What’s on in the North-West?

  This is the festival for chamber music lovers with performances of the highest calibre! The spectacular atmosphere at Sligo Festival of Baroque Music Festival keeps visitors returning year after year. The festival usually takes place in late September in the Model Arts centre. Musical offerings vary from established performers with international recognition to those just discovered and has many opportunities for young people to also perform. To stay tuned for more on this festival see http://www.sligobaroquefestival.com/

  Leitrim also has the mid-summer Carrick Water Music Festival to boast. This musical and artistic venture is action-packed with art, literature, and street entertainment thrown in for good measure too. With both lunch-time and evening music events the festival is another great opportunity to experience the many wonderful café, restaurants and pubs the town has to offer. There is music from across the genres to be heard, including classical, trad, jazz, rock, folk and a late-night DJ set. Carrick…

  An Tóstal (meaning the Pageant) is proudly held in Drumshanbo in County Leitrim and has continued to run every year since 1953 in celebration of Irish life and culture. This eccentric festival has it all – parades, street entertainment, art, water events, sports, games and general good craic for all the family! Remarkably, it even has a very special Stylish Silage competition which brings people from all over Ireland and across the shore. I mean, where else could you…

  You’ll find even more family fun at the local Ballinamore Family Festival, also in Leitrim. Ballinamore Family Festival is truly a celebration of summer, ‘clann’ (family) and rural Ireland. This one can really keep the children entertained, with a funfair, teddy bear picnic, duck hunt, water sports, swimming, GAA competitions, arts and crafts, bouncy castles, and water fights. There’s also plenty for adults with a guided leisurely cycle, street market, pub quiz, agricultural day, adult football competitions, céili, and…

  The annual John McKenna music weekend is a 4-day event held in Drumkeeran, County Leitrim. The festival is held in memory of the great John McKenna, a local flute player and has in recent years become a much-anticipated local and tourist hit. You can expect plenty of toe-tapping and knee-slapping at this event with a wide variety of concerts from talented musicians, Céilí Bands, musical competitions and youth sessions. In the past, the festival has also held a group…

  This summer school may involve lessons but the ceol agus craic (fun and games!) is not dampened in this celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance. The festival pays tribute to the late Leitrim man Joe Mooney, and is held in his home town of Drumshanbo. The Joe Mooney Summer School is held in late July and classes run for 7 days for children and adults at all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. You will find teachers…

  The Leitrim Roots Festival celebrates anyone and everyone with ancestral roots or links to the County of Leitrim. The event is a chance for people from all around the world with connections to the county to return home and get together with locals and others with a fondness for Lovely Leitrim. The events included are the Arigna Mining Experience, trips on the Moon River Boat, a céilí, visits to Tully, Glenfarne, Glenview Folk Museum, walking tours of Carrick-on-Shannon, a…

  The Ballymote Heritage festival, organised by the local heritage group, has been going strong now for over a quarter of a century! The event succeeds to promote the local history, heritage and culture of this rich town. Highlights include outings to historical and natural landmarks (such as Roscommon medieval castle and Donegal Abbey), guest lecturers and walking tours. The festival is held on the August Bank Holiday weekend and attracts visitors from near and far. For this years line…

  Be captivated at the annual Cairde Arts Festival – a myriad of colourful and bustling music, art and drama happenings that take place across Sligo. With over 200 performers and 100 visual artists – there is something to capture everyone’s interest and imagination. Not to mention, the beautiful ‘Concerts in Care’ element of the festival, where the performers bring light and energy to care settings for those who cannot attend the main festival. This week-long event takes place in…

  Sligo’s Agricultural show takes place in Riverstown Community Park. The festival is a wonderful display and celebration of animals, home baking, garden vegetables and art. Animals showcased include cattle, poultry, horse, ponies, sheep as well as dogs and cats! Other fun competitions held are Bonny Baby, Celebrity Chef, Best Dressed Lady and Dashing Dude. There’s plenty for children to do too with free face painting, pony rides and a petting area. Food and trading stalls will also be present…

  This Carrick on Shannon festival offers Carnival entertainment and things to do for all. The annual 10-day festival includes plenty of free fun and really shows off the vibrant Carrick on Shannon. With events from its highly anticipated Opening Night to world-class street entertainment, live music, comedy, amusements, fireworks, water jet pack display, children’s activities and even some pig racing! There’s also Taste of Carrick, a distinguished culinary event and even a Vintage Car Display – it’s all happening…