• Music
  • 06 Jun 03
Festival fever
Festival fever
Hannah Hamilton
Hannah Hamilton

In addition to being an internationally renowned centre of artistic activity, Ireland is also famed for its party-friendly atmosphere. So, what better way to spend the summer than combining both equally noble pursuits – below is a comprehensive guide to the arts events on offer throughout the country over the next few months, and the sheer level of diversity on show offers further proof of our enduring love affair with the festival experience.

Tullamore Phoenix Festival
Music, theatre, sports, literature and the ceremonial burning of the Phoenix
Where? Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Who’s playing? Check www.phoenixfestival.ie for details
When? August 22-24

Blackstairs Blues Festival
Top Irish and international R’n’B merchants in an intimate setting
Where? Enniscorthy, County Wexford
Who’s playing? Check www.blackstairs blues.com for details
When? September 12-14

Westport Arts Festival
Weeklong knees-up taking in everything from folk and comedy to film and hip hop
Where? Westport, County Mayo
Who’s playing? Liam O Flynn, Lasairfhiona Ní Chonaola, Steve Cooney, Anuna, Paul Durcan
When? September 21-28

Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival
Street and pub sessions in honour of the legendary trad man
Where? Longford Town
Who’s playing? Paddy Keenan, Tommy O’Sullivan, Pete & Joan Wernick, Four Men And A Dog, Junji Shirota, Altan, Bill Keith, Rig The Jig, Niall Toner Band and many more
When? September 26-28

Cork Jazz Festival
One of the best line-ups of its kind anywhere in Europe
Where? Cork City
Who’s playing? Abdullah Ibrahim, Charlie Hunter, John Lee Wilson, Damilo Perez, Jimmy Cobb, Dado Moroni, Patricia Barber, Olga Konkova and dozens more
When? October 24-27

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