Events in and near Adare

Wedding and Engagement Fair

From photographers to florists, cakes to tiaras, limousines to honeymoon destinations, you will find all you need to plan a perfect wedding. A specially choreographed fashion show, showing the latest styles ... more

You'll never be bored in Ireland! No matter what time of year you visit the Emerald Isle, there will be a range of sporting and cultural events to keep you entertained and enthralled. Whether you'd like to spectate at a sporting match, or take your seat in a theatre, Ireland won't disappoint. The country's calendar is just bursting with world-class experiences.

You don't have to be in Ireland very long to realize that the Irish are sports fanatics. Rugby and football are played internationally, but there are several home grown sports, including Gaelic football (a combination of football and rugby) and hurling, which are also extremely popular. Attending a sporting match or other event in a country is a wonderful way to experience local culture and meet people. So buy yourself a jersey, get your ticket and find your place in the stands. Just make sure you are cheering for the right team!

Rugby is the most popular sport in Ireland. The national team consistently ranks highly in international standings, and the four provincial teams are based in major cities around the country. Those attending sporting events in Cork should be ready to shout for Munster, while events in Dublin will have you pledging allegiance to Leinster. Likewise for Connacht in Galway and Ulster in Belfast. Check well in advance for game dates and times as tickets can sell out fast. If rugby isn't your thing or you have missed the chance for tickets, don't despair. Events in Limerick, as well as those hosted by the Emerald Isle's other major cities, offer visitors a wide variety to choose from. The Gaelic Athletics Association represents traditional Irish sports such as Gaelic football and hurling and hosts hundreds of events in Galway all year round which are a great way to get a taste of Irish culture.

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in Ireland. Nearly every major town has a horse track and thousands turn out for races to try their hand at guessing who is the long shot. Horse racing events in Youghal are particularly well-attended, as are those in Drogheda and Limerick. The International Horse Show, one of many equestrian events in Belfast, sees World Champion riders pitting their incredible skills against one another to the delight of the crowds; while the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a must-see for those interested in seeing the best international showjumpers.

Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to the ancient Celts, and the Irish take great pride in their traditional roots. Festivals to celebrate Ireland's rich traditions are held throughout the year. The Pan Celtic Festival comprises a variety of cultural events in Ballybofey that aim to promote Celtic cultures and traditions from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Isle of Man. The rich cultural heritage of these countries is celebrated with music, song, dance and sports. Many of the events at the festival are held in local Celtic languages. Highlights include a colourful town parade and a song contest featuring Celtic rock, traditional and pop music.

If you'd like to get a taste of the best Irish music, art and theatre in one place, attend one of Ireland's vibrant arts festivals. Those attending events in Drogheda should not miss the town's annual Arts Festival. A six-day celebration of theatre, featuring music, dance, puppetry, literature and street performances, the festival also plays host to a fluffy of local and internationally acclaimed acts.

Kilkenny hosts an annual international arts festival, which hosts of the world's leading performer. Art exhibitions, dance and theatre performances, and classical, jazz and traditional Irish music concerts are held in unique venues across the city. Exciting outdoor spectacles as well as literature and film events add to a fun-filled ten days of culture.

A great day out for the whole family, the Greystone's Art Festival is one of many fun-filled events in Wicklow's busy social diary. Featuring street theatre carnivals, comedy and music that showcases the dramatic talents of the world's top performers, this festival is decidedly family-orientated and many of the events are free.

Events in Tralee will have even the most blasé of festival-goers begging for more. Unique to this area, the Tralee Circus Festival brings the best Big Top performers to one location. Jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, puppets, clowns and mimes all showcase their amazing skills in a weekend of shows, workshops and music concerts.