From food and music festivals to sculpture trails, sailing events, outdoor adventures, science extravaganzas and scare attractions, make 2024 a year to remember by adding some of these top festivals and events to your calendar.
Wander Wild Festival, Killarney
Experience Killarney like never before at the Wander Wild Festival from March 22 to 24. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or like to slide into the weekend with some mindfulness, there is something to suit all wanderers. Dive into the refreshing waters, embark on hikes up mountains or climbs along ridges, discover the national park by horseback, swim or kayak on the picturesque lakes, enjoy a therapeutic wellness activity, or savour sustainable local cuisine on a food trail. The Wander Wild programme has something for all levels and abilities. For more see www.wanderwildfestival.com/ West Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan
The West Waterford Festival of Food has been a showcase of the food of the region, as well as some of the country's top chefs, fresh flavours, interesting influences and good ideas. This is one festival where there is definitely something for everyone - a full children’s programme, foraging trails, bus tours, cooking demos, dining experiences from high end to very casual. Taste the best of the county at a series of markets taking place from April 19 to 21. For more see www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/ Cork International Choral Festival
As one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, Cork International Choral Festival, running from May 1 to 5, is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome. The city’s largest international festival has been held annually in venues across the city, centering around the City Hall, since 1954, and features gala concerts, schools concerts, national and international competitions, and world-class performances. The city’s streets, restaurants and bars are also always full of choral joy, so it’s a great weekend to experience Cork For more see www.corkchoral.ie
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Waterford and Cork
Experience an exhilarating week of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools and free events, pop up events, dining and more at incredible homes and stunning historic venues throughout the Blackwater Valley at Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival. The festival has something for everyone whether you’re a classical fan or are just looking for a glamourous evening out. This year’s highlight will be four performances of G.F. Handel’s Giulio Cesare in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford. Also don’t miss the Dromore Yard concerts series or the 2024 festival finale, a Antonio Vivaldi Concert with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Nicholas McGegan. Free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals will bring the magic to local communities in Lismore and Dungarvan, Waterford; Youghal, and Castlemartyr in Cork for the very first time.
More than 21 events will take place over eight days - and in excess of 5,000 visitors are expected. For more see www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie Cork Carnival of Science
Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, takes place at Cork City’s Fitzgerald Park, supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland. This event will feature more than 50 exhibitors and live science shows, offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, games, street cuisine and a packed line-up of live entertainment all with a STEM theme. Enjoy making your own batteries, LEGO building with Learn it Ireland, meet exotic creatures, check out the inner workings of robots, extract DNA from a banana, and create a bang with chemists from UCC. While dates are yet to be confirmed you can lightly pencil this one in for a weekend in early June. For more see www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science
