Top ten events to check out for Ireland’s ‘The Gathering 2013’

In a bid to amp up tourism efforts, Tourism Ireland has devised ‘The Gathering 2013’, a year-long initiative that “is about the people of Ireland throwing open our arms and inviting anyone with a connection to our country to come and visit.”

Plans, of course, are already well underway to organize events big and small to attract people to come visit the Emerald Isle during 2013. While there are many events that will take place next year, here are our top ten ones to check out during The Gathering 2013.

1. NYE in Dublin
December 30, 2012

Kick off the The Gathering 2013 in Ireland’s capital city with this three-day festival. Street performance, theatre, art, markets, entertainment, and more will make this event fun and family-friendly.

2. Temple Bar TradFest
January 23, 2013

Ireland’s premier celebration of traditional Irish music in Dublin’s historic Temple Bar district will feature 200 free events, a music trail, singers club, open sessions, outdoor stages, Irish dance shows, master classes and showcases.

3. St. Patrick’s Day Festival
March 17, 2013

Although St. Patrick’s Day is the most celebrated national holiday around the world, it seems only appropriate to celebrate it in Ireland. The typically weeklong festival showcases all that is good about Ireland both domestically and internationally.

4. Writer’s Week Listowel
May 29, 2013

Professional and amateur writers as well as fans of literature are invited to County Kerry to partake in Writer’s Week. Under the leadership of its president, Colm Toibin, Writers’ Week provides a wide ranging programme of literary and cultural events, including lectures, readings, workshops, book launches, seminars, interviews, theatre, literary and historical tours, art exhibitions, music and dance.

5. Galway Arts Festival
July 1, 2013

The festival highlights dance and theatre spectacles from America and Europe, demonstrating a continuing commitment to staging extraordinary, ambitious, and innovative projects. Furthermore, the world premiere of Irish theatre productions and site-specific visual arts commissions add to the magic and diversity of Galway in July.

6. Killarney SummerFest
July 1, 2013

By day, Killarney SummerFest offers a fantastic range of outdoor pursuits set amongst the breathtaking lakes, hills, valleys and mountains of Killarney. An abundance of children's activities also await, with dozens of arts and creativity workshops, as well as fun summer camps. By night, Killarney’s streets come alive with street performers, musicians and magic.

7. National Heritage Week
August 1, 2013

While the schedule for 2013 is still in flux, National Heritage Week in the past has been hugely diverse including events such as medieval fairs, nighttime bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks, and maritime events.

8. Rose of Tralee Festival
August 23, 2013

Every year more than 30 International Roses come to Tralee, supported by friends and family. The festival comprises the Rose of Tralee selection, family carnival, fashion show, and live concerts. The town's streets are transformed into a feast of parades, music, circus, funfairs, markets, and traditional Irish entertainment.

9. All-Ireland Football Championship
September 22, 2013

Match days promise lots of colour and excitement, as fans come out to support their teams and watch Ireland’s footballing heroes demonstrate their skills. The tournament culminates in the thrilling All-Ireland Final, which is held in Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday, 22 September.

10. Corona Cork Film Festival
November 1, 2013

The programme is wide-ranging, with an eclectic mix of big budget pictures, world cinema, innovative independent films, documentaries and short films from all over the globe. The festival is also a major showcase for Irish film production.