Top 10 things to do in Ireland in 2014 – Part Two (Cuid a Dó)

Following on from Part One (Cuid Amháin) of the Top 10 things to do in Ireland during 2014, we complete the list with our final five recommendations for those planning a trip to Ireland: 

Celebrate Brian Boru

Enjoy Féile Brian Ború, a celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf.

2014 is the millennium anniversary of the great battle of Clontarf (April 23^rd 2014) in which legendary Irish High King Brian Boru met his death. To mark this special once in a millennium event there will be exhibitions, recreations and academic seminars on the great legendary Irish king, his story and the famous battle in many major institutions throughout the country. There will also be a series of events, celebrations and commemorations in the counties tied to the legend namely Clare, Tipperary and Armagh. In his birthplace of Killaloe/Ballina, where he is remembered in an annual art trail festival there will be five major events held throughout the year commemorating their greatest son.

One of the high points of the many year-long celebrations taking place nationwide will be a major recreation of the Battle of Clontarf of 1014, set in Richmond Roadin Drumcondra, in St Anne’s Park on April 23rd.

Full bloom in Dublin

Dublin will smell of roses when it hosts the World Flower Show in the RDS next June

Bloom is Ireland’s pre-eminent garden festival held in Phoenix Park every June Bank Holiday (Thursday 29th May until Monday 2nd June 2014). Bloom may be a gardeners paradise with its magnificent show gardens showcasing the talents of the nations top garden designers but at its heart it is a family friendly show with something for everyone. Throughout the three days expect to see cookery and craft demonstrations and get free gardening advice from the experts. Whilst the best of local Irish food produce, live entertainment and gardening workshops available make this family friendly outdoor 3 day spectacle a key note on the calendar year.

The Phoenix Park in Dublin

Get arty in Kinsale

Join Kinsale Arts Festival for its 10th birthday party next September in West Cork.

2014 will see the tenth running of the well established and noted Kinsale Arts Festival and with it a new date in mid autumn (19th-28th September) as opposed to its usual standing in July.  As an arts festival it is noteworthy, bringing some of the countries and worlds most exciting artists, writers and performers to the picturesque west cork town for nine days programme of stimulating and thought providing programme of events.  During the nine days, the scenic seaside town becomes a temporary home for all manner of the arts, be it theatre, music, literature, food, film, dance and the visual arts and the festival offers something for everyone young and old in beautiful settings.

Grab some culture for the kids

A feast of wonder is in store at the Baboró International Arts Festival next October

Arts Festivals and events inIrelandaren’t just confined to the adults either as the child orientated and family friendly Baboro International Arts Festival proves. Bringing a splash of colour and vision to the city of tribes, Galway, every October, this arts festival is aimed at bringing the arts to children of all ages. Here you will find something for the whole family with an incredible choice of performances by production companies from around the world. The many shows held throughout the weeklong festival cover a wide range of art forms such as puppetry, music, theatre, storytelling and juggling.

Best things in life are free

From landmarks to culture, there’s lots to do for free. Start at the Science Gallery

And remember you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the many things on offer in your time inIreland. Many of the festivals run around the country include shows, performances and exhibitions free to the general public. And throughout the country there are a variety of things to do and places to see that won’t cost a thing.

You can go for a walk or hike in the countryside, have a picnic in a national park or checkout noted landmarks, ruins and monuments to past heroes on your travels. Or you can treat the whole family to the cultural and historical delights of a city or town by taking in the many museums, institutions and galleries such as the National Gallery and National Museum all open to the public for free. Whatever you choose a dayout for all the family can be budget friendly.

The National Museum of Archaeology and History in Dublin

Whatever your idea of a good vacation you will find plenty of things to see and do on a vacation in Ireland.