May Bank Holiday event guide

With summertime trips abroad now a thing of the past, we need to make the most of what’s on at home. Here’s JOE’s guide on how to milk the May bank holiday for all it’s worth.

Many of us were caught unawares by the good weather gifted to us on this Easter bank holiday and most planned excursions didn't extend much further than the back garden or the local beer garden. However, the May bank holiday gives us an opportunity to put together something a bit more ambitious. There are a string of festivals and events on the go around the country so you have no excuse.

Smithwick’s Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival

The Marble City’s annual May Bank Holiday Mardi Gras, the Smithwick’s Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, takes place from the 29 April to 2 May. All forms of Americana music will be represented over the four days, including swing, bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk and the blues.

From midday to midnight audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music with over 80 shows in 30 venues. Highlights of this year’s line-up include Drive by Truckers, Kort, John Grand, Beth Orton, Wildo Johnson and Mary Gauthier.

Féile na Bealtaine

The Dingle Peninsula's annual arts festival has announced another packed line-up of events for its 2011 outing which takes place from 28 April to 2 May. The festival commemorates the old Celtic festival which divided the year into two - Ó Samhain go Bealtaine and Ó Bealtaine go Samhain.

You’re looking at a mix of arts, culture, politics and most notably a cracking range of musical performances including one from award-winning singer songwriter Julie Feeney.

The Bray Jazz Festival

This one takes place from the 29 April to 1 May in the Co. Wicklow town. The notably diverse musical event presents upwards of 40 concerts, recitals and jazz trail shows each year. This time around highlights will include Brazilian bandolim virtuoso Hamilton De Holanda (pictured above) teams up with fellow countryman Andre Mehmari and acclaimed American jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and his quartet.

Feile Oriel

Hundreds of musicians and artists are set to descend on Monaghan town from the 29 April to 2 May for the Feile Oriel; a four day celebration of traditional Irish music which culminates in the Fiddler of Oriel Competitions in which the cream of Irish musicians face off for the prestigious title.

There will be a range of events including a session trail through the town, music workshops for those who can play already and a ‘Come and Try’ event for those who want to learn. The line-up this year includes Lúnasa, The Kilfenora Céilidh Band, Beoga and T with the Maggies.

Limerick Riverfest

The annual Limerick Riverfest runs from 29 April to 2 May. The four-day festival aims to showcase all that is great about Limerick city, from the river Shannon to the music, sporting, artistic and food communities. Highlights include a Continental Market, Riverfest Fashion Friday, Great Limerick BBQ, Riverfest Fireworks, Riverfest Spectacular Sports on the Shannon and Riverfest Raceday and The Coronas live at the Big Top.

Monster Mac

If you’re the active type then this one could be a winner. It  takes place on the 30 April in Millstreet, Co. Cork, and involves a varied mix of challenging on-road biking, off-road running and a short kayak section. You can get involved in either the 64km expert category or the 35km sport category.

The route follows parts of the scenic Cork/Kerry Duhallow Way, giving thrill seekers the opportunity to be part of the first ever group to complete this well designed, often challenging, sometimes gruelling course.

The Roscommon Lamb Festival

If you would like to spend your May bank holiday weekend sampling the taste of small, cute animals then this could be a runner. The Roscommon Lamb Festival takes place in from 27 April to 2 May, and is celebrating its third year on the foodie calendar. Highlights include a Brazilian BBQ with Irish Lamb and International Sheepdog Trials with competitors from Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Canada and the UK.

Click here for more information on the above events, as well as on other stuff you can get stuck into over the May bank holiday weekend.