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annie_pie Jan 17th, 2006 01:58 PM

Music Festivals in the west of Ireland in August? Where can I find out where they are?
 
Does anyone know where I can find out what festivals are going on in Clare, Kerry & Galway in August(2006). I know the Rose Of Tralee is happening at the end of August. Are there any others recommended? Thanks!




Itallian_Chauffer Jan 17th, 2006 02:19 PM

Go to:

www.ireland.travel.ie and "click" on the 'Things To Do' link.

Pity you will mis the Cork MidSummer Festival and Puck Fair, though.

Bob

youngblueeyes Jan 18th, 2006 04:48 AM

The Galway Races are on from 31st July -6th August. It is one of the biggest festivals in Ireland. Even if you are not into horse racing the atmosphere in the pubs is brilliant. It's essential to pre book accommodation in advance for this week. For music festivals in Clare check out http://www.glor.ie/themusic_festivals.asp to see if anything interests you. Or check out Things to do/Festivals in http://www.shannonregiontourism.ie. The puck fair is on in Killorglin, Kerry between August 10th-August 12th.
Pretty much every town in Ireland has a festival in August. Pre book accommodation and if travelling the August bank holiday weekend (7th Aug) allow for long traffic delays, as literally the entire country goes away somewhere within Ireland for the weekend.

annie_pie Jan 18th, 2006 11:13 PM

Thank you so much for these helpful posts.

ter2000 Jan 19th, 2006 03:45 AM

For something a bit more cerebral you should consider the Merriman summer school which takes place every year in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Even if you don't fancy going to any of the lectures, you will find yourself talking late into the night in the local bars with participants and the ceilis are fantastic. The website is a bit "dry" but don't let that put you off - www.merriman.ie

Also in Clare the Willie Clancy summer school is fantastic for traditional music sessions - http://www.westclare.com/willie_clan...mer_school.htm
It's probably the best traditional music festival in the country. However that will take place in July so that doesn't really meet your needs.

I hesitate to recommend the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival - unless you're looking to marry an elderly Irish farmer. Like the Rose of Tralee Festival, a lot of people love it but to me it's just an excuse for people to get very very drunk. If that's not your thing then don't go near it - if it is, then you'll have a great time.

laurie_ann Jan 19th, 2006 04:44 AM

When I went to Ireland in 1996 a friend had given me this book:

Music Lover's Guide to Great Britain & Ireland: Guide to the Best Musical Venues, Festivals & Events (Paperback)
by Anne Bianchi and Adrienne E. Gusoff.

It may be out of date but it might have ideas you could check on the internet for current information. I see it is still available at Amazon, even used for $0.51 plus postage, so for such a small cost it might be worth it.

Ozarksbill Jan 19th, 2006 07:01 AM

Of course you don't need to find a festival to hear trad music. Lots of pubs all over. BTW, you might enjoy seeing a DVD called "Boys and Girl from County Clare" which is a fun romp about a family rivalry at an annual festival.
ozarksbill


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