WELCOME SEPTEMBER!: eventful plans for this month

In September, the summer comes to an end… Most of us return to our routine work with some “post-holiday depression” However, the Irish people know how to make the ninth month of the year exiting!

So if you’re bored…come to Ireland!

These are some of the outstanding plans for this month:

IRISH CRAFT BEER&CIDER FESTIVAL

Location: RDS, Angelsea Road, Dublin

The traditional Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival will take place this weekend. From 4th to 7th of September, the city of Dublin will be the showcase of more than over 200 different beers and ciders, gathering together brewers and cider makers of all over Ireland. There will also be live music, fabulous food stalls containing Irish craft, and for the first time, Master Classes to learn the traditional method of the production of Irish beer and to meet the producers of the beers. You can try more than 70 different kinds of beers and ciders! Tickets include a free glass and can be purchased at door or in selected pubs. All the info can be seen here: www.irishcraftbeerfestival.ie/info–tickets.html

DUBLIN FASHION FESTIVAL

4th to 7th of  September 2014

If you don´t have enough with the beer and cider festival, you can also join over 4 days of the Fashion Festival in Dublin this weekend. This is an event where participants include more than 250 stores; restaurants, pubs and hotel, and of course, the eight principal shopping centres: Brown Thomas and BT2, the shopping centre of Stephen GreenPowerscourt CentreArnottsClery ILAC shopping centre (including Debenhams), the shopping centre Jervis and Penny’s. Fashion shows, styling tips and many more interactive activities at your favourite shops. Don´t miss the glamorous and vibrant atmosphere that will overwhelm the streets of Henry Street and Grafton Street, with catwalks and more than fashion shows!

DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL

5th to 20th of September 2014

The Arts Festival in Dublin is the most colourful event of the year. Street theatre, music and dance are just some of the attractions that take place during more than a week of activities. Dublin will transform into a stage for the presentation of new works by Irish and international artists where they will exhibit their talent and creativity. It is a platform for new, emerging Irish arts companies and a showcase for the best contemporary theatre and dance international tour. In addition, the most famous comedians in the world come to the main theatres in the city to make you laugh out loud! More information:  www.fringefest.com

60th INTERNATIONAL OYSTER&SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, GALWAY

25th to 28th of September 2014

It’s the oldest oyster party in the world and it ‘s the most famous international Irish festival after St. Patrick’s Day, attracting over 22,000 visitors. It is celebrated the last weekend of September to celebrate the annual rich harvest of oysters from Galway. There will be plenty of activities such as tastings, parades, live music, cooking demonstrations, mask parties and international competitions of all kinds. Do you know how many oysters you can eat in 3 minutes?  Or how many oyster are possible to shuck?

Watch, enjoy and build up your appetite to this festival that will surprise you. It promises to be the best seafood event! It is also a fantastic opportunity to visit Galway, where there are plenty of things to see, for example the amazing Cliffs of Moher or the beautiful Aran Islands, which we spoke in our previous posts. You can find all the information about the festival here: www.galwayoysterfest.com

OTHER INTERESTING FESTIVALS

Culture Night, 19th Ireland: www.culturenight.ie

Different culture venues open their doors until late offering you to join a lot of free events, visits, shows and cultural activities for all the family.

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival, 5th to 14th Co. Cork: www.atasteofwestcork.com

Fresh markets, cooking competitions, demonstrations, tastings, lectures, exhibitions, and events for children!

Waterford Harvest Food Festival, 12th to 14th Co. Waterford: www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Westport Food Festival, 5th to 7th Co. Mayo:  www.westportfoodfestival.ie

Dublin Coffee & Tea Festival, 12th to 14th Co. Dublin: www.dublincoffeefestival.com

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Dingle Tradfest11th to 14th Co. Kerry:  www.dingletradfest.com

It’s the most innovative festival of traditional music and fusion, with the aim of promoting Irish music. Concerts are held between midday and midnight!

Harvest Time Blues, 5th to 7th Co. Monaghan: www.harvestblues.ie

The Knights of West Fest, 10th to 14th Co. Limerick:  www.westfest.ie

New Ross Piano Festival, 25th to 28th Co. Wexford:  www.newrosspianofestival.com

You already know the plans and you have the dates, so mark them on your calendar and if you aren´t here yet, come now!

Remember that in addition to our travelling programs, we also began our General English courses in Dublin where you can stay with our nice host families and live a total immersion in the Irish culture. Don´t you have time to come in September? Have a look at our special course in October… yes, Halloween is coming! 

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!