What’s on the for May Bank Holiday 2019
May Day madness – What’s on the for May Bank Holiday 2019
So you survived the Easter holidays and the inevitable chocolate coma. And all of a sudden along comes another long weekend. Whether you have children to entertain or friends to amuse, you might be in need of some inspiration this May Bank Holiday weekend. Look no further than Inspireme.ie where we have lots of amazing events listed – the only hard part will be picking just one.
Age and Opportunity
The Bealtaine Festival will be in full swing with events all over the country. This unique festival has been running since 1995 and celebrates the arts, culture and creativity as we age. Its aim is to inspire older people to engage with cultural programmes nationwide. There are some fantastic events taking place in every county across Ireland. The full programme is available here – one of our favourites is a guided tour of the exterior of Kilkenny Castle. Expert guides will introduce you to this 800 year old majestic building each Thursday in May. It is suitable for all including those with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
Little Bo Peep
In Roscommon the annual Lamb Festival will be celebrating all things ovine. Running from May 1st – 6th, there will be something for all the family to enjoy. Throughout the festival there will be seminars and singing circles, delicious foods, a farmer’s market, shearing competitions, sheepdog trials and weaving and wool craft exhibitions. The curious can have a guided tour of Donomon Castle, Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle. And on Sunday there will be a family fun day with lots to entertain the little ones. For all the details see here.
Musical May
In Ballydehob Co Cork, the streets will come alive to the sound of Jazz this May Bank Holiday for the annual Ballydehob Jazz Festival. Since its humble beginnings in 2007, this festival run entirely by volunteers has gone from strength to strength and the programme this year is the best yet. Headline acts include Paul Dunlea Little Big Band with the Cork School of Music Jazz Band, Jacks & Jills Swing Band, Stephanie Nilles, Gary Baus, the Bean Band and the East Coast Jazz Band to name just a few. There will also be dance workshops, a Jazz Craft Fair and at 6pm on Sunday afternoon a New Orleans Jazz Procession. This is one not to be missed. See here for all the details.
Mussels in May
If you love shellfish then Killary Harbour, Connemara is the place to head this May Bank Holiday weekend. Celebrating the excellent mussels of the clear water, this festival is also a celebration of local food and culture. There will be music, walks and talks, theatre and competitions – and of course lots of freshly cooked mussels on offer. For children there will be an interactive introduction to aquaculture and the marine environment. The Gig Rig will be providing music on the streets, as well as art exhibitions and cookery demonstrations. You will be guaranteed a proper Galway welcome in the West this May. Check here for all information.
Have a ball in Birr
The Birr Festival of Music and Voice will also be taking place this May Bank Holiday weekend and some of Ireland’s greatest classical musicians will be making an appearance. One of the highlights will be the grand opening of the festival by Ireland’s leading new musical ensemble, Crash Ensemble. There will be masterclasses, lunchtime café concerts and music in the fabulous Birr Castle. Some of Ireland’s most promising operatic talent will be in situ on Saturday with Irish National Opera while on Sunday the Trench Award Gala Concert will see six of Ireland’s most promising young musicians perform a 15 minute programme of their own choice. And on Monday 6th a wonderful choral performance by the Birr Young Voices Choir will bring the curtain down on yet another successful festival in this historical town. Find out more here.
Putting the May in Mayo
In the lovely western town of Louisburgh in the beautiful County Mayo they are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Feile Chois Cuain, an annual festival of our traditional heritage. This magical festival of music, song and dance has firmly established itself as one of the summers premiere Arts Festivals. With workshops and masterclasses as well as a Ceili Mor, this is a weekend not to be missed. See more here.
Brilliant in Bray
Some of the biggest names on the international jazz circuit will be heading to Bray Co Wicklow for the 20th anniversary of the Bray Jazz Festival from May 3rd to 5th. Some of the headline acts include award-winning jazz guitarist John Scofield, 14-times Grammy nominated American pianist Fred Hersch, German cellist Anja Lechner and French jazz pianist Francois Couturier. All will be headlining in the intimate venue of the Mermaid Arts Centre, while there will be workshops and other concerts across venues such as Russborough House, the Town Hall, Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre and many more. For full details see here.
World premier in Louth
For a an unforgettable night of new music, check out the world premiere of Nicole Lizee’s Spielberg Études in Drogheda. This is unique and exciting event, and the most fun you’ll have at a ‘serious’ music concert. Taking place on Saturday 4th in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Drogheda, find out more here.
This is just a small sample of the many events that are taking place this May Bank Holiday weekend. So whatever your interests be sure to check out Inspireme.ie – somewhere out there is the perfect festival for you. All details were correct at time of publication, be sure to check with local organisers before you travel.
