Festival season is now in full swing now; here are some of the best you have to look forward to this weekend.
We've all had a taste of summer this week with the balmy temperatures and long, sunshine-drenched evenings.
Summer, of course, brings with it a host of festivals to Ireland and a lot of them are kicking off this weekend.
Here's a sample of what's on offer.
West Wicklow Festival
If you like a bit of culture and your music chilled, this is the festival for you.
Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2019
West Wicklow Festival boasts an incredible line-up of musicians and artists from all over the world, with concerts taking place at Russborough House (below) and St. Mary’s Church in Blessington.
This year, West Wicklow Festival marks the 200th Birthday of perhaps the world’s most significant female composer, Clara Schumann, by presenting some of her finest works alongside those of other influential Irish and international female composers.
Cavan Arts Festival
Running from Friday to Sunday,
Cavan Arts Festival is now in its second year. You can expect performance workshops and talks on everything from orchestral, jazz and experimental rock music, with a little bit of poetry and tight wire walking thrown in for good measure.
The heart of the action takes place over three days in the gorgeous Con Smith Park and 99% of the programme is free. The entire park will become an open-air art exhibition with sound and visual installations from some of Ireland's most gifted artists.
Irish Craft Beer Festival
Craft beer in Ireland is on a seemingly relentless rise and now there is a big festival in Dún Laoghaire to celebrate it.
Running on Friday and Saturday, the event will feature music from some great bands as well as a plethora of craft beer options to satisfy your craft beer needs.
The music on Friday comes from Live Forever, the great Oasis tribute band, and a DJ, while on Saturday, Bobby and the Blunts and Cronin will be performing. All details are on their website right
here.
Midleton Arts Festival
We don't need much of an excuse to head to the rebel county, but The Midleton Arts Festival is as good a reason as any.
There are magical May events for all ages with a children's busking competition, make art (it's a thing) on the street, great exhibitions, music, meditative dance, a drumming circle, poetry, film, bohemian discussions and outstanding theatre.
Midleton will be awash with art for the sixth Midleton Arts Festival this weekend and you will certainly find something to inspire you if you make the trip. Just turn up, or check the events on the festival
website.
Gospel Rising Music Festival
Can I have a big hallelujah? In harmony please. For anyone who loves Gospel music, have we got the perfect festival for you.
Now in its 10th year, this is the first time the festival has come to Dublin. Leading Irish and international choral experts will facilitate workshops in gospel music, teaching every aspect of gospel music from the performance, to band music and, of course, singing!
Along with workshops, there are gospel music concerts around the Dublin 1 area to give you a chance to sample the many different music styles that gospel choirs love to sing.
Concerts will take place in Gardiner Street Church and Mountjoy Square park.
You can check out the ticketing details via the festival website right
here.
