Festivals in Ireland for October

If you are in Ireland over the month of October and are wondering what to do with your self, I have put together a few things that you might be interested in , but just remember that you will need to wrap up warm!!

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival October 26-29
The Cork Jazz Festival is one of Ireland's most successful Arts & Cultural Events and one of the top three Jazz festivals in the world.

It attracts over 40,000 visitors to Cork City each October Bank Holiday Weekend to hear over 1,000 musicians from 36 countries perform in concerts, clubs and pubs around the city.

Top American jazz stars such as Gary Burton, Phil Woods, Chico Freeman, Don Byron, Mose Allison, Bobby Watson and Amp Fiddler will join Brazil’s brilliant Eliane Elias and France’s Richard Galliano in the mouth-watering line up. There will also be performances from EST, the Miroslav Vitous Quartet and the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama gospel group.
Our Cork International Hostel is unfortunately booked out for this weekend such is the popularity of the event, but if you are in the area it is well worth checking out!

Kilkenny Celtic Festival Sept 27-Oct 07

Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital, in the sunny south east of Ireland, is where the varying threads of Ireland's celtic traditions and history can best be explored. It is yet again the location selected for Ireland's major Celtic Festival.

Although mainly a Norman town, with its majestic castle, lofty cathedral, five medieval abbeys, together with its meandering streetscape create a special and particular feel to this ancient Irish city. You are warmly invited to participate in the wide range of activities, attractions and events planned.

There is no other perfect way to spend a few nights experiencing the Celtic Festival, than to stay in Foulksrath Castle, just a few miles outside Kilkenny City.

Bundoran Ocean Festival 2007 Sept 28-Oct 01

The Ocean festival celebrates the unique location and culture of Ireland’s most famous surf town. The Ocean festival incorporates a rich variety of ocean-inspired events, activities and exhibitions over four days.

Bundoran, Co. Donegal provides the most consistent surf conditions in Europe, and is becoming an increasingly popular location for surfers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts. A lively musical and cultural tradition reinforces Bundoran’s reputation as an exciting destination for all ages. The Ocean festival will combine cinema, arts, food, music and water sport activities to provide a festival with something for everyone.

Why not stay in any one of our Donegal Hostels and take a trip down to Bundoran and experience the Ocean Festival for yourself!

Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival September 29-October 7

The Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival is a 9-day event to cater for equestrian lovers, family entertainment, music and fun. There is something at this Fair & Festival to suit all tastes. Horse and pony events, showjumping, street stalls, fireworks, tug-o-war, street & vintage parade, music and children's events.

Every breed of horse and pony is on display in the fairgreen on the Sunday and Monday, 30th September and 1st October. Included are the famous Connemara ponies, eventers, hunters, stallions, mares with foals, trotting ponies, skewbalds and the Irish draught.

The following are the Equestrian days -
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 29th, 30th September, 1st and 6th October, 2007.

So if you are staying in any of our Galway Hostels during these dates, then why not head over to the Ballinasloe Fair!

Connemara Sea Week October 19-29
A celebration of our marine heritage - conference, cultural events, book fairs, all wrapped in mighty traditional music with such players as Sharon Shannon, Sean Tyrell, Conor Keane, Josephine Marsh, etc. and lots of local players/singers.

Stay in the Ben Lettery Hostel and take a trip to Letterfrack and see for yourself!