From ukulele concerts to a matchmaking festival, here is a selection of the huge range of events taking place all over the country this summer
JUNE
Visual ArtsCrawford 100
This commemorative exhibition of work by staff at the Crawford College of Art and Design will be shown at the CIT Wandesford Quay Gallery alongside archival material representing the institution's 100-year history. The artists selected include Ailbhe Ní Bhríain, Mark Ewart, Hugh McCarthy and Megan Eustace. On now until June 23th. Ccad-research.org/gallery
TheatreGlengarry Glen Ross
The David Mamet classic continues its run at the Gate Theatre, Dublin with a strong cast under Tony award-winning director Doug Hughes. Until July 14th. Gatetheatre.ie
FilmBelfast Film Festival
The 12th annual festival includes a spotlight on Stephen Rea, gala screenings as well as talks and workshops. On now until June 10th. Belfastfilmfestival.org
TheatreDublin Shakespeare Festival
More than 400 actors are expected to deliver some 50 outdoor performances of Shakespeare's work. Expect strong demand for Footsbarn Theatre Company's Indian Tempest. June 6th-June 16th. Dublinshakespeare.com
ClubbingJAM
Cork's longest running hip-hop club night celebrates its 10th birthday at this atmospheric Cork venue with special guest Theesatisfaction. June 7th. Pavilioncork.com
BooksDublin Writers Festival
Highlights include Richard Dawkins, Alain de Botton and Jeanette Winterson as well as a host of workshops and other events. Until June 10th. dublinwritersfestival.com
TalksPat Kinevane
Theatre maker and performer Pat Kinevane discusses issues around breaking silence, preconceptions and shedding light on dark stories to coincide with a run off his play Silent on the Peacock Stage. Abbey bar, June 7th, 6pm.
FestivalImmrama Festival of Travel Writing
Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler is the star attraction at this year’s festival based in Lismore, Co Waterford. June 7th-10th. Lismoreimmrama. com
Visual ArtsNCAD Graduate Show
The NCAD graduate show will focus on the future of art and design in Ireland for their end of year show at the Thomas Street campus in Dublin. June 9th-17th. Ncad.ie
FilmFord Short Film Competition
Ford Ireland has teamed up with Titanic 100 Cobh to sponsor a film competition where the entries must be eight minutes in length or under. Twelve films will be screened on June 9th at Fota House in Cork and judges include Fiona Shaw. 8minutes.ie
FestivalCinemagic International Film Television Festival for Young People
A programme of films and workshops for under 12s, this festival also has family events across a range of venues in Dublin. June 12th-17th. Cinemagic.ie
ClassicalKBC Great Music in Irish Houses
Some of the best chamber musicians in the world perform in eight landmark Irish buildings including Rathfarnham Castle and the Royal College of Surgeons. June 12th-17th. Greatmusicinirishhouses.com
TheatreThe House
A decade after its world premiere on the Abbey stage, Tom Murphy's The House, set in 1950s Ireland, returns, this time directed by Annabelle Comyn. Until July 14th. Abbeytheatre.ie
FestivalTaste of Dublin
Set in Iveagh Gardens, more than 26 restaurants are participating in this four-day festival with demonstrations and tastings. Jamie Oliver launches the event. Until June 14th-17th. tasteofdublin.ie.
Visual ArtsDublin Biennial Pop-Up
A new free international contemporary art exhibition at the Point Village. Over 55 international artists will be represented including Yoko Ono (her Wish Tree for Ireland will be on show), as well as Brazilian artist Christina Oiticica and American artists Ellen Rothenberg and Anne Wilson. Open daily from noon-8pm, admission is free. June 15th-24th. Dublinbiennial.com
FestivalTrim Haymaking Festival
This family day out in Co Meath includes rolling and saving hay, as well as national scythe-cutting and sheaf-tossing competitions. Working vintage tractors and a variety of livestock will be on view. June 17th. Trimhaymakingfestival.com
FamilyCroke Park Skyline
Croke Park's newest attraction lets visitors walk along the roof of the stadium and runs several times a day, Monday-Sunday. skylinecrokepark.ie
Musical TheatreBohemian Rhapsody
Jonathan Ansell from the group G4 is the star of this West End production that plays Killarney's INEC before embarking on a world tour. The show features many of Queen's greatest hits. June 26th-July 1st. Inec.ie
DanceRiverdance
More than 23 million people worldwide can't be wrong. Back for its ninth summer season at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre. June 26th-September 2nd. Gaietytheatre.ie
FestivalCastlebar International Four Days' Walks
This four-day festival invites walkers to walk and talk their way through the Mayo countryside. There are variety of 10km, 20km and 40km walks to choose from, catering to all levels. June 28th-July 1st. Castlebar4dayswalks.com
JULY
Visual ArtsThree Artists from Youghal
Walter Verling, Chris Yowell and Cormac Mehegan exhibit at the Grain Store gallery on the grounds of Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co Cork. June 26th-July 21st. thegrainstoreatballymaloe.com
FestivalCarrick-on-Shannon Water Music Festival
Describing itself as a "boutique festival of classical, jazz, folk and world music", set on the shores of the river Shannon in Co Leitrim, this year the highlights are Katie Kim, O Emperor, The Henry Girls and Donal Dineen. July 3rd-8th. Carrickonshannonwatermusic.com
FoodKilmore Quay Seafood Festival
Set in the picturesque Wexford fishing village, the festival incorporates a Friday fish market, music concerts and sea kayaking. There's also a 5km road race. July 5th-8th. Kilmorequayseafoodfestival.com
Festival Clonmel Junction Festival Highlights include international theatre such as German play The Golden Dragon and the Norwegian feminist fairytale The Girl with the Iron Claw. The Co Tipperary festival also offers a selection of pop-up cafés curated by different artists in which the public and visiting artists meet and engage with the people of Clonmel. July 6th-15th. Junctionfestival.com
FestivalCork Week
Taking place every two years, Cork Week is an international sailing event held at the Royal Cork Yacht Club. This year there is a focus on family events, including whale workshops, boatbuilding demonstrations and marine talks. July 7th-13th. Corkweek.ie
MusicLive at the Marquee
Highlights of this Cork event include Jessie J, Tom Petty, The Specials and Steps as well as live screenings of Ireland's Euro 2012 matches. June 7th-July 6th. Ticketmaster.ie
Summer SchoolWillie Clancy Festival
This will be the 40th annual Willie Clancy summer school, taking place in Milltown Malbay, Co Clare, and it features daily classes, concerts and sessions. July 7th-15th. Willieclancyfestival.com
BooksWest Cork Literary Festival
Highlights of this Bantry festival include appearances by Michael Parkinson, Anita Shreve and Paul Muldoon as well as a children's festival and a range of workshops from journalism to fiction. Until July 8th-14th. westcorkliteraryfestival.ie
Summer SchoolThe Percy French Summer School
Set in Castlecoote House, Co Roscommon, this year the keynote address will be delivered by President Michael D Higgins. The school looks at the historical, social and cultural context of William Percy French and his work. July 10th-13th. Percyfrench.ie
WorkshopCooking
As part of the Kinsale Arts Festival, the award-winning Fishy Fishy restaurant is holding half-hour sushi workshops from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Pre-booking essential. July 13th. Kinsaleartsfestival.com
MusicLive at the Iveagh Gardens
The series of three concerts begins on Wednesday, July 18th with Rufus Wainright, followed by The Waterboys on Friday and Lisa Hannigan on Saturday night. Aikenpromotions.ie
FestivalGalway Arts Festival
Chic play the festival big top, led by Nile Rodgers, just one of the many events at the country's premiere arts festival, which runs from July 16th-29th. Galwayartsfestival.com
ClassicalNational Youth Orchestra of Ireland
The NYOI performs a series of three summer concerts starting in Waterford on July 20th, City Hall, Cork July 21st and the National Concert Hall, Dublin, July 22nd. nyoi.ie
FilmThe Dark Knight Rises
The Batman franchise returns, directed by Christopher Nolan, and starring Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine. Opening July 20th.
Visual ArtsWorkshop
Dublin artist Deborah Donnelly hosts a day-long workshop on oil painting on July 21st in Kenny's Art Gallery, Lahinch, Co Clare. Deborahdonnelly.com
TheatreDruidMurphy
In one of the theatrical highlights of the summer, Ireland's leading theatre company presents three Tom Murphy plays: Conversations on a Homecoming, A Whistle in the Dark and Famine, at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway. July 23rd-28th. Druid.ie
DanceLord of the Dance
This six-night run of Michael Flatley's award-winning show takes place at the INEC in Killarney – the only Irish performance by the troupe planned this year. July 24th-29th. inec.ie
FilmDr Seuss's The Lorax 3D
Described by the Washington Post as like An Inconvenient Truth for under-12s, this ought to keep all the family entertained on those long wet summer days. Opening July 27th.
Summer schoolYeats International Summer School
Musician Caitriona Yeats, grand-daughter of William Butler Yeats, opens this year's summer school. Events include outings, drama workshops, lectures and seminars all based in and around Sligo. July 29th-August 10th. Yeats-sligo.com
AUGUST
FestivalBirr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
There is a real focus on the outdoors with this festival, from walking tours to arts trials as well as vintage parades and music events. August 3rd-10th. Birrvintageweek.com
FestivalKilkenny Arts
This 10-day arts festival features a strong theatre, music and visual-arts programme. Highlights include Globe Theatre's production of As You Like It, and Dán, a musical collaboration that also tours in advance of the festival. August 10th-19th. Kilkennyarts.ie
MusicFleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Returning to Cavan for the third year, one of the largest annual traditional music gatherings in the country includes workshops, competitions and performances. August 10th-20th. Fleadhcheoil.ie
FoodCarlingford Oyster Festival
Events include a guided tour of medieval Carlingford, a crab fishing contest and an oyster pearl hunt. August 11th-12th. Carlingford.ie
FestivalRose of Tralee
Encompassing a family festival, concerts and, of course, the Rose of Tralee competition itself, this five-day festival, which starts on August 17th, is always a big draw. Roseoftralee.ie
FestivalUkulele Hooley
This is the third year of this music festival in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin celebrating the humble ukulele. Free concerts, workshops and open-mic stages. August 18th-19th. ukulelehooley.com
FamilyNational Heritage Week
Starting today this national event incorporates a range of mostly free happenings around the country, often in sites of cultural and historical significance. Until August 18th-26th. Heritageweek.ie
MusicThe Black Keys
Grammy-winning duo, The Black Keys, play the O2 in Dublin on August 22nd promoting their current album El Camino. theo2.ie
FestivalHappy Days
Describing itself as the world's first annual festival to celebrate the life and work of Samuel Beckett, the programme includes theatre, music, art and comedy. Events take place in and around Enniskillen. Until August 23rd-27th. happy-days-enniskillen.com
FilmCharlie Chaplin Comedy and Film Festival
Honouring one of the world's greatest screen stars, this festival set in Waterville, Co Kerry includes screenings and talks as well as a vintage car rally and circus acts. August 23rd-26th. Charliechaplincomedyfestival.com
TheatreThe Titanic Boys
Belfast playwright Martin Lynch turns his attention to the Titanic story, marking the centenary of its sinking and focusing on the story of nine young Harland Wolff men. Cork Opera House, August 28th-September 1st. Corkoperahouse.ie.
FestivalMatchmaking Festival
One of the largest annual festivals in the west, set in Lisdoonvarna, the music is mainly country and Irish and the audience profile is generally single and looking for a match. Local love guru Willie Daly is on hand to lend his insight and expertise. August 31st-October 7th. matchmakeireland.com
FestivalThe Electric Picnic
The annual music festival, which takes place in Stradbally, Co Laois, this year hosts The Cure, Patti Smith, Christy Moore, Hot Chip and Orbital. Comedy, spoken word, theatre and arts also feature in one of the highlights of the music and cultural year. Until September 2nd. Electricpicnic.ie
Quirky festivals
The Cave
July 26th-July 28th. Building on the success of previous outings, the Cork Opera House presents a host of acts in the unique setting of Mitchelstown Caves. The line-up this year includes The Staves, Sam Amidon, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (above) and more. Corkoperahouse.ie
Swift Satire Festival
July 5th-8th. One of the few satire festivals in the world, the organisers claim to bring together some of the funniest, opinionated and outspoken personalities to celebrate the life of Dean Swift and satire. The festival is held in various locations in the town of Trim, Co Meath and curated by satirist and musician Paddy Cullivan. Swiftsatirefestival.com
Street Performance World Championships
From body piercings to knife swallowing, juggling acts to outdoor circus, this festival, held in both Cork (July 14th-15th) and Dublin, (July 19th-22nd) has gone from strength to strength. All events are free. spwc.ie
Puck Fair
August 10th-12th. Paying homage to a local goat, this festival sees many people from the area who live abroad return home for several days of socialising and street entertainment with a focus on family events. Puckfair.ie
Festivals
John Barry Maritime Festival
June 23rd-24th. This inaugural festival in Wexford celebrates the life of Cmdr John Barry, founder of the US navy. Highlights include a range of water activities, and most events are free. Johnbarrymaritimefestival.com
The Body and Soul Festival
June 22nd-24th. Situated in Ballinlough Castle, Co Meath, events include a large outdoor masquerade ball as well as therapeutic areas. Music acts include Villagers, Django Django, Spiritualized and Gold Panda. Bodyandsoul.ie
Helium Fundraiser Micro Music Festival This one-day festival on June 9th in Ballymahon, Co Longford, features Ash, Delorentos, Duke Special, as well as a 10km run, with all profits going towards Ataxia Ireland. Heliumfestival.com
Cork Midsummer Festival
June 21sh-July 1st. Running over 16 days in various venues and settings in Cork, highlights of this multi-disciplinary arts festival include Fabulous Beast's Rian, Ronan Leonard's ramble through World Cup songs, and Theatre Lovett's The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly. Corkmidsummer.com
Summer schools
Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival
July 21st-July 27th. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the festival, this year the organisers are focusing on poet Gerard Manley Hopkins’s relationship with the arts.
Set in Newbridge College, Co Kildare, events include a concert by Swedish pianist Hans Palsson as well as Frankie Gavin and a series of lectures from national and international academics and scholars. Gerardmanleyhopkins.org
William Carleton Summer School
August 6th-9th. Among the themes this year in this Clogher Valley school in Co Tyrone are Carleton and the famine and a focus on Carleton’s biographer.
The keynote address is Prof Cormac Ó Gráda examining the famine's darkest secret. Other events include a cross-community concert and a guided walk in Carleton country. williamcarletonsummerschool.org
Merriman Summer School
August 15th-19th. The focus of this year’s summer school in Co Clare is rural Ireland in a globalised world. As well as daily lectures and discussions, there is also plenty of music and dancing.
[ Merriman.ieOpens in new window ]
Family events
MusicRuaille Buaille Lucan 2012
Outdoor performances, workshops, residencies and library events – this music festival has a strong family focus and gives children a chance to learn and perform in a public setting. June 5th-10th. artscope.ie
ArtAwakening Curiosity
An interactive art exhibition and indoor rooftop gardening space runs at The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin. The festival is all about allowing children to respond to art and science in a fun and informative setting. June 23rd-August 6th. Ark.ie
ArtSprog Festival
This festival, which runs before the main Spraoi event, encourages children and parents to engage with the arts in Waterford. Includes daily workshops, performances and exhibitions. July 26th-30th. Garterlane.ie
