If you're looking for some inspiration for this May Bank Holiday weekend, have a look at some of these recommendations from Drivetime's weekly event guide:
MUSIC
Wicklow
The always excellent Bray Jazz Festival is back this weekend with an impressive lineup of musicians from all over the world: Malin Wättring from Sweden, Pilgrim from Switzerland, US-based Lionel Loueke, Beats & Pieces from the UK, The Necks from Australia, and Ireland's own Roamer. The Wicklow Wolf Jazz Trail is also back for the weekend so you can dip in and out of venues. For more, check out brayjazz.com.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny Roots Festival is back and the line-up includes Marah, Andrew Combs, Handsome Family, Joan Shelley, Holly Macve, Chip Taylor, and Carter Sampson. 100 gigs and 75 of them are completely free. Kilkennyroots.com
Cork
Cork's Choral Festival runs until Sunday with gala concerts, schools concerts, and national and international competitions. The Opera House has some excellent local talent over the weekend too with Jack O'Rourke, Mick Flannery, and Marlene Enright, among others.
Sligo
Sligo International Chamber Music Festival is on this weekend, where you can catch the RTÉ Contempo Quartet, pianist Hugh Tinney, clarinettist Ib Hausmann, Cassiopeia Winds, and more.
Donegal
The annual ‘The Cup of Tae’ trad festival is on this weekend in Ardara. Concerts, craic and free music in all pubs, as well as schools of music and a fiddle masterclass by Ciaran Mooney. Cupoftaefestival.com.
Mayo
More trad in Louisburgh, Co. Mayo with the annual Feile Chois Cuain. Concerts, masterclasses and sessions.
FESTIVALS
Kerry
The inimitable Féile na Bealtaine is back in Dingle this weekend with talk, art, music, dance and the annual Oiche na Bealtaine parade on Sunday night. Highlights include an acoustic set by HamsandwicH at Nellie Freds on Sunday night, performances by the Mozart Requiem, and Katie Kim. Author and Professor of Psychology Ian Robertson will be one of many people giving talks throughout the weekend. There will also be art exhibitions, DJ sets, and a full array of kid-friendly, free and family events.
Also in Kerry this weekend, the Listowel Military Tattoo is on, a festival to commemorate Irish servicemen and women. This year they're honouring one of their own, John O'Sullivan, a pilot from Tralee who became the second most highly decorated pilot in the history of the US Military. Lots more on including a spitfire display, battle reenactments and music. facebook.com/ListowelMilitaryTattoo.
Limerick
Riverfest is back in Limerick for the May Bank Holiday and will feature a festival village at Arthur's Quay Park, a BBQ competition, a performance by Hermitage Green and a fireworks display. On Sunday too the Great Limerick Run is on, with 14,000 runners taking part. Riverfest.ie.
Wexford
Comedy festival Jestfest is back with a great lineup. While Al Porter and Neil Delamere are already sold out, there are a few tickets left for acts like Alison Spittle, Foil Arms and Hog, Kevin McGahern and John Colleary, Dublin Comedy Improv, Fred Cooke, Rory's Stories and David McSavage and more. There's also a vintage funfair in town for the weekend from today so lots on for kids. Jestfest.ie.
Shine A Light – Various Locations
The Shine A Light Festival sees lighthouses all over the country open their doors for a free weekend of fun, music and stories. From Valentia Island in Kerry to Fanad Head in Donegal, each lighthouse has its own tailored programme of events. For example, Hook Lighthouse in Wexford will open its festival tomorrow at 11am with lawn games, a bungee trampoline, workshops for children with the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI, a craft market and for budding seafarers, a pirate school with Captain Hook. You can get the details for that festival at greatlighthouses.com
Galway
The Cuirt International Festival of Literature is taking place in Galway City this weekend, featuring talents like Miquel Barceló, Sarah Maria Griffin, Stephen Burt and Mary O'Malley. Cuirt.ie is the website.
The Inishbofin Arts Festival is also on this weekend and it runs until Sunday. It features Finbar Furey, Rosie Carney and LAOISE, folk/bluegrass band Jig Jam, Moycullen soprano Aimee Banks and author, Lisa Carey, among others. You can get the details at inishbofin.com
Roscommon
The Strokestown International Poetry Festival runs until Monday. On Saturday, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin will be in conversation with Vincent Woods. At 2.30 Paddy Bushe will be in conversation with Doireann Ní Ghríofa. strokestownpoetry.org
Have a great weekend!
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