Traditionally Irish

Ireland boasts a rich tapestry of traditional activities to liven up your holiday or weekend break. With a vibrant culture of traditional music, song and dance, you won't have any difficulty in tracking down a local music session or performance.

This is especially easy in the North West of Ireland. Take in an evening of music in a lively pub or get your dancing shoes on for a ceilí - you can learn the steps as you go!

To experience a real live music session on St.Patrick's Day, please visit www.livetrad.com

For information on pubs with music, see the website of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, www.vfi.ie.

From gaelic sport to the Irish language

If watching others being energetic is more your cup of tea, why not take in a Gaelic football or hurling match. Check out what's on at the official website of the GAA - www.gaa.ie.  Pay a visit to Dublin's historic Croke Park Stadium  and find out more about the sport and its place in Ireland’s cultural and social life. Or why not immerse yourself in one of the Gaeltacht areas, where traditional music, poetry and storytelling are as vibrant now as in the past. Find out more about the Gaeltacht in the Northwest, in Cork and Kerry, and in the West of Ireland and Connemara.

There is a wealth of online resources for those interested in the Irish language, whether learning or improving, including Forás na Gaeilge www.gaeilge.ie and Conradh na Gaeilge www.cnag.ie. The Irish language has also embraced social media, for example the awardwinning website and blog at www.talkirish.com helps you to learn Irish through free interactive games, quizzes and dictionary services.  
 
For further information on holidays in the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland, please visit  www.gaelsaoire.ie. 

Explore an island or find fun at a festival

Check out a slower pace of life on one of Ireland’s many stunning offshore islands  where traditional crafts and customs still exist to this day. You can be sure it will live long in your memory. Discover Ireland's islands.

Fleadhs are a major part of our Irish cultural life - as buskers line the streets, festivals set small towns and villages ablaze with impromptu trad sessions. 

The organisation Comhaltas promotes traditional music and dance around the world, visit their website at www.comhaltas.ie.

Visit our Festivals and Events section to find a festival near your holiday destination.

Discover more Culture and Heritage.