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Arthur's Day

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Ireland – one hell of a place for adventure
If you find that the ideal way to switch off is to turn on your adventure and activity mojo, Ireland offers the perfect natural playground. Get a fresh view of our mountains, lakes and coastline with easy-going options like hiking, biking, sea kayaking and angling. Or unleash that inner adrenalin junky with pursuits ranging from white-water paddling to wake boarding and sky diving to surfing. Why not visit one of Ireland's many outdoor adventure centres...

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Cycling & Biking learn more »

Plan your cycling break in Ireland - choose from cycling routes, including mountain bike trails, long-distance options and family friendly jaunts.

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On the Water learn more »

Whether you’re a born water baby or simply want to dip your toe into the water sports world, check out a host of great activities. Will you learn to surf or sail, wakeboard or windsurf? Whatever you pick, we reckon it’s time to dive in!

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Equestrian Adventures learn more »

There is maybe no better way to connect with the Irish landscape than by travelling on horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll be matched up with the perfect mount to show you the way.

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Walking & Hiking learn more »

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in a new area to really get a feel for the place. From the Sunday stroller to the hard-core hiker, we’ve got the perfect walk for you. So be sure to pack those walking shoes!

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Precious Gems
Old and new, Ireland’s landscape of arts, culture and heritage offers a kaleidoscope of delights. Get in touch with the energy of the past when you visit treasures like the Skelligs and the Carrowkeel Tombs. And feel that same creative vibrancy within the modern scene where artists as diverse as Philip Treacy, Graham Knuttel and Roddy Doyle thrive.

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Want to hear the bodhrán? Or have a go at sean nós dancing? Go to a GAA match, to your local for a trad session or chat as Gaeilge on a Gaeltacht island. You don’t have to go far, the sporting and cultural events unique to Ireland are all around you.

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The story of Ireland and her people through the ages is a rich and diverse one, with many influences, having shaped our Landscape, our People and our Society. Nowhere is this more visible than in our historic castles, towns, sites and attractions.

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When the New Seven Wonders of Nature are announced on 7th November 2011, will the Cliffs of Moher be among them? The Clare landmark is Ireland’s entry to the global competition, joining other famous attractions like the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro.

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Look to Ireland's unique culture and heritage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Awaken your senses at one of the many cultural events happening around the country, whether by day or by night.

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Get a taste for genuine Irish food.
Discover Ireland’s restaurants, enjoy regional dishes or sample local fare from passionate artisan producers. From food festivals to farmers markets, restaurants and cookery schools, read on and find out more about Irish food.

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Food Festivals learn more »

Fresh local produce and celebrations of great Irish food, here’s our pick of upcoming Irish foodie festivals.

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Choose from a selection of Ireland’s tasty food trails in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny to name a few.

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Natural ingredients and fresh produce at your fingertips… great places to see, taste, and talk to producers about local food.

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Treat yourself to a nice meal out.

Praising porter once more in 2012

It may take 119.53 seconds to pour the perfect pint, but it takes a whole day to rock out. Now, while it's not recommended to head-bang while nursing your pint of black, there certainly are no rules against, say, interspersing some great groovefests between some gulps of Guinness.

The acts are big, bold, beautiful, but the gigs are intimate: like the dream you had of the Rolling Stones playing your local. A ticket gets you a venue, a couple of confirmed acts and the tantalising promise of 'more surprise performances'. Think of it as an-island wide surprise-party. There might even be a Guinness or two on the menu. Shocker.

Venue Menu

This ain’t no big stadium show – this was live music, up-front and personal, and the venues fit like a glove. The earthy ruggedness of Whelan's is perfect for snug sessions and Bruxelles has been a home to the rocker fraternity for years. The Odeon is as funky as it is cavernous and has plenty of room for dodgy dance moves and hair swinging. Just don’t knock over anyone’s pint. It’s not the day for it.

All Arthur's Day venues

Stick around the morning after Arthur's Day and you could end up in an inflatable hoop at Dublin Culture Night

The Big Gigs

Paloma Faith sharing a pint with fellow performers

2011 was a cracker with eccentric rockers Stereophonics, Paloma Faith, deck-spinning maestro Calvin Harris and soulful singer songwriter Ed Sheeran. Drama queens among you may also loved the sound of the Scissor Sisters singing their hearts out while chances are that Bressie's gig was be a major swoonfest.

Full Arthur's Day acts line-up

A bit on the side

Arthur was not the only show in town – festival goers hit Earlsfort Terrace for some whacky Dublin Contemporary art instillations. Sink a quiet one, at the iconic Toner’s. Music will filter through the city – follow it to Hogans. A delicious detour to Fallon & Byrne is in order to keep energy levels up. If you have a ticket, you’ll be off to Whelan's, or try The Village next door. Wouldn't ya know, Dublin's sorted the best way to spend your hangover the next day: the city-wide arty party that is Culture Night. It won't be a weekend without it.

Next up: Culture Night