August is an action-packed month in Ireland. We look at some of the biggest and best Irish festivals this month, from matchmaking to equestrianism to music.
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
The
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is a month long festival of dancing, music, craic and of course matchmaking. It takes place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Ireland’s longest working matchmaker Willie Daly is from a family of matchmakers and works his magic on connecting up couples from all over the world. The festival kicks off on August 29th when this town will be transformed with midweek dancing and carousing!
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| Dancing Statues in Lisdoonvarna |
Rose of Tralee International Festival
The
Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of the longest running and famous festivals in Ireland. It celebrates 55 years this year and takes place in Tralee, Co. Kerry from the 15th to 19th August. Young women of Irish descent travel from all over the world to County Kerry for a huge global celebration of Irish culture and following the tradition of the song ‘’twas the truth in her eyes’, one woman is selected as the Rose of Tralee. There are Rose committees and centers all over the world. Maybe you’ll think of entering or know somebody who will enter the competition next year! The festival includes street entertainment, live concerts, theater, music and fireworks. The current Rose of Tralee is Texas Rose Haley O’Sullivan.
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann
Billed as the biggest Irish traditional music event in the world, the 2014
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann takes place in Sligo from the 10th to 17th of August this year. It’s a week-long jamboree of music, song, dance, late nights and family fun. Traditional music is one of the biggest exports from Ireland around the world and this is an amazing chance to hear it performed in the beautiful surroundings of Sligo.
RDS Dublin Horse Show
One of the highlights of Ireland’s social calendar and a true highlight of the summer is the
Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show and this takes place this year in the Royal Dublin Society in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 from August 6th to 10th. Ostensibly a show jumping event, it has evolved to become much more with a Best Dressed Lady competition and all sorts of family events around the main event which is Ireland’s largest equestrian event. International show jumpers come from all over the world to compete and this is one of the jewels in the crown of Ireland’s sporting calendar.