When Irish eyes are smilin'... yearly events and festivals

Whatever time of year you decide to visit Ireland, you can be sure that there will be plenty of events and festivals to keep you entertained. Check out this guide to help you choose where and when to visit the Emerald Isle.

Dublin International Film Festival - February
Not long established but fast becoming a must-see Dublin event is the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, which showcases the best in Irish and world cinema. This 10-day long festival boasts almost 100 films from over 30 countries and will next be held in February 2007.
- More on the Dublin Film Festival

St Patrick's Festival - March
One of the biggest event in the Irish calendar is St Patrick's Festival, where the patron saint of Ireland is celebrated in fine style. The festival began as a one-day event on St Patrick's Day, but is now a five-day extravaganza where revellers can enjoy live open-air music, firework displays and street theatre. Definitely an event not to be missed.
- More on the St Patrick's Festival

Dublin Horse Show - August
The annual horse show boasts plenty to keep visitors entertained. With numerous trade stands selling crafts, restaurants, bars, competitions and the showjumping itself, it is no surprise that this show has become one of the top international equestrian events in the world. The next show will take place from 9-13 August 2006.
- More on the Dublin Horse Show

Puck Fair - August
One of Ireland's oldest and more unusual street festivals, Puck Fair is held over three days in Killorglin, Kerry, and is crammed with 12 hours a day of family entertainment. Dating from the 17th century, the fair boasts dancing displays, fireworks, open-air concerts, parades and the naming of the Queen of Puck, who is awarded the crown at the coronation ceremony of King Puck.
- More on the Puck Fair

The Rose of Tralee International Festival - August
At the festival, which takes place annually, visitors can expect music, parades, fireworks displays, seisuns (jam sessions) and the main Rose of Tralee competition. Following the growing success of the ceremony, mini-heats are now held prior to the main event, which is televised and attracts entries from women of Irish descent from all over the world hoping to be proclaimed the Rose.
- More on the Rose of Tralee Festival

Galway International Oyster Festival - September
Who would have thought that a festival to mark the start of the oyster season would still be going strong more than 50 years later. It continues to grow in popularity with The Times calling it one of the 12 greatest shows on earth in 2000. The four-day festival is also home to the World Oyster Opening Championships, which attracts skilled competitors from all over the world. This is definitely a festival for lovers of seafood though drinking of the sponsor's Guinness is not discouraged!
- More on the Galway International Oyster Festival

Irish Animation Festival - September
The Irish Animation Festival takes place in Kilkenny and is a celebration of animated films and shorts, which includes music videos, children's programmes and competitions. There is also an industry seminar as well as workshops tracing the roots of animation from its creation to the successful medium it is today. Contributions from around the world are making this new event a real international affair.
- More on the Irish Animation Festival

Dublin Theatre Festival - September to October
This festival takes over the theatres of Dublin for two weeks and draws productions from all over the world with representations from Belgium, UK, Russia, South Africa, US, Germany, Peru, and, of course, Ireland.
- More on the Dublin Theatre Festival

Cork Jazz Festival - October
Ireland's biggest and most prestigious jazz festival takes place every year in Cork city and attracts hundreds of music fans and musicians alike. Over 25 years, jazz greats playing at the festival have included Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Carter and Ella Fitzgerald. This year some 1,000 musicians from 25 countries will entertain the fans in over 75 venues citywide.
- More on the Cork Jazz Festival

Wexford Opera Festival - October to November
Head to the quiet coastal town of Wexford on the south-east coast of Ireland for one of the fastest growing major arts festivals - the Wexford Opera Festival. For over 50 years, the annual festival has delighted visitors with three major productions of opera performed only in Wexford. Combined with more than 40 daytime events, the festival is a magnet for seasoned opera-goers and novices alike.
- More on the Wexford Opera Festival