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Fancy a road trip? Here are 7 festivals worth heading to this summer
And what’s more, they’re all pretty affordable too.
SUMMERTIME AND THE living is easy.
What does summer mean to you? It could be the kids being off, that first cider over ice in a sunny beer garden, the longest day of the year or else just the smell of freshly cut grass (or the hay fever that comes along with it).
No matter what it means to you, summer signals fun. The longer evenings mean more time to do things after work, festivals are in full swing, and people have more pep in their step all around. If you’re looking to make this summer your best yet, look no further…
1. Clonmel Junction Festival
Clonmel Junction Festival is an multi-disciplinary arts festival taking place at the start of July. Most of the events are free and on in various locations around the town. There are exhibitions of artists’ works, films, music sessions and even a murder mystery night. Check it out here.
04-10 July, Clonmel, Tipperary
2. Strawberry Festival
Wexford, known for its strawberries, is so in love with the little berries that they have a whole festival dedicated to them. You can sign up to be the Strawberry Queen, go to the All-Ireland Farmers Market, take part in singing and games with teddy bears or attend the opening night Strawberry Ball. See all the events right here.
22-26 June, Enniscorthy, Wexford.
3. West Cork Literary Festival
The West Cork Literary Festival is held in Bantry and has an extensive range of events for all the writers and book lovers out there. From discussions with established authors such as John Banville to newer writers such as Catriona Lally, as well as a chance to have a one-to-one chat with a renowned editor about your own work, whether you write or just enjoy other people’s writing, there’ll be something there for you to do. Check out the programme here.
17-23 July, Bantry, West Cork
4. Dublin City Block Party
If you’re looking for something in the heart of the city, look no further than the Dublin City Block Party. It will be held in Francis Street and have two days of live music, DJ sets and performances from Kelis, Jape, Todd Terje & the Olsens, and Dusky. You can find out more and buy tickets here.
2-3 July, Francis Street, Dublin
5. Charlie Chaplin Comedy Festival
Charlie Chaplin, the great silent movie star, spent his final years in Co Kerry and the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Festival is currently in its sixth year. The festival is a combination of comedy acts, film screening, events, workshops, a film competition and Chaplin-themed street entertainment. Here’s the programme of events.
25-28 August, Waterville, Kerry
6. Westport Food Festival
If you’re a bit of a foodie, then you should make it your business to head to the Westport Food Festival this month. There’s a food villate, the Banquet – a celebration of Mayo food, a Great Irish Food Quiz, mushroom foraging, a bike buffett, foody tours, artisan beer races and much more. Check out the festival program here.
24-26 June, Westport, Co Mayo
7. West Cork Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating the 21st anniversary, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival is over a week of concerts and masterclasses held in St Brendan’s Church and Bantry House. There will be a wide array of music performed from Beethoven’s early and final string quartets, to love songs by women composers from eighteenth century Italy as well as a late night concert setting Kafka texts for soprano and the violin. Here is the programme of events.
01-09 July, Bantry, Co Cork
Are you going to any interesting events over the summer? Let us know in the comments below.
Citroën Ireland is offering three years free motor tax on any 162 Citroën car ordered before 30 June. With these savings, just think of all the fun events you could go to this summer and best of all, driving to them in your new Citroën. Not only this, but Citroën is offering low rate PCP finance of just 3.9% across the range, or €4,000 scrappage on selected models. There’s never been a better time to buy a Citroën. Check out the range of models available with Citroën Ireland here.
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