaries only can be entered by sending a link to strangerthanfiction@irishfilm.ie along with the details mentioned above. The deadline for submissions is 6pm, June 14th 2013. Full details of the 2013 IFI Stranger than Fiction programme will be announced in early August. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Arthurs_Day Date To Be Confirmed ARTHUR’S DAY CELEBRATIONS TO REACH EVERY CORNER OF IRELAND OVER 500 LIVE MUSIC EVENTS IN ALL 32 COUNTIES Due to its huge popularity among Irish pub goers and publicans alike, GUINNESS has significantly expanded the Arthur’s Day celebrations since last year to include live music events in local pubs across Ireland so whether you’re from Dingle, Derry or Dublin, it’s never been easier to take part in what is set to be no ordinary Thursday night. This year there are no tickets on sale, just grab some mates and head to one of 500 free Arthur’s Day music events taking place in local pubs across all 32 counties. It promises to be a remarkable night of live music featuring hundreds of home grown artists but, as usual, Arthur’s Day will also be a night full of surprises…. Voting will be open from 15th August to 16th September but in keeping with the spirit of Arthur’s Day, the winning pubs will remain a secret to the public until the night itself so you never know who might walk through the door. Check out www.Guinness.com for full details. Stuart Kinch, GUINNESS Marketing Manager, Diageo Western Europe said, “Arthur’s Day has always been about people coming together for unique and remarkable music experiences in pubs and venues around the country. This year, we wanted to do more and give everyone the chance to experience the magic of Arthur’s Day by making all events free and giving the public a chance to vote and help bring a headline artist to their local!” “Apart from the change from 38 ticketed music events last year to over 500 free Arthur’s Day music events this year in pubs in all 32 counties, we anticipate many more pubs will also be organising their own celebrations around the country so it promises to be the biggest Arthur’s Day yet with the Arthur Guinness Fund also directly benefiting from the celebration”. Through the Arthur Guinness Fund, Arthur’s Day supports social entrepreneurs in Ireland and around the world who are in the business of changing communities for the better. This year, for every ‘check-in’ by people to the Arthur’s Day Facebook event, a €5 donation will be made to the Arthur Guinness Fund by GUINNESS. Check out details on how to RSVP and ‘check-in' on the Guinness Ireland Facebook page.  GUINNESS will be making further exciting announcements in the coming weeks of additional international artists added to the line-up, unique performance collaborations and more surprising ways to enjoy a remarkable Arthur’s Day celebration in Ireland. Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events. Facebook:        www.facebook.com/Guinnessireland http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Skerries_Soundwaves_FestivalVenue: Skerries Events include a fantastic Lego Day for all enthusiasts, workshops, Equinox Celebrations with Fingal Mummers and a variety of concerts from pop/rock to singer/song writer, some in unusual venues. The classical highpoint of the festival is a Music Network concert in beautiful, candlelit Holmpatrick Church. Other highlights include a festival street party with Rock Music trailer, street entertainment and fun for all the family, a street market, Céilí after Sunday Mass, a night parade and spectacular fireworks in Skerries Harbour. Add children's theatre or puppets, dancing, exhibitions, theatre and pop-up events - expect the unexpected! 'Skerries Rocks' - come along and be part of it! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Culture_Night_2012Come and enjoy a late FREE night of culture for all the family! For one night only the city’s museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists studios, cultural centres and more, will open their doors late for a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. Hundreds of talks, tours, performances and events for you, your family and friends to participate in and enjoy. Join the thousands who will be staying up late for culture! On Friday September 20th 2013, locals and visitors across the island of Ireland will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure taking place in a record 28 towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland. Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the evening welcoming people of all ages to taste and sample their cultural delights for free on the evening. Bring the children, catch up with friends, meet new people, participate, interact and experience the exhilaration of free entry, live performances, workshops, tours, talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities for free! Culture Night brings together a very unique and diverse audience who all share a desire to explore and enjoy culture. And remember, everything that’s open on Culture Night will be there when you visit the next time, and the next time...so why not make a habit of it! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oktoberfest_2013 To be confirmed Get set to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival! The original Oktoberfest will come from Germany to Dublin, giving Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival. A marquee - representative of that in the Oktoberfest in Munich - and German markets, as well as 24 authentic Oktoberfest barmaids will descend on Georges Dock for some German fun, food and entertainment and authentic Bavarian beer. The traditional German market will feature over thirty German speciality food producers and German traders, who are all travelling to Dublin for the Oktoberfest. Visitors will be introduced to the very best of Bavarian food and specialities from sausages, meat, pastries, Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) to mountain cheese and ginger bread hearts. Alongside the many surprising foods on offer, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a truly authentic Bavarian style wheat beer. Learn to sing a yodel or dance a polka, as traditional Bavarian musicians, Die Alpen-show, will also play throughout the 18 day event. For more information: www.dublindocklands.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ABSOLUT_Fringe_Festival ABSOLUT Fringe Ireland’s largest multi-disciplinary arts festival, runs city-wide throughout Dublin this September 7th - 22nd showcasing the newest and best theatre, circus, comedy, dance, performance, art and live gigs featuring Irish and international productions. Now in its 19th year, the festival hosts performances from over 90 artists with companies presenting 624 events spanning theatre, dance, music, live and visual arts in over 30 venues across Dublin. Around 150,000 people have at least one Fringe experience during the festival which runs for 16 days transforming Dublin into a ‘dream factory’, an exposé of great creative talent from around the globe This skillfully curated festival programme will springboard all the human senses and occupy everyone’s imagination. ABSOLUT Fringe, unlike many Fringe Festivals internationally, is a wholly curated festival seeking innovative and daring work that impacts, moves and invigorates its audience. The festival is a platform for the best new, emerging Irish arts companies and a showcase for the best contemporary theatre, dance and spectacle shows touring internationally. For artists, the Fringe facilitates an opportunity to innovate, to cross disciplines and boundaries and to find new ways and places to create work. 2013 marks a very special 19th birthday celebration for the festival as it matures into a sublime adulthood – and what a celebration its going to be. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Festival_of_FashionAn important date for your 2013 calendar, Dublin Fashion Festival is a must for fashionistas and shoppers alike. Running from the 5th - 8th September, Dublin City Centre will see the streets being taken back by style. The festival will feature some of the usual favourites, celebrating design, style and culture with an exciting medley of on street fashion shows, workshops, industry expert demonstrations and talks, competitions and much more. DFF by Night will also be continuing the festivities late into the night with guerrilla fashion shows in bars and restaurants around the city. As if that weren’t incentive enough, all events are non-ticketed, and many of the local businesses will be hosting in-store events, so your weekend of shopping and general glamour will be free, fun and fabulous! See www.dff.ie for more details or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates. Dublin Fashion Festival is proudly part of the Dublin Festival Season. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mountains_to_Sea_dlr_Book_Festival_2013The Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival enjoyed a fantastic debut in 2009 thanks to the support and enthusiasm of local book-lovers and, thankfully, not a few first-time visitors to Dun Laoghaire. One writer praised our first effort as a festival “of international standard, with a great local tilt” which was gratifying to hear. On a glorious weekend, the Festival welcomed over 5000 guests who rev...elled in near-Mediterranean sunshine while strolling from venue to venue. The fifth annual Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival returns to the Pavilion in September 2013 The full programme of events for 2013 will be announced in July. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/september_in_the_squareSeptember in the Square is a programme which will provide an opportunity to get behind the beautiful Georgian doors of Merrion Square, explore the surrounding architectural attractions and discover the hidden treasures in the Square. We are inviting people to take this opportunity to come and take part in some of the many events happening on Merrion Square during September and avail of the opportunity to get to know one of Dublin’s cultural treasures. September in the Square is a festival of events and highlights included: Lunchtime music every Tuesday and Lunchtime talks every Thursday Weekend Wonders, special events which will get behind the personalities and characters of the individual buildings and their histories. A Family Discovery Trail allowing families uncover the hidden secrets of the Square. Guided walking tours with guaranteed access into at least one house. Georgian Living: Dancing on the Square A Georgian Dining Experience Special events celebrating Culture Night on the Square. Events are FREE (apart from the Dining Event) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Festival_SeasonAlthough 2012 Dublin Festival Season has wrapped up it's never to early to start thinking about 2013. Who knows what giddy suprises will be in store this year so pop a big reminder in your diary for September and October for the return of Dublin Festival Season. It is no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the many festivals and events organised throughout the year. Headline festivals such as the inimitable St. Patrick’s Festival held in Dublin every March, attract and enthrall visitors in their thousands every year. Next Autumn, Dublin unleashes an explosion of festivals with ‘Dublin Festival Season’ kicking off in early September and running until the end of October. With festivals and events celebrating everything from arts, architecture, music, film, to food, Guinness and beer, fashion, sport theatre and literature; autumn presents the perfect opportunity to visit this vibrant city of culture. The many festivals you can catch during Dublin Festival Season: Culture Night Dublin Fringe Festival Dublin Theatre Festival Arthurs Day Oktoberfest Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival Dublin Fashion Festival Open House Dublin For More Information: www.dublinfestivalseason.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ukulele_HooleyDun Laoghaire will host the Ukulele Hooley It brings together some of the world's best ukulele talent and entertainers to celebrate their love and passion for the tiny instrument that is currently the world's biggest selling instrument. There will be ukulele master classes, a "Grand ukulele public busk" and open air ukulele open mic concert for players who want to show their skills. But the show piece event of the weekend is a FREE day long ukulele concert on Sunday at the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire featuring the some of the best ukulele performers from round the World. For more details check out our website ukulelehooley.com Its a fantastic day out for the whole family and you might win yourself a ukulele in a raffle! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/National_Heritage_WeekThere’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week. From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free! Whether it is nature and wildlife, folklore, or built heritage, National Heritage Week aims to deliver messages and events that are positive, engaging and relevant in people’s day to day lives. Any person or organisation can actively take part in the Week and organise an event which educates people and promotes an aspect of Irelands Heritage. Many attractions across Dublin are hosting Heritage Week events across the National Heritage Week such as National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Natural Museum of Ireland - Archeology, Chester Beatty Library, National Botanic Gardens. Click on their events tab to find out what events they're hosting. View all Heritage Week events taking place in Dublin here. For more information visit www.heritageweek.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oxegen_2013Oxegen is back!. The iconic festival returns to Punchestown this summer on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Oxegen is a music festival which takes place annually in Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Calvin Harris And David Guetta Set To Headline Oxegen Headlining this years festival is superstar DJ David Guetta, voted worlds #1 DJ in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs fan poll. Guetta has sold over six million albums, 15 million singles worldwide and has consistently topped the charts with dancefloor hits such as Play Hard, Titanium, Sweat, and When Love Takes Over featuring some of the worlds biggest music stars. Guetta will join Calvin Harris who has just broken the record for most top 10 singles from the one album. His current LP 18 months has achieved eighth top ten hits, including the latest `I Need Your Love' featuring Ellie Goulding beating Michael Jackson who previously held the record with seven top ten hits from his 1987 LP Bad. Also heading to Punchestown this summer are UK rapper Example, dub step duo Chase & Status, one of hip hops finest Snoop Dogg, chart toppers Labrinth and Rita Ora, as well as Alesso, Pitbull, DJ Fresh, Soulwax, Nero, Rizzle Kicks, Nicky Romero, Sasha, Wretch 32 and Devlin performing across three stages including the Heineken Live Project stage and the Red Bull Electric Ballroom. Joining the line up are a host of top DJs and Live acts including Otto Knows, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Iggy Azalea, The Original Rudeboys, Duke Dumont, Erol Alkan, Crookers, Jack Beats, Fake Blood, Congorock, Jacob Plant, Gin `N' Juice, The Dead Prezidents, Al Gibbs, George Fitzgerald, Dave DeValera, John Gibbons, Borgore, Monsta, Ayah Marrar and Danny Byrd with more to be announced alongside Ireland's largest Silent Disco. Ticket Information: Save €75 on 2011 prices in a limited 24 hour offer that goes on sale Friday 26th April at 8:00am and lasts until 8am on Saturday 27th April. The offer is available from Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.ie and is limited to availability. Early Bird Tickets: 3 Day Weekend Camping €149.50 (including booking fee) 2 Day Weekend, Non-camping €129.50 (including booking fee) Oxegen 2013 capacity is limited to 50,000 and subject to license. Strictly over 18s Garda ID/Passport required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Vodafone_Comedy_Festival TBC The Vodafone Comedy Festival 2013 will feature an impressive line-up of international and Irish comedians who will feature at the four day event in the unique and stunning surroundings of Iveagh Gardens, in the heart of Dublin, from July 25th - 28th July. The festival is the largest and most successful open air comedy event of its type in Ireland.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/LongitudeIT'S MORE THAN JUST A MUSIC FESTIVAL... The festival will take place in Dublin’s Marlay Park over the weekend of 19th to 21st July. French electro-pop geniuses Phoenix will headline the first day of the festival, with Vampire Weekend pegged to take centre stage on Saturday night. Kraftwerk will then bring the curtain down on the festival with a 3D concert (!) on Sunday night. Previous concerts in Marlay Park have taken place in one particular section of the grounds but MCD insist that Longitude will be spread across the rolling hills of the park, with art installations and more scattered across the grounds and into the woods. The full announced line-up for Longitude 2013 is: Kraftwerk (3D concert) | Phoenix | Vampire Weekend | Foals | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Villagers | Hot Chip | Jake Bugg | Modest Mouse | Teed | Paul Kalkbrenner | SBTRKT (DJ set) | Mark Lanegan | Local Natives | Django Django | Jessie Ware | Trentmoller | Kodaline | Mmoths | Tom Odell | Alunageorge | Flume | Cast of Cheers | Young Wonder | Mo | Michael Paskalev | S O H N | Petite Noir | Half Moon Run | Vondelpark | Stealing Sheep |The Maccabees | Laura Mvula | Wolf Alice | Gold Panda | Dutch Uncles | Matt Cotby |  Marcus Foster | King Krule | Japandroids | Hudson Taylor | East India Youth | London Grammar | Drenge | Tribes | Milo Greene | Funeral Suits | Leaders of Men | White Collar Boy | Ofei |  Le Galaxie |  Kool Thing | Blue Hawaii | SOAK many more to be announced… Click here to view full day-by-day breakdown of the festival Ticket Information: Tickets for  Longitude go on sale from 9.00am Monday 4th March 2013. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Liberties_FestivalThe Liberties Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals. From modest beginnings in 1970 it has grown to become a highlight of the summer in Dublin with a series of family-friendly, sporting and community events, and an exciting multi-cultural and arts programme encompassing visual art, film, dance, comedy, literature and music. The area known as The Liberties is the south-west part of Dublin’s inner city approximately west of Aungier Street and south of the River Liffey, predominately in Dublin 8. Steeped in history, its name originated with the arrival in the 12th century of the Anglo-Normans who titled jurisdictions united to the city but outside the boundaries of its walls as ‘Liberties’. Two of the most important were the Liberty of St. Sepulchre (under the Archbishop of Dublin) and the Liberty of Thomas Court and Donore (under the Abbey of St. Thomas, later the Earl of Meath’s Liberty). For supporting the ruler, these Liberties received privileges such as freedom from various taxes. Today’s Liberties area is made up of these two ancient Liberties. The Liberties Festival makes great use of the pleasant terraced streets, bustling shopping districts, open spaces, and the historical and contemporary buildings of the area. And – in keeping with tradition – most of these events are free! We’re busy finalising the Liberties Festival 2013 programme and will announce full details shortly. The Liberties Festival is a SICCDA project and receives generous support from sponsors and partners who include Diageo Ireland and DCC, and the local community.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Street_Performance_World_ChampionshipWith an attendance of over 240,000 in 2012, Ireland's second largest free family festival is delighted to announce its return to Dublin 12th - 14th July 2013 2012 Highlights included: Laya bout area- Join us in the eye of the storm where there’s a zen like oasis waiting to welcome tired tootsies. Pan out on the grass or plunge into an elephant beanbag, soak up some sun, and chill to some tunes. If your little monsters aren’t ready to rest let them loose with the free games, but tell them to keep their eyes peeled for the mysterious moving statues! The Wheeeeeeee Zone - The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) zone is home to some serious ‘don’t look down’ adventure. It’s the common playground's older brother so make sure to take a peek (from between your fingers is fine) and decide if you’re ready to tackle The Wheeeeee (your pants) challenge. Playa Ground - Round round pLAYAground, I pLAYAground, yeh, pLAYAground, pLAYAground, I pLAYAground! Getting bugged driving up and down the same ol’ strip? Need to find a new place where the kids are hip?? Well then bring your posse into the pLAYAground, a new extension at SPWC 2012. Hoola-hooping, pillow fighting, play-doughing, the PLAYAground is a massive hub of frivolous fun and arty-partying for all ages. Kids Court - All Rise for the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Set a trial date for your parents. Spin the 'Wheel of Misfortune' and decide their fate. Here at Kids Court there are many, many perfectly wicked punishments... a fitting revenge for all the times you asked ‘Why?’ and got ‘Because I said so!’ This is your ultimate chance to ‘Say So!’ Laya Festival Photobooth - Grab your crew and pop into the Laya Festival PhotoBooth for an extremely fabulous and funny portrait. Maybe your dad would make a beautiful ballerina or mum should embrace her inner prison guard... dress them up, pull your wildest face, say cheeeeeeeeeeese and capture the special moment forever The other 14 finalists of this year's free family festival will be announced over the coming weeks in conjunction with the launch of the new spwc.ie website. For more information visit: www.spwc.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/10_Days_In_Dublin_Festival_201310 Days in Dublin is a unique event that has grown hugely year on year. It is Ireland's largest open-format, multidisciplinary festival with strands in music, comedy, visual art, theatre, spoken word and film. It accepts acts from all backgrounds and experience profiles and allows them to showcase their talent regardless of their work's theme, political agenda or who they know on the arts scene. It endeavours to create an open and inclusive festival that transforms the capital into an urban celebration. Now in its third year, the festival has more than doubled in size since its 2012 outing and is currently run by a group of talented, young individuals who volunteer their time to create something different and exciting. If you're looking for something different with a broad range of artistic talents and ideas then this festival will have something you'll love For more info: including calls for submissions, line-ups and programming information check out our website www.10daysindublin.com The line-up for 10 Days in Dublin 2013 is yet to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/PhotoIreland_Festival_2013Dublin, Limerick, Cork. Celebrating its fourth edition, PhotoIreland Festival will examine the current state of Photography in Ireland, offering a simultaneous exhibition of new talent in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. In the last decade, the currency and relevance of the medium on the island has consistently generated a flourishing of awards, residencies, educational programmes, publications and exhibitions. More than ever, the work of Irish based photographers can be seen in museums and galleries as far away as Australia, Argentina, and China. The main exhibition of PhotoIreland Festival 2013 will reflect on the diversity of practices that constitute contemporary Photography in Ireland, and it will be accompanied by a special publication. Official festival launch: Limerick 3rd July, Dublin 4th July, and Cork 5th July. For a Full Programme of Events visit www.photoireland.org/festival/year-2013 Curatorial team: Michele Horrigan (Artist & Curator) Pádraig Spillane and Pamela Condell (Stag & Deer) Ronan McCall (Photographer & Curator, Severed Head Gallery) Moritz Neumüller and Ángel Luis González (PhotoIreland Festival) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Route_des_PrincesJune will see the launch of the very first Route des Princes, a race that will take its competitors on a tour through the heartlands of Europe. Specially reserved for multihulls of at least 50 feet, with no size limit, this new race is based around an all-new concept and gives top crews the chance to battle it out over a course that stretches between France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Ireland. It promises to be an exciting and demanding route, winding between sea and land and forging new dialogues between sailors and landlubbers. When the race hits Dun Laoghaire on June 22 & 23 it will be welcomed by festival full of entertainment, music and food for all ages. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Solstice_Session_part_of_The_Gathering_2013Location: Naul Village, Fingal, Co. Dublin This is a boutique mid-Summer festival, celebrating the heritage, history, community and culture of rural Fingal and the legacy of Master Uilleann Piper & folklore archivist, Séamus Ennis. This is a weekend of a wide range of events featuring; a heritage trail, a 'Try The Uilleann Pipes' event, a Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, children's entertainment, street performers and food stalls. There will also be a variety of bands on the main stage including Clann agus Cairde, The David Munnelly Band and The Moog 69's. This is an event which is suitable for all ages and there will be something for everyone. It is free admission into all events apart from the Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, which will be priced at €20. So why not come along and join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Séamus Ennis. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_LGBTQ_Pride_FestivalDublin Pride 2013 will be a phenomenal festival celebrating three very important historic milestones. This festival will represent the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Gay movement, the 30th anniversary of the Dublin Pride Parade and the 20th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. All LGBT brothers and sisters who left Ireland due to either poverty or persecution are invited to return to celebrate the wonderful diverse and inclusive culture of modern Ireland. We call everyone, from the four corners of Ireland to the four corners of the world, to come to Dublin and 'Live, Love and be Proud'! Whether you’re LGBTQ, have friends or family who are, want to learn more about diversity or just want to take part in an amazing festival, Dublin Pride 2013 is a festival that features events that will interest everyone. This year sees Dublin Pride Parade celebrating its 30th Anniversary and will be held on Saturday, 29th June. It is the culmination of Dublin Pride’s festival that includes the parade through the city centre and a party in the Pride Village in Merrion Square afterwards. The parade is a celebration of the rich diversity of the LGBTQ community in Dublin, Ireland and the world, with an expanded arts, social and cultural content. Dublin Pride is the largest such celebration in Ireland and has grown from a one-day event into the 10-day festival we have now. The theme of this year’s parade is “Live, Love & Be Proud”. So get your thinking hats on, come up with your costumes, float ideas, group outfits to show how you live, love and are proud. Let’s make it an explosion of colour, music, glitter, sequins and even feather boas. Complete your registration form and submit it ASAP. All applications must be in by 31st May. This year the parade will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance from 11am and will embark on its route at 2.00pm sharp. From there it will head down O’Connell Street towards College Green, into Nassau Street, Clare Street and will finish at Merrion Square Park for the Pride Village. In 2012 we had over 30,000 people marching. Lets make 2013 a true celebration of the 30th Anniversary and make it the biggest and best parade ever. Pride Village: The South & West sides of Merrion Sq will be taken over by Pride Village which boasts a Bar, fun fair, Nissan Zone, TV Screen (for guest appearances) & food stalls. The full programme of all events taking place for the 30th anniversary pride festival will be released late May. For more information: www.dublinpride.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dalkey_Book_Festival This is the fourth year of the Dalkey Book Festival and it’s bigger and better than ever, with world-class authors, including: Edna O'Brien, Anne Enright, Carl Bernstein, Roddy Doyle, Kevin Barry, Declan Kiberd, Dawn O'Porter, Robert Fisk, Frank McGuinness, Eoin Colfer, John Boyne, Mike Scott, Pauline McLynn, David Coleman, Colm O'Regan, Tim Pat Coogan, Ian Robertson, Midnight Poe, Nadine O'Regan, Sarah Webb, Stuart Carolan and Eamon Morrissey. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale on line at www.dalkeybookfestival.org from Tuesday May 14th Sign up for our festival newsletter at www.dalkeybookfestival.org and be the first to hear about this years exciting programme of events.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloomsday_FestivalBloomsday is celebrated on June 16th every year in Dublin. Bloomsday commemorates the work of the Irish author James Joyce and is called after the main character in his most famous work – Leopold Bloom of Ulysses fame. Bloomsday takes the format of Joyce fans dressed in Edwardian costume to conjure up the atmosphere of the period in which Ulysses was set – 1904. To understand Bloomsday you need to know that it follows the trials and tribulations of one entire day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses - Bloomsday June 16th. Fans follow the route around Dublin taken by Bloom and usually have a breakfast of sausages, beans, black and white pudding and toast at some stage along the way. Davy Byrne’s Pub usually figures in everyone’s Bloomsday celebration at some stage of the day. Bloomsday readings and dramastisations from the novel take place at various stages by costumed performers, as well as traditional Irish music and merriment. Much of the Bloomsday celebrations are hosted by the James Joyce Centre in North Great Georges St Dublin. Visit www.jamesjoyce.ie for information on festival talks, events and exhibitions. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/4th_Indian_Film_Festival_of_Ireland_2013Venue: Dundrum Cinema, Dundrum, Dublin 14 The Indian Film Festival of Ireland is an annual gathering of people from the Indian film industry in Ireland. The festival shows the best of latest and old classical Indian cinema, and creates an opportunity for the local Irish creative people to collaborate, and learn about the world's largest film producing nation. The festival has various strands, such as Director in Focus with opening and closing film, Star in Retrospective, Debut director. It has all the rich tapestry of and international film festival, and is non-profit making, run by a small team of dedicated volunteers and is presented by Bollywood Ireland Ltd, a film and Television production and distribution company own by Siraj Zaidi, an actor from India and trained at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts. Industry networking and masterclasses focus on the new dimensions and parameters in film making and thinking outside the box of EU / USA film industry. The concepts of hybrid and cross over films with Indian and Irish diaspora story and theme are highly encourage and new creative ways of producing films for the global international market is also encourage. The gala award ceremony is high-end glamorous dinner evening welcoming the Indian summer in Ireland, and all this for an educational charitable cause in India. Through this fundraising event children orphanage and primary education schools are supported. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Ford_IrelandDublin will be a hive of activity for budding filmmakers, movie lovers and fans of Ford films.  Kicking off with an Opening Night Extravaganza, and a series of rare Ford Screenings, Panel Discussions; Public Interviews with Film Directors, Music for the Screen events and performances, special Outdoor Screenings, Writers Hub and Directors Hub and a chance to get up and close and personal with 'all things Ford'... 2012 proved a phenomenal success with guests Dan Ford (grandson of John Ford); Film Director and Writer; Peter Bogdanovich; Kyle Eastwood and Band; David Holmes; Academy Award Winning Editor, Joel Cox (Mystic River); John Boorman, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, Pat McCabe, Brian Kirk and many more......  John Ford Ireland 2013 will prove to be just as exciting, with Filmmakers from around the globe participating in a series of events, for any film buff or film fan, this Symposium & Festival is a MUST ...stay tuned to see details as they are announced and to avail of your Season Pass.  As John Ford once said 'I make pictures but I don't like talking about them'....come to John Ford Ireland in 2013 and you will discover that there are a lot of people who DO like to talk about John Ford pictures; a man responsible for some of the most enduring films in cinematic history, who still holds the record for most Oscar wins for a Director. You will find there is quite a lot to talk about... http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Trinity_College_Dublin_Shakespeare_FestivalThe fifth and final annual Trinity College Dublin Shakespeare Festival will run from the 3rd - 8th June this year, and  is set to be the biggest Shakespeare Festival ever to take place in Ireland. 500 performers will take part in over 50 performances of Shakespeare’s work, as well as various events and workshops. Both the city and college will be transformed into ‘living’ spaces in which Shakespeare’s work will be presented and celebrated through community outreach performances, outdoor scenes as well as events and workshops. The Festival aims to expand this year its extensive programme of civic engagement. This year we are looking to bring performances of Shakespeare to other underprivileged groups and schoolchildren. This is coupled with a daily  free light entertainment events such as: choral performances, circus acts, film screenings, public lectures from some of Trinity College’s most distinguished academics, food and drink tasting and comedy performances for students and visitors alike. To get a preview of this year's event Click Here Check out our website (www.dublinshakespeare.com) for a full list of events and timetable of scenes as well as photos and other fun things! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Port_River_FestLocation: North Wall Quay, Dublin City Centre Dublin Port’s Riverfest is Ireland’s premier riverside and sailing festival. Whether you’re into sailing and ships or not you’ll enjoy a weekend of family fun and both on and off-water activity. A huge array of activities are planned over the course of the weekend. Including the arrival of 6 tall ships, curragh racing on the Liffey, boat racing on the Liffey, tug boat demonstrations and much more. Not to be outdone by the water, land activities will also play a integral part to the festival, with street performers, music, bars, face painting, and carnival attractions from the new Samuel Beckett Bridge to East Link Bridge there to entertain and satisfy crowds. However, if food is your thing, then Riverfest is guaranteed to have something for you. This year the Markets will have a huge range of quality fresh and exciting food for food lovers to delight in. A Pirate Village with arts and crafts for children, Liffey and Port Photo Competition, a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with water canon on the river, face painters, balloon artists, port boat tours, a circus, a fun fair, a food market and docker & sailor themed porter bar and cafes. Visitors will witness the largest gathering of Gaffer Boats to have ever taken place on this island. The Gaffers are handmade wooden boats, many of which are over 100 year old. Two Gaffer races will take place on Sunday, June 1 between Samuel Becket Bridge and the East Link Bridge. Great fun for all the family! Programme Saturday 1st June Tall Ships from 11am to 6pm Tug Boat Displays mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Sunday 2nd June Tall Ships from 11am to 4pm Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm ‘Between the Bridges’ - Howth 17′s Sailing Race 2pm-4pm Parade of Sail (Over 60 Old Gaffers) at 4pm Monday 3rd June Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Old Gaffers Barbecue Poolbeg Yacht Club 6pm-late         http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Forbidden_Fruit_Festival'A festival like this has been a long time coming, one that combines music, art, fashion and simple good vibes into a two-day city-based event' (Irish Times). Kasabian and Primal Scream will headline this year’s Forbidden Fruit festival in Dublin. The two-day event, set to take place in the grounds of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on June 1-2, will also feature sets from Chic, Crystal Castles, James Blake and Four Tet. Irish acts including Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes and Tieranniesaur will also perform. The full Forbidden Fruit line-up is: Saturday June 1: Kasabian, Crystal Castles, James Blake, Neon Neon, Lee Scratch Perry, Iamamiwhoami, Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes, Kormac’s Big Band, Tieranniesaur, Girls Names. Sunday June 2: Primal Scream, Chic, Four Tet, Everything Everything, Woodkid, Austra, Daphni, Daughter, Cyril Hahn, Mykki Blanco, Bondax, New Jackson, Frank B. Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from online www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Annual_Regatta_Dublin_Bay_Old_Gaffers_AssociationDublin Bay Old Gaffers Association (DBOGA), dedicated to conserving and preserving traditional gaff-rigged sail boats and the skills in building, maintaining and sailing them, as part of the OGA 50 Years Celebrations announces its not to be missed annual Traditional Sailing Boat Rally to be held at Poolbeg Boat and Yacht Club & Marina in Dublin Port over the week-end of 31 May to 2nd June 2013 The atmosphere around the Dublin docks area promises to be magical, and with four days of festival events to enjoy there will be something to entertain everyone. On the Sunday in what promises to be a spectacular and highly colourful event the Howth 17s will race on the Liffey and the entire fleet -probably the largest ever of Gaff-rigged vessels assembled on the east coast- will hold a Parade of Sail upriver on the Liffey and past the imposing landmark of the new Samuel Beckett Bridge which will be swung open for the occasion. The Rally will be brought to its finale with a good old-fashioned Irish ‘Hooley’ in the Clubhouse with superb music. The signature event will take place on Monday 3rd June consisting of a race in Dublin Bay to contest the Asgard perpetual trophy, followed by a BBQ and lots of music and fun - whats known in the vernacular as ‘Ceol agus ‘Craic’ at the Poolbeg Clubhouse. (The trophy is a handcrafted sculpture made from a mixture of new and some original timber from the Yacht Asgard owned by Erskine Childers skipper of Asgard and who will be perennially linked to the July 1914 Howth Gun Running when Childers and his crew (including his intrepid wife Molly) performed superhuman feats of seamanship sailing through one of the worst storms recorded and in atrociously cramped conditions). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloom_In_The_ParkWhether you want inspiration, education or entertainment, the place to be this June Bank Holiday weekend is the colourful Bloom Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.  Organised by Bord Bia, this year’s event is five days long and it takes place from Thursday 30th May to Monday 3rd June. We are pleased to offer all a very special Bloom ticket offer for 2013.  Book on-line only before the event and use the promotional code FIR13 to get an extra €2 discount off the advance ticket price in advance of the show. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bloom pays all booking fees and kids go free!   Log on to www.bloominthepark.com for more details on food, features, show gardens, free seminars and entertainment. Have a wonderful day out and make sure you visit the Bord Bia Food Village which celebrates the best of Irish food, showcasing numerous aspects of horticulture and agriculture in our exciting features! If you don’t fancy driving, use the train and avail of the courtesy shuttle bus from Heuston station to the 70 acre Bloom site. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bealtaine_Festival_Babies_on_Board_May_Day_Traditions_in_IrelandAdults with Babies under 12 months Welcome to Summer at the Museum! As part of the Bealtaine Festival, 'Babies on Board' is all about Irish May Day traditions with Folklife curator Clodagh Doyle. Grandparents are especially welcome during Bealtaine! Located in the AV Theatre. Booking required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Slam_Dunk_IrelandVenue: The Academy Dublin - Three Rooms Slam Dunk are very pleased to announce that they are extending their critically acclaimed festival even further this year and will host a show in The Academy, Dublin on Wednesday 29th May. Slam Dunk Ireland will take over The Academy, with live shows in the main room and Academy 2, and Lockdown DJs playing in the Green Room. Tickets from €18 will go on sale this Friday at 9am from Ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets. But the party doesn't stop there! For attendees over 18 years of age, the Green Room will then host a special aftershow party starting once the live acts finish, with Lockdown DJs playing until late. Slam Dunk have selected a handful of outstanding bands already performing at the main festival, and are bringing them over to Dublin to give music lovers a chance to experience Slam Dunk Festival on a smaller, but just as incredible scale. Confirmed to play this brand new and exciting extension of the festival are rock champions Four Year Strong and pop punk favourites The Wonder Years. The last time these two bands shared a stage in Ireland was back in 2011 on the Kerrang! Relentless Energy Tour. There's something for fans of heavier acts as well, with the mindblowing Bury Tomorrow and Yashin confirmed. And local music is represented by current Kerrang! faves Wounds, Red Enemy and Jody Has A Hitlist. Currently the lineup will see the following acts play across two rooms in the venue: Four Year Strong The Wonder Years Bury Tomorrow Yashin Man Overboard Fireworks Wounds Red Enemy Jody Has A Hitlist Slam Dunk creator Ben Ray says ‘After running Slam Dunk Scotland for a number of years, and with the addition of Wales last year it felt only right that the next step would be to take it over to Ireland. We choose Dublin as we have already been invited over there a couple of times to run the club night and we have made some great friends over there. I’m happy now to say there is a Slam Dunk event which is fairly near to everyone in the UK and Ireland, allowing everyone to come and see this great line-up! Ticket Information: Tickets for live show €18.00 incl. booking fee (over 14s admitted - no alcohol served) Tickets for the live show including after show party €22 incl.booking fee (over 18s only - full bar - ID required) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Glitch_Digital_Arts_Festival_2013This year, Glitch presents a series of exhibitions, taking place both online and in the gallery, that examines how digital artists are engaging with and responding to the current economic, political, and cultural factors that shape the Internet. The festival will discuss and explore how the practice of the digital artist is in transition, not only due to the development of digital technologies, but also because digital artists are increasingly informed by offline factors that affect how the Internet, as a creative platform, is being developed. Run Computer, Run showcases how creative technologies provide a critical lens with which our everyday culture can be examined. From augmented reality to video games to interactive artworks, both the gallery and festival website will demonstrate the ways in which digital artists are taking on some of the key social, economic, political and cultural issues that influence the change and development of the internet. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_City_Soul_Festival_2013Dublin City Soul Festival 2013 is to take place from 23rd May - 26th May 2013. ‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ is a celebration of peace, unity & love‘ is Ireland’s feel-good festival, a unique annual celebration. Last years Dublin City Soul Festival featured loads of exciting events to choose from and what’s more most of them were FREE for you to enjoy because as the old saying goes…”the best things in life are free” ! Favourites included: The Soul Picnic - a little piece of magic in association with Dublin City Council. Enjoy the world’s best music concert in a picnic style starring an exciting line-up of amazing local, national and international artists. Much more than a music event, enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from our picnic vendors. Entry is free, but don’t forget to make a donation. Special guests to be announced. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of May in Merrion Square Park. Love the City Music Trail- Mosey along the Dublin streets, moving from venue to venue checking out all the fantastic entertainment on offer or find your favourite venue, band or DJ and get comfy. Savour a relaxing beverage in a quaint bar or cafe while enjoying an acoustic set from one of our solo artists or duets, then stroll a little further down the road and submerge yourself in a full on musical experience that will guarantee to have you out on the floor shaking your tail feather! (Warning: comfortable dancing shoes required) As you make your way along the friendly Dublin streets you’ll be amazed by the exciting on-street entertainment from our Soul Festival buskers and street artists! Rising Stars - Witness the world’s best ‘Rising Stars' at the  2012 showcase event featuring the best emerging artists in a unique setting. See also: www.dublincitysoulfestival.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Writers_FestivalVenue: Various locations, Dublin City Centre Dublin Writers Festival, Ireland's premier literary event, gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke , delight and enthral.  The 15th Dublin Writers Festival returns 20-26 May 2013 bigger than ever.  This year's programme will showcase some of the finest writers in the world, a tantalising mix of new faces and household names, both homegrown and international. Described by the press as "boasting a stunning array of top international literary talent" and "the country's most successful and easily the best annual literary event", Dublin Writers Festival line-up is sure to impress. With readings, discussions, debates,workshops, performance and screenings, the festival creates a hotbed of ideas. Whether it's the mix poets, writers of fiction and non-fiction, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters, Dublin Writers Festival brings new faces and house-hold names together in ways that suprise and inspire. Children's fiction is well represented and we are spoilt for choice with the calibre of Irish language writers. Come celebrate many specially commissioned events in the City of Words. Irish fans of Dan Brown, international bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code, are in for a rare treat as Brown makes an exclusive appearance at this year's Dublin Writers Festival. This will be his first visit to Ireland, marking the publication of Inferno, his brand new novel which will be published mid-May. Tickets for this event will be on sale from 10.00am on 6th March so book early to avoid disappointment! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Dance_FestivalDublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on Ireland’s cultural calendar. Each year in May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. 2013 will see the 9th Festival. In this short time, the Festival has developed a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2002 the Festival’s ambitions have been big and brave. Enabling audiences to discover inspirational artists lies at the heart of the Dublin Dance Festival mission. Audience members look forward to experiencing celebrated classics and discovering the freshest talents each year through a programme that is resonant and stimulating. The Festival also provides a platform for Irish choreographers to develop their work in an international context. Uncover beautiful dance – from near and far – in Dublin in May! To view the full programme for Dublin Dance Festival 2013 Click Here Click Here to check out the Dublin Dance Festival teaser video.....  For information on Tickets visit www.dublindancefestival.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BealtaineGrow Happy with Bealtaine 2013 May belongs to the Bealtaine Festival which celebrates creativity as we age. Last year about 115,000 people attended over 3,500 performances, concerts, workshops, dance classes, films and creative events across Ireland. Taking place from 1-31 May Bealtaine gives you the opportunity to get involved, try something new and discover new or forgotten talents. You can attend art workshops, learn new dances, see interesting performances, and even sing with the “Dawn Chorus”. Bealtaine takes place in Museums, Galleries, Cinemas, Libraries, Care Centres, Active Retirement Associations and other venues all across the country. To check what’s happening in your area in May 2013 please go to www.bealtaine.com. Bealtaine has been coordinated by Age & Opportunity since the first festival in 1996. Bealtaine is supported by the Arts Council  To see full programme of Bealtine 2013 events Click Here