Birthplace of some of Ireland’s most iconic historical characters, from Brian Ború to Daniel O’Connell to Thomas Crean, the South-Western counties of Clare, Limerick and Kerry have a reputation for producing three things; explorers, politicians and damn fine musicians.

Although closely associated with traditional music, the West has produced some incredible electronic, rock and contemporary artists of late, including Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Daithí and, of course, those incorrigible scallywags The Rubberbandits.
Speaking of lovely Limerick, Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan has just announced that it will be the first Irish National City of Culture, coming into effect in 2014. We’re certain their decision was influenced by a recent growth spurt in Limerick’s music scene, helped along by the arrival of XLR-Radio, a new online music station based on Thomas St., The Blind Pig, a new rock venue in Foxes Bow, and A Love Supreme, a new music collective that organises gigs in the city, along with a monthly podcast. And then there’s Bourke’s, another rocking establishment on Catherine Street whose recent visitors include Jape and Pugwash.
Elsewhere in the South-West, throw in festivals like Dingle’s magical Other Voices, some of Ireland’s best surf, a smattering of medieval castles and a handful of adventure-ready islands, and you get a buzzing holiday destination to suit all tastes and preferences. Here are just a couple of hotspots we can whole-heartedly recommend for those taking themselves to the coast this summer...

EVENTS
Valentia Island King Scallop Festival
Knightstown, Valentia Island, Kerry
July 14 & 15

Now in its third year, the Valentia Island King Scallop Festival is one of Ireland’s most unique outdoor celebrations, a showcase of both the mouth-watering King Scallop, which is sourced locally, and Valentia Island as a lively cultural hub. You’ll find this charming island situated on the Iveragh Peninsula in South-West Kerry, just off the main Ring of Kerry route, making it one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Diversity is the key ingredient of the festival’s success; highlights for 2012 include on-street cooking demonstrations, a junior triathlon, cricket match, craft fair, angling competition, blessing of the local fishing boats and live street music. A haven for foodies, the festival regularly attracts chefs from Valentia, Portmagee, Caherciveen and Dublin, who flock to the Kerry island to show off their culinary skills.

Killarney Summerfest
Killarney, Kerry
July 27 – August 5

A bustling outdoor party for all the family, Killarney Summerfest has yet to announce its programme for 2012, but rest assured that it will include a head-spinning selection of street musicians, performers, puppeteers, comedians and magicians, along with children’s arts and creativity workshops and a handful of outdoor activities set amongst the breathtaking lakes, hills, valleys and mountains of Killarney. In the meantime, plans are already underway for the pre-festival Black Tie Ball (July 13, the INEC), where Sharon Shannon leads the entertainment line-up. Keep an eye on killarneysummerfest.com for more.

Dolan’s Summer Party
Dolan’s, Dock Road, Limerick
August 11

Limerick stalwart Dolan’s presents its second annual Summer Party on August 11, as 20-plus acts take to the stage for an explosive live music all-dayer. The bands on this year’s bill have been carefully chosen by three pillars of the Limerick music scene; record label Out On A Limb who bring Crayonsmith, Dead Red Light, Elk, The Jimmy Cake, Jogging, So Cow, Ten Past Seven and Tieranniesaur to the Warehouse Stage; folk rock fivesome Windings, who will be joined by Dott, Girl Band, The Great Balloon Race, Land Lovers, Magic Pockets, Melodica Deathship, Mynameisjohn and Percolator on the Upstairs Stage and arts collective A Love Supreme, who’ve promised DJs, acoustic sets and collaborations for the Bar stage. Admission is a very reasonable €5 from 2pm, or €7 after 7pm.

VENUES
The INEC
Muckross Road, Killarney, Kerry
Tel: (064) 667 1555
inec.ie

The largest indoor entertainment venue outside of Dublin, Killarney’s INEC opened its doors in 2000 and has been hosting shows by rising new talent (The Script, Paolo Nutini, Ryan Sheridan) and living legends (Morrissey, Thin Lizzy and Christy Moore) ever since, in what is indisputably one of the finest venues in the country. The schedule for 2012 is the most jam-packed yet, with James Morrison (August 23), Joan Armatrading (September 25) and Paul Brady (October 6) all pencilled in to appear later in the year. The 3,000-capacity arena also boasts one of the best comedy line-ups on the island of Ireland, with Brendan Grace and Conal Gallen already confirmed for summer shows. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art technical set-up allows the INEC to host large-scale theatre and musical productions, including Lord Of The Dance, which comes to Kerry for a week this month. Plus, earlier this month, the INEC revealed plans for a special series of concerts called the Homegrown Sessions. Featuring UK troubadour Jamie Lawson as its first guest, the inaugural Homegrown Session will be streamed live from the intimate surroundings of the INEC Acoustic Club on July 14 at facebook.com/inecfans.

The Blind Pig
Foxes Bow, Limerick

Underground in both senses of the word, Limerick’s newest music venue The Blind Pig has quickly become the most wonderfully notorious rock bar in the South-West, hosting the noisiest, sweatiest, up-close-and-personal shows any rock fan has a right to expect. Buried in the basement of a three-storey bar and entertainment complex, the venue serves as a breeding ground for new local talent. After only seven months in business, The Blind Pig is already a firm favourite with local rock and metal lovers in particular, who come for the artisan beers and stay for the tunes. From electro-indie threesome Swords (dropping in on August 17) to psychedelic terrorists The Altered Hours (July 21), the Foxes Bow hideout is the only place to see bands so fresh, they don’t even have a Facebook page. Also coming this month, heavy metal quintet Vile Regression (14) and death metal trio Putrefy (28). Meanwhile, The Blind Pig hosts an open-mic night every Tuesday, while club night Indie Swine takes over on Wednesdays.

GLÓR
Causeway Link, Ennis
Tel: (065) 684 3103

Nestled in the heart of Ennis, a town famous for its musical prowess, Glór was established to provide a much-needed arts and entertainment hub to the people of Co. Clare, and over the last ten years, hundreds of thousands of feet have tapped, danced and stood to ovation in its sleek and modern surroundings. Everyone from David Kitt to Lisa Hannigan to The Frames have treaded the boards in the 485-capacity venue, while this month’s musical programme is headed by multi-national folk band Dán and The Feakle traditional festival, which includes performances from Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill.

ACCOMMODATION
The Dingle Gate Hostel
Dingle Peninsula, Kerry
Tel: (066) 915 7150
dinglegatehostel.com

Situated in the heart of the Dingle Peninsula, nestled between the hills and mountains of Annascaul and Inch Beach, the Dingle Gate Hostel is somewhat off the beaten track, but with Dingle town centre only 20 minutes down the road, it’s purpose-built accommodation is not so secluded that you’ll have to spend your entire holiday in your car. Boasting a friendly atmosphere and some picturesque landscaped gardens, it’s also just a few minutes drive from the world famous Inch Beach, one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in all of Ireland, which draws surfers from all over the country. Also nearby is the tiny village of Annascaul, home to 270-odd Kerrymen and women and no less than eight pubs, one of which was the home of the famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean and another which is best known as an old drinking haunt of Christy Moore. The hostel itself is bright and spacious with a large games room, complete with pool table, movie projector, table tennis and more.

JURYS INN
Lower Mallow St.
Tel: (01) 607 5000
limerickhotels.jurysinns.com

Located on the scenic banks of the River Shannon, Jurys Inn on Lower Mallow St. is the perfect base from which to explore the mighty Treaty City. Conveniently located within walking distance of the centre, Jurys is also just a 20 minute drive from Shannon Airport – making it an ideal spot for anyone visiting from across the pond. Boasting 151 rooms, Jurys' rates start at just €59. The hotel's adjoining restaurant offers up everything from light snacks and sandwiches to delicious mains, and of course – that all-imprtant all-day breakfast! There's Wi-Fi in selected areas, and 24 hour reception and security too.