Easter is the time of year when the many Fairs, Festivals and Fleadhanna start throughout Ireland.
There is a great variety of Festivals in Ireland, but all have one thing in common...
....there will be great traditional music sessions in the local Pubs, or in the streets if the weather is fine.
There will be many local Fairs and festivals not advertised outside the local area, especially around Easter.
Many will be Village Fairs, some with a religious theme, others based on Sports.
Then there are the more famous Festivals which attract tourists from around the World.
Starting on Easter Sunday, there will be racing at Fairyhouse in County Meath, including the Irish Grand National.
The Irish love horses, and every race meeting is a family event, especially the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse
which will attract a large crowd.
http://www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie/Content/Fairyhouse/UpcomingFixtures.aspxIn Tralee County Kerry, the Samhlaíocht Easter Festival is always great fun.....focused on children there are games,
workshops in art and music, and a Bumble Bee Festival for the little ones.
April 11th to 19th in Northern Ireland is the "Titanic Made in Belfast Festival" including Titanic walking tours,
a Commemoration Service, and a Titanic Society Dinner.
One of my favourite events is about the musical instrument that is symbolic of Ireland...
...it is the O'Carolan International Harp and Traditional Music Festival, which this year begins on 30th July.
Explore the site here, check out the harp competitions and workshops:
http://www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie/events_attractions_region_amenities.htmTake a look at the "Festival Programme" and imagine all that heavenly music!
If you were there, you might just be listening to a future Órlagh Fallon.....
One of the most famous Festivals is Puck Fair, which starts on 10th August in Killorglin , when a Billy Goat is crowned King.
Here you can read the History of the Fair:
http://www.puckfair.ie/history.php If you read the "Programme" you will see the festivities begin at 7am on 10th with a Horse Fair,
and later that day is the Coronation Parade.
Throughout the 3-day festival there are bands and informal music sessions all over town.
Racing at Fairyhouse: 
