Ireland — Events
Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats
The award winning exhibition ‘Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats’ features manuscripts from the National Library’s collection and covers many aspects of the poet’s life and his development as a writer. There are also other fascinating material which has been generously donated by Mrs George Yeats, wife of the poet, and Michael Yeats, the poet’s son, over several years.
Irish Music and Dance Show
The banquet and show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing which takes place at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Guests can enjoy a baquet while relaxing with a pint of Guiness and being entertained by the very best of Irish ballad bands, such as Dublin’s very own Merry Ploughboys. The Irish ballad session is usually interrupted midway by a spectacular dance routine incorporating the best of contemporary and traditional Irish dancing.
Dublin Toy and Train Fair
The Dublin Toy and Train Fair is always a much anticipated event for children of all ages. With over 46 dealers from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England attending, over 70 tables stocked with interesting collectors items can be expected. All sorts of collectible toys will be available including Diecast models by Corgi, and Dinky, Construction sets by Meccano, Bayko, Lead soldiers by Britains, Crescent. For those who prefer reading, a selection of Comics, TV and Film annuals from the 1940s to1960s will also be on offer.
Hallowfest
This Halloween Festival takes place over a bank holiday weekend and hosts a range of activities for both young and old, such as games, fun walks, spooky storytelling and a spectacular Fireworks display.
St Patrick's Day Festival
Nowhere else in the world is St Patrick’s Day observed with more fun and celebration than in Dublin. The St Patrick’s Day Festival has become a five-day party filled with ‘craic’ or good times with a varied program of events, including lots of traditional and contemporary Irish music. The Big Day Out carnival includes street performers, clowns, games, a funfair and lots of singing and dancing, and Pearl@Docklands promises an enchanting performance involving giant inflatable characters.
Bloomsday Festival
James Joyce fans around the world celebrate Bloomsday on 16 June every year, but nowhere as creatively as in Dublin, the birthplace of the famous novelist. The festival commemorates his masterpiece Ulysses, one of the most highly acclaimed works of the 20th century in which Joyce captured the soul of Dublin in the tale of Leopold Bloom and his adventures on Thursday, 16 June 1904. The celebrations include re-enactments of Bloom’s day as people visit the places where the novel was set, as well as readings, performances, breakfasts, look-alike contests and visits to the pub.
Irish Derby
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is one of the most prestigious horse racing events of the year. Held at The Curragh, one of Europe’s oldest sporting grounds, this event attracts the attention of horse-lovers from across the globe, and especially in the horse-mad country of Ireland itself.
Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show
The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a summer event not to be missed. The show features five days of international competition, social functions, shopping and live entertainment. This horse show is held annually in the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) complex, with top events including the Nations’ Cup and the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy. Additional events, such as the Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day and an arts and crafts exhibition, take place outside the main arena.
