Re-Joyce at a blooming great party in Dublin
Board a vintage double-decker for a Joycean sightseeing tour of “dear dirty Dublin” at the Bloomsday Festival. Starting in the capital next Sunday, the six-day event celebrates all things James Joyce in the run-up to Bloomsday on June 16, the day on which the events of Ulysses took place. Authors Dermot Bolger and Geoff Dyer will give historical talks and readings, and you can mingle with body painters at a “poetry brothel” nightclub featuring theatre, magic and burlesque performances, visit a Martello tower, and drop into the iconic Sweny’s Pharmacy for lemon soap. bloomsdayfestival.ie
Fly the flag for Cork at a maritime heritage fest
Try stand-up paddle boarding in the city, or live out your seafaring dreams at the Cork Harbour Festival. This nine-day celebration of Cork’s maritime culture, which started yesterday, takes place in Cork city and surrounding harbour towns and villages. Visitors can try foraging for seaweed, learn how to kayak, and browse a seafood market. Today’s competitive action is the Coastal Rowing Championship Regatta, while next Saturday it’s the Ocean to City race where 600 people will battle it out in currachs, longboats and dragon boats. corkharbour festival.com
Lace up your boots for a ramble in Killarney
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Take in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery at the Killarney Walking Festival. Organisers of the three-day event, starting on Friday, have lined up hikes to suit walkers of all ages and abilities. You can tackle the MacGuillycuddy’s Reeks — Ireland’s highest mountain range — or make an ascent of Cruach Mhór to see the remnants of an old airforce plane. For a less demanding outing, check out Ross Castle, or take a family stroll to Muckross House. All walks are guided, but appropriate clothing and footwear is essential. killarneywalkingfestival.ie
Drum up some cultural joy in artistic Carlow
From Wednesday, you can get your culture fix at the Carlow Arts Festival. Now in its 38th year, the event includes music, award-winning shows, immersive visual art and family fun — and most of it is free. Music will be provided by the Strypes and Carlow native Sarah O Gorman, who will perform alongside blues-funk outfit Stomptown Brass. The tales of Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm will get a spectacularly dark makeover by festival debutants Ondadurto Teatro. The festival runs until June 13. carlowartsfestival.com