021-4700010, kinsaleartsfestival.com



National Ploughing Championships 23-25

Not just ploughing, but sheepdog trials, craft villages, food fairs and exhibitions at Ratheniska in Co Laois. 059-8625125, npa.ie



Dublin Theatre Festival 25-12

With more than 500 performances in 20-plus venues, all the city’s a stage come the theatre festival. The 55th edition will doubtless provide theatregoers with the usual mix of old and new, ambitious and intimate, cutting-edge and classic. 01-6778439, dublintheatrefestival.com



Clifden Arts Week 19-29

This community arts week provides locals and visitors with a wide range of readings, recitals, theatre and comedy – and all in the spectacular surroundings of Connemara. 095-21878, clifdenartsweek.ie

Culture Night 21

Late-night culture with free entry into more than 100 venues in Dublin and many family events. culturenight.ie



New Ross Piano festival 25-28

The musical focus in the attractive Wexford town next year willbe on that most attractive combination, piano and and wind repertoire, with the Cassiopeia Winds Quintet from Dublin and quintets by Mozart and Beethoven. newrosspianofestival.com



Sligo Festival of Baroque Music 27-29

The best of the baroque repertoire brings a touch of late September musical sunshine to the northwest. sligobaroquefestival.com





October



Cork Jazz Festival 24-26

Nile Rodgers, Soul II Soul Sound System, the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra, Primal Scream, Courtney Pine and the Portico Quartet were among those who assembled for some cool Leeside sounds last year. guinnessjazzfestival.com



Sligo Live 22-27

Traditional music from Sligo is noted for its “lift” – which this festival aims to replicate through a lively programme of folk, roots and indie gigs. Last year’s headliners were Imelda May and Villagers. sligolive.ie



Wexford Festival Opera 22-2

Salomé, Don Bucefalo and Silent Night will be