This St. Patrick's weekend, live entertainment, music, food sampling, dancing and "craic" are just a few of the exciting things on offer at the Guinness Storehouse! Live Entertainment From trad, bluegrass, dance and samba to rock – we've got it covered. This year the Guinness Storehouse will bring you 16 superb Irish music actsincluding Hermitage Green, The Kapitals, Legends of Irish Rock, The Eskies, Four Men & A Dog and the legendaryElectric Céilí. Fun at the Home of Guinness As well as music there is plenty to discover at the Guinness Storehouse this St. Patrick's weekend. As you tour through the building, you'll meet face paintersand caricaturists or why not join in our Irish dance showcase and Céilí! Guinness Food Tastings To keep you energized we'll be serving complimentary tastings of Guinness® infused food – we guarantee it's delicious! And while you're here why not sample tastings of the different Guinness® variants –  Guinness® Original and Foreign Extra Stout. VIP Paddy's Calling all Patricks, Patricias, Patryks, Patricios... We're inviting everyone by the first name Patrick or variants of the name (see full list) to join us on March 17th for our festivities. All Patricks receive complimentary admission Prices: Adult:  €16.50 Student over 18: €13 Student under 18:  €10.5 Senior citizen:  €13 Group (over 15 pax):  €14.85 Children between 6 - 12 yrs:  €6.50 Children under 6 yrs: Free Family (2 adults+4children):  €40 Enjoy a 10% discount off adult admission - only available if you book online. Terms and Conditions of  VIP Paddy's Promotion: 1. Patricks must present official photo ID, e.g. passport, driver's license, National Identity Card, at the point of purchase to gain free admission on March 17 2013. 2. No cash will be given in lieu of this offer. 3. The promoter is Guinness Storehouse Ltd, St. James's Gate, Dublin 8 4. Admission to Guinness Storehouse® is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale as set out on www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/TermsAndConditions 5. Capacity limited – offer available on a first come first served basis.

“If you go to only one musical this lifetime, make sure it’s this one.” - Sunday Independent THE LION KING will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Saturday 27th April 2013 as part of the show’s first tour of UK & Republic of Ireland. The legendary musical will visit Dublin for a two-month season, giving Irish audiences the opportunity to experience this global phenomenon. Four years in the making, this truly international production brings together a cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers, from 17 different countries, supported by a backstage team of over 100 people. THE LION KING will be the largest musical production ever to tour Ireland and the UK. Disney’s THE LION KING is based on the beloved Academy award-winning animated film which was entrusted to Director and Co-Designer Julie Taymor to adapt the film for the stage. Taymor brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING which draws upon her immeasurable experience of various theatrical styles and cultures to tell the compelling tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King. Ticket information: Tickets are available online at www.thelionking.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Grow Happy with Bealtaine 2013 May belongs to the Bealtaine Festival which celebrates creativity as we age. Last year about 115,000 people attended over 3,500 performances, concerts, workshops, dance classes, films and creative events across Ireland. Taking place from 1-31 May Bealtaine gives you the opportunity to get involved, try something new and discover new or forgotten talents. You can attend art workshops, learn new dances, see interesting performances, and even sing with the “Dawn Chorus”. Bealtaine takes place in Museums, Galleries, Cinemas, Libraries, Care Centres, Active Retirement Associations and other venues all across the country. To check what’s happening in your area in May 2013 please go to www.bealtaine.com. Bealtaine has been coordinated by Age & Opportunity since the first festival in 1996. Bealtaine is supported by the Arts Council  To see full programme of Bealtine 2013 events Click Here  

There will be over 150 acts playing various Dublin City Centre venues over the course of the festival - 3rd to 5th May - and entertainment.ie are happy to be back to curate one of the stages, after playing host in The Mercantile during last year's debut festival. New additions to the festival will include a cutting edge live comedy showcase, an afternoon fringe programme and a launch event on the eve of the festival. Camden Crawl Dublin 2013 will continue to be a fantastic opportunity for music fans to discover tomorrow’s emerging talent with its very affordable one pass system. Tickets, which are exchanged for wristbands, allow unlimited access to all venues, outdoor stages and after show parties and include a free programme guide and album featuring the acts scheduled to perform. Tickets will be available as single day or weekend passes. Wristbands and programmes announcing the full line ups and timings for the event are obtainable from 5pm – 10pm each day at the ticket exchange points located at Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2 and Film Base in Temple Bar. With a fair bit homegrown talent already announced earlier this month, it is with great pleasure that we can unveil the International artists joining the line up of amazing Irish acts gracing the Meteor Camden Crawl Dublin stages this year Meteor Camden Crawl Dublin pops its comedy cherry at The Bankers (Dame Lane) and The Swan (Aungier St) this year with two fantastic shows at each venue commencing 7:00 & 9:00pm on Sunday 5th May. Unlimited entrance to all comedy shows in included upon presentation of Meteor Camden Crawl festival wristband. Hosted by Bankers Comedy Club, theirs is a top comedy line up showcasing  Ireland’s rising stars including Chortle Student Comedy Awards nominee Colm Tyrell, regular Des Bishop support Christiane O’Mahoney and Marcus O’Laoire fresh from the Jim Jeffries comedy tour, with “Mr Comedy Smackdown” himself Chris Kent  closing the early set.  The 9pm gig turns the volume right up with the outrageous headliner Niamh Marron (finalist Funny Women 2012) supported by the comedy genius of Tom ‘The Bear’ O’Mahoney (Republic of Telly), the flamboyant Al Porter, and the intelligent one, Darren Maher. Both sets are hosted by resident MC Peter O’Byrne. Danny Dowling (TV3’s Come Dine With Me) brings the late night hit of the Galway Comedy Festival BOOM! Live Comedy For Dead People to The Swan for a one off outing. With dark comedy to match his dark hair, Ronan Grace launches the early show followed by sketch from Giles Brody and Colin Chadwick. Alison Spittle (Republic of Telly) and the storytelling Tommie James lead the way to crescendo in a cornucopia of one liners from Trevor Browne. All is held together by MC Danny Dowling and mixed up with big tunes and good times. ‘Uncurable Laughter’ sweeps over The Swan when the creator of ComedyDoctors.ie, MC Greg Marks presents the late night set. Star of the Love/Hate series and former boxer, Padser Murray, proves why he is one of Ireland’s one’s to watch. Whilst the country’s busiest improviser and Edinburgh record holder, Gary Lynch supports the evening’s closer Tommy Nicholson, godfather of the Irish comedy circuit.   ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN will take to the stage in Dublin for the first time in almost 2 years to exclusively perform at the 2013 May Bank Holiday festival. THE BLACK LIPS / HOLY OTHER  DIRTY BEACHES / FIONN REGAN / FIGHT LIKE APES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… AMATEUR BEST / BANTUM / BIG DEAL / CLOUD CASTLE LAKE  CONCRETE KNIVES / DARKSTAR / FORRESTS / GALLOPS / HEATHERS  KOOL THING / LANTERNS ON THE LAKE / LE GALAXIE (DJ SET) NANU NANU /  NO CEREMONY/// / O EMPEROR / PAWS THE PICTISH TRAIL / PRINCE RAMA / PVT / SHIPS / SLEEP THIEVES SQUAREHEAD / THE  SPOOK OF THE THIRTEENTH LOCK / STUBBORN HEART  THREE TRAPPED TIGERS / TOBY KAAR / TROPICS / WE CUT CORNERS VERSECHORUSVERSE  / WE WERE EVERGREEN /  WIFE /  WINDINGS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… THE ALTERED HOURS / AMATEUR HISTORIANS / ARROWS OF LOVE / BOUTS / THE CASANOVA WAVE  CIAN NUGENT & THE COSMOS / CROUPIER / DAITHI / DOGS / DOTT / ELAINE MAI / FAUNE      GIRL BAND / GROUSE / HIDDEN HIGHWAYS / THE HOLY ROMAN ARMY / :HOUNDS: / INNI-K       KID CANAVERAL / KID KARATE / LEMONADA / LOW SEA / MARGIE LEWIS / MIRACLE BELL      MOSSY NOLAN / THE NOTAS / ORLA GARTLAND / ORQUESTA / OVERHEAD, THE ALBATROSS        OWENSIE / PETER DELANEY / SCHOOL TOUR / SKELOCRATS / SO COW / SOIL CREEP / SWORDS UNWINDING CABLES /  WHITE COLLAR BOY / YAWNING CHASM Late additions to the full line up include Manchester’s Josephine who brings the ambitious gospel tinged folk and afro pop from her highly acclaimed debut album to Dublin Unitarian Church on Saturday. On the opposite end of the sonic spectrum Leeds’ finest punk band, Eagulls, join the party Upstairs at Whelan for a must-see live experience. Hotly tipped Leanne Harte and the melodic and uplifting I'm Your Vinyl have also been added to State.ie's 4 Dame Lane stage on Saturday night. With only two weeks until the festival opens its doors, we can now unveil the full individual venues and the hosts who picked them. Visit www.camdencrawldublin.com/line-up individual stage listings. Full event timetables available from 19th May by liking the festival Facebook page and joining our event. www.facebook.com/camdencrawldublin Ticket Information: Launch Night Event Only - €20.00 Friday 3rd May 2013 (7pm – late). Entrance only to opening night event at The Village/Whelan’s  featuring 6 live acts, DJs and Special Guests TBA. On Sale 21 January 2013 Early Bird Weekend - €40.00 Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th May 2013 Weekend Tickets (25% off weekend tickets for a very limited period/while quantities last). On Sale 1st February 2013 Standard Weekend - €55.00 Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th May 2013 Weekend Tickets. On Sale 1st February 2013 Standard Day Ticket - €35.00 Saturday 5th May 2013 Single Day Ticket / Sunday 6th May 2013 Single Day Ticket. On Sale 1st February 2013 For more information on tickets visit: http://camdencrawldublin.com/tickets Follow and Like us: http://twitter.com/thedublincrawl & http://facebook.com/camdencrawldublin

Dublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on Ireland’s cultural calendar. Each year in May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. 2013 will see the 9th Festival. In this short time, the Festival has developed a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2002 the Festival’s ambitions have been big and brave. Enabling audiences to discover inspirational artists lies at the heart of the Dublin Dance Festival mission. Audience members look forward to experiencing celebrated classics and discovering the freshest talents each year through a programme that is resonant and stimulating. The Festival also provides a platform for Irish choreographers to develop their work in an international context. Uncover beautiful dance – from near and far – in Dublin in May! To view the full programme for Dublin Dance Festival 2013 Click Here Click Here to check out the Dublin Dance Festival teaser video.....  For information on Tickets visit www.dublindancefestival.ie

Dublin will be the epicentre of European club rugby when the Irish capital stages both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals on 17th & 18th May. The RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday, 17th May. The following day, fans will be able to congregate in the European Champions Village in Merrion Square from 12 noon, with the Heineken Cup Final kicking off in the nearby Aviva Stadium at 5:00pm. The finalists for the Heineken Cup Final at Aviva Stadium have now been decided and ASM Clermont Auvergne will meet Toulon for the first time for this momentous clash. Both clubs are challenging for a first Heineken Cup crown and becoming the 10th different winner of European club rugby's most coveted trophy and the honour of being only the third French club to have their name etched on the trophy. Most public tickets have already been sold however details of tickets for fans of the finalist teams will be available from ERC or via the two finalist clubs. Visit www.ercrugby.com for more details. This will be the third occasion that the Heineken Cup final has been staged in Dublin and the first time that Dublin has hosted the Amlin Challenge Cup final. With the two finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will flock to the city to savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby. With the two finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will converge on the city to savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby. Following the success of the European Champions Village in Cardiff 2011 and Twickenham in 2012, ERC have received hugely positive feedback from fans across Europe. For supporters of all rugby colour and creed who want to savour the unique atmosphere of a major European rugby occasion. ERC has created a European Champions Village which will be situated on Dublin's historic Merrion Square a short walk from the Aviva Stadium. The ERC European Champions Village, which opens at midday on Heineken Cup Final match day, will provide the ideal focal point for a pre-match and post-match gathering of fans with live music from Keywest and The LOLS as well as Los Mokos from the Basque region of south-west France. A big screen will broadcast the Heineken Cup Final live, courtesy of Sky Sports, and there will be the opportunity for supporters to have their photo taken with the trophy and to purchase official adidas Heineken Cup Final and club merchandise. Weekend Itinerary Friday, 17th May. KO: 8:00pm Amlin Challenge Cup Final, RDS - Leinster Rugby v Stade Français Paris Saturday, 18th May, from 12 noon: European Champions Village, Merrion Square Saturday, 18th May, KO: 8:00pm Heineken Cup Final, Aviva Stadium - ASM Clermont Auvergne v Toulon

Venue: Various locations, Dublin City Centre Dublin Writers Festival, Ireland's premier literary event, gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke , delight and enthral.  The 15th Dublin Writers Festival returns 20-26 May 2013 bigger than ever.  This year's programme will showcase some of the finest writers in the world, a tantalising mix of new faces and household names, both homegrown and international. Described by the press as "boasting a stunning array of top international literary talent" and "the country's most successful and easily the best annual literary event", Dublin Writers Festival line-up is sure to impress. With readings, discussions, debates,workshops, performance and screenings, the festival creates a hotbed of ideas. Whether it's the mix poets, writers of fiction and non-fiction, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters, Dublin Writers Festival brings new faces and house-hold names together in ways that suprise and inspire. Children's fiction is well represented and we are spoilt for choice with the calibre of Irish language writers. Come celebrate many specially commissioned events in the City of Words. Irish fans of Dan Brown, international bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code, are in for a rare treat as Brown makes an exclusive appearance at this year's Dublin Writers Festival. This will be his first visit to Ireland, marking the publication of Inferno, his brand new novel which will be published mid-May. Tickets for this event will be on sale from 10.00am on 6th March so book early to avoid disappointment!

Dublin City Soul Festival 2013 is to take place from 23rd May - 26th May 2013. ‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ is a celebration of peace, unity & love‘ is Ireland’s feel-good festival, a unique annual celebration. Last years Dublin City Soul Festival featured loads of exciting events to choose from and what’s more most of them were FREE for you to enjoy because as the old saying goes…”the best things in life are free” ! Favourites included: The Soul Picnic - a little piece of magic in association with Dublin City Council. Enjoy the world’s best music concert in a picnic style starring an exciting line-up of amazing local, national and international artists. Much more than a music event, enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from our picnic vendors. Entry is free, but don’t forget to make a donation. Special guests to be announced. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of May in Merrion Square Park. Love the City Music Trail- Mosey along the Dublin streets, moving from venue to venue checking out all the fantastic entertainment on offer or find your favourite venue, band or DJ and get comfy. Savour a relaxing beverage in a quaint bar or cafe while enjoying an acoustic set from one of our solo artists or duets, then stroll a little further down the road and submerge yourself in a full on musical experience that will guarantee to have you out on the floor shaking your tail feather! (Warning: comfortable dancing shoes required) As you make your way along the friendly Dublin streets you’ll be amazed by the exciting on-street entertainment from our Soul Festival buskers and street artists! Rising Stars - Witness the world’s best ‘Rising Stars' at the  2012 showcase event featuring the best emerging artists in a unique setting. See also: www.dublincitysoulfestival.com

Whether you want inspiration, education or entertainment, the place to be this June Bank Holiday weekend is the colourful Bloom Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.  Organised by Bord Bia, this year’s event is five days long and it takes place from Thursday 30th May to Monday 3rd June. We are pleased to offer all a very special Bloom ticket offer for 2013.  Book on-line only before the event and use the promotional code FIR13 to get an extra €2 discount off the advance ticket price in advance of the show. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bloom pays all booking fees and kids go free!   Log on to www.bloominthepark.com for more details on food, features, show gardens, free seminars and entertainment. Have a wonderful day out and make sure you visit the Bord Bia Food Village which celebrates the best of Irish food, showcasing numerous aspects of horticulture and agriculture in our exciting features! If you don’t fancy driving, use the train and avail of the courtesy shuttle bus from Heuston station to the 70 acre Bloom site.

Location: North Wall Quay, Dublin City Centre Dublin Port’s Riverfest is Ireland’s premier riverside and sailing festival. Whether you’re into sailing and ships or not you’ll enjoy a weekend of family fun and both on and off-water activity. A huge array of activities are planned over the course of the weekend. Including the arrival of 6 tall ships, curragh racing on the Liffey, boat racing on the Liffey, tug boat demonstrations and much more. Not to be outdone by the water, land activities will also play a integral part to the festival, with street performers, music, bars, face painting, and carnival attractions from the new Samuel Beckett Bridge to East Link Bridge there to entertain and satisfy crowds. However, if food is your thing, then Riverfest is guaranteed to have something for you. This year the Markets will have a huge range of quality fresh and exciting food for food lovers to delight in. A Pirate Village with arts and crafts for children, Liffey and Port Photo Competition, a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with water canon on the river, face painters, balloon artists, port boat tours, a circus, a fun fair, a food market and docker & sailor themed porter bar and cafes. Visitors will witness the largest gathering of Gaffer Boats to have ever taken place on this island. The Gaffers are handmade wooden boats, many of which are over 100 year old. Two Gaffer races will take place on Sunday, June 1 between Samuel Becket Bridge and the East Link Bridge. Great fun for all the family! Programme Saturday 1st June Tall Ships from 11am to 6pm Tug Boat Displays mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Sunday 2nd June Tall Ships from 11am to 4pm Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm ‘Between the Bridges’ - Howth 17′s Sailing Race 2pm-4pm Parade of Sail (Over 60 Old Gaffers) at 4pm Monday 3rd June Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Old Gaffers Barbecue Poolbeg Yacht Club 6pm-late        

'A festival like this has been a long time coming, one that combines music, art, fashion and simple good vibes into a two-day city-based event' (Irish Times). Kasabian and Primal Scream will headline this year’s Forbidden Fruit festival in Dublin. The two-day event, set to take place in the grounds of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on June 1-2, will also feature sets from Chic, Crystal Castles, James Blake and Four Tet. Irish acts including Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes and Tieranniesaur will also perform. The full Forbidden Fruit line-up is: Saturday June 1: Kasabian, Crystal Castles, James Blake, Neon Neon, Lee Scratch Perry, Iamamiwhoami, Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes, Kormac’s Big Band, Tieranniesaur, Girls Names. Sunday June 2: Primal Scream, Chic, Four Tet, Everything Everything, Woodkid, Austra, Daphni, Daughter, Cyril Hahn, Mykki Blanco, Bondax, New Jackson, Frank B. Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from online www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide

The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years. The event has no equals in its appeal. Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement   For more information visit: www.florawomensminimarathon.ie

The fifth and final annual Trinity College Dublin Shakespeare Festival will run from the 3rd - 8th June this year, and  is set to be the biggest Shakespeare Festival ever to take place in Ireland. 500 performers will take part in over 50 performances of Shakespeare’s work, as well as various events and workshops. Both the city and college will be transformed into ‘living’ spaces in which Shakespeare’s work will be presented and celebrated through community outreach performances, outdoor scenes as well as events and workshops. The Festival aims to expand this year its extensive programme of civic engagement. This year we are looking to bring performances of Shakespeare to other underprivileged groups and schoolchildren. This is coupled with a daily  free light entertainment events such as: choral performances, circus acts, film screenings, public lectures from some of Trinity College’s most distinguished academics, food and drink tasting and comedy performances for students and visitors alike. To get a preview of this year's event Click Here Check out our website (www.dublinshakespeare.com) for a full list of events and timetable of scenes as well as photos and other fun things!

Bloomsday is celebrated on June 16th every year in Dublin. Bloomsday commemorates the work of the Irish author James Joyce and is called after the main character in his most famous work – Leopold Bloom of Ulysses fame. Bloomsday takes the format of Joyce fans dressed in Edwardian costume to conjure up the atmosphere of the period in which Ulysses was set – 1904. To understand Bloomsday you need to know that it follows the trials and tribulations of one entire day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses - Bloomsday June 16th. Fans follow the route around Dublin taken by Bloom and usually have a breakfast of sausages, beans, black and white pudding and toast at some stage along the way. Davy Byrne’s Pub usually figures in everyone’s Bloomsday celebration at some stage of the day. Bloomsday readings and dramastisations from the novel take place at various stages by costumed performers, as well as traditional Irish music and merriment. Much of the Bloomsday celebrations are hosted by the James Joyce Centre in North Great Georges St Dublin. Visit www.jamesjoyce.ie for information on festival talks, events and exhibitions.

Come visit Taste of Dublin - the most exciting food and drink event in the country. Imagine foodie heaven – outstanding dishes prepared by famous chefs and restaurants, served in tapas sizes to allow you to experience more than one restaurant, all in one location. Choose from superb food and drinks from one of over 100 exhibitors and artisan producers. Take part in interactive and educational culinary features, including the Taste Theatre, Chefs’ Secrets cookery school, wine tutorials and other demos. Get up close and personal at the Chef's Skillery or enjoy a line-up of exciting live entertainment all in the stunning surroundings of the Iveagh Gardens, one of Dublin's outdoor gems. If you would like to receive more information from Taste of Dublin please click here

This is the fourth year of the Dalkey Book Festival and it’s bigger and better than ever, with world-class authors, including: Edna O'Brien, Anne Enright, Carl Bernstein, Roddy Doyle, Kevin Barry, Declan Kiberd, Dawn O'Porter, Robert Fisk, Frank McGuinness, Eoin Colfer, John Boyne, Mike Scott, Pauline McLynn, David Coleman, Colm O'Regan, Tim Pat Coogan, Ian Robertson, Midnight Poe, Nadine O'Regan, Sarah Webb, Stuart Carolan and Eamon Morrissey. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale on line at www.dalkeybookfestival.org from Tuesday May 14th Sign up for our festival newsletter at www.dalkeybookfestival.org and be the first to hear about this years exciting programme of events.    

Dublin Pride 2013 will be a phenomenal festival celebrating three very important historic milestones. This festival will represent the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Gay movement, the 30th anniversary of the Dublin Pride Parade and the 20th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. All LGBT brothers and sisters who left Ireland due to either poverty or persecution are invited to return to celebrate the wonderful diverse and inclusive culture of modern Ireland. We call everyone, from the four corners of Ireland to the four corners of the world, to come to Dublin and 'Live, Love and be Proud'! Whether you’re LGBTQ, have friends or family who are, want to learn more about diversity or just want to take part in an amazing festival, Dublin Pride 2013 is a festival that features events that will interest everyone. This year sees Dublin Pride Parade celebrating its 30th Anniversary and will be held on Saturday, 29th June. It is the culmination of Dublin Pride’s festival that includes the parade through the city centre and a party in the Pride Village in Merrion Square afterwards. The parade is a celebration of the rich diversity of the LGBTQ community in Dublin, Ireland and the world, with an expanded arts, social and cultural content. Dublin Pride is the largest such celebration in Ireland and has grown from a one-day event into the 10-day festival we have now. The theme of this year’s parade is “Live, Love & Be Proud”. So get your thinking hats on, come up with your costumes, float ideas, group outfits to show how you live, love and are proud. Let’s make it an explosion of colour, music, glitter, sequins and even feather boas. Complete your registration form and submit it ASAP. All applications must be in by 31st May. This year the parade will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance from 11am and will embark on its route at 2.00pm sharp. From there it will head down O’Connell Street towards College Green, into Nassau Street, Clare Street and will finish at Merrion Square Park for the Pride Village. In 2012 we had over 30,000 people marching. Lets make 2013 a true celebration of the 30th Anniversary and make it the biggest and best parade ever. Pride Village: The South & West sides of Merrion Sq will be taken over by Pride Village which boasts a Bar, fun fair, Nissan Zone, TV Screen (for guest appearances) & food stalls. The full programme of all events taking place for the 30th anniversary pride festival will be released late May. For more information: www.dublinpride.ie

Riverdance returns home to Dublin for an extraordinary 10th summer season at the Gaiety Theatre. Composer   Bill Whelan        Producer    Moya Doherty        Director    John McColgan   Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. In the 17 years of touring since the Premiere in Dublin in 1995, the show has been experienced live by over 23 million people worldwide across six continents and boasts a worldwide television audience in excess of two billion people. An innovative and exciting fusion of Irish and international dance, Riverdance propels traditional dance and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. Riverdance is a truly global phenomenon.   In December 2012 Riverdance embarked on its sixth and most extensive tour of China, playing 25 cities over twelve weeks. In August 2012 the show toured for the first time ever time in South America, performing a new fan base in Brazil and Argentina. 2014 sees Riverdance return to Europe and to the UK after an absence of  nearly 4 years and plans are in place for an entry to the Indian marketplace.   Riverdance at The Gaiety features the remarkable Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe with the cream of Irish musicians playing live in the Riverdance Band and a spectacular array of international guest stars performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.   ‘One of the most entertaining shows you will ever see’ - Evening Herald ‘...the original...The Best’ - The Irish Times ‘Dance does not often get so good' - The Guardian 'A phenomenon of historic proportions' -The Washington Post 'The sort of spectacle and experience that comes once in a lifetime' - The Hollywood Reporter   Ticket Information: Tickets are available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide  and online at www.ticketmaster.ie No service charge for transactions in person at the Gaiety Box Office. Service charges apply to online and telephone bookings.   Show-times are: Evening : Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday at 5.30pm Matinee: Saturday at 3.30pm , Sunday at 2.30pm   *FAMILY TICKET (min 2 children) €120 (TUES-THURS PM AND SAT & SUN MATINEES ONLY) on top price tickets only. *EARLY BIRD OFFER-  15% DISCOUNT ON ALL TICKETS SOLD ON OR BEFORE 31ST DEC 2012.  *Subject to terms & conditions

With an attendance of over 240,000 in 2012, Ireland's second largest free family festival is delighted to announce its return to Dublin 12th - 14th July 2013 2012 Highlights included: Laya bout area- Join us in the eye of the storm where there’s a zen like oasis waiting to welcome tired tootsies. Pan out on the grass or plunge into an elephant beanbag, soak up some sun, and chill to some tunes. If your little monsters aren’t ready to rest let them loose with the free games, but tell them to keep their eyes peeled for the mysterious moving statues! The Wheeeeeeee Zone - The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) zone is home to some serious ‘don’t look down’ adventure. It’s the common playground's older brother so make sure to take a peek (from between your fingers is fine) and decide if you’re ready to tackle The Wheeeeee (your pants) challenge. Playa Ground - Round round pLAYAground, I pLAYAground, yeh, pLAYAground, pLAYAground, I pLAYAground! Getting bugged driving up and down the same ol’ strip? Need to find a new place where the kids are hip?? Well then bring your posse into the pLAYAground, a new extension at SPWC 2012. Hoola-hooping, pillow fighting, play-doughing, the PLAYAground is a massive hub of frivolous fun and arty-partying for all ages. Kids Court - All Rise for the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Set a trial date for your parents. Spin the 'Wheel of Misfortune' and decide their fate. Here at Kids Court there are many, many perfectly wicked punishments... a fitting revenge for all the times you asked ‘Why?’ and got ‘Because I said so!’ This is your ultimate chance to ‘Say So!’ Laya Festival Photobooth - Grab your crew and pop into the Laya Festival PhotoBooth for an extremely fabulous and funny portrait. Maybe your dad would make a beautiful ballerina or mum should embrace her inner prison guard... dress them up, pull your wildest face, say cheeeeeeeeeeese and capture the special moment forever The other 14 finalists of this year's free family festival will be announced over the coming weeks in conjunction with the launch of the new spwc.ie website. For more information visit: www.spwc.ie 

Location: Venues across Dublin Riverdance – The Gathering will run from 15th to 21st July with a series of events designed for both the next generation of professional dancer intent on building a career in Irish dance but also for those who simply have a passion or gra for the music and dance of Riverdance specifically – and of course Irish music and dance generally. As part of Riverdance – The Gathering, people – yes, that means you too – can put on their dancing shoes, line up along the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Riverdance Line. Full Programme of Events: Riverdance – The Gathering Masterclass Series From 15th to 19th July, Riverdance – The Gathering will host its Masterclass Series inviting those who are about to embark on a career as a show dancer to be part of a group of fifty of the best and brightest young Irish dancers from Ireland and abroad for a week of free masterclasses. Applications close on Friday April 26th so don’t delay. For more information on how to apply for a place on the Series visit www.riverdance.com or email: masterclassgathering@riverdance.com. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park 20th July A free family fun day will take place at Merrion Square, with facepainting, bouncy castles, food and plenty of music and dance. From 2pm, aspiring dancers of any ability (or none at all!) will have the unique opportunity to receive some informal instruction by Riverdancers in the park. At 3pm the fun will move up another level when Riverdance – The Gathering Ceili jumps into action. Riverdance - On Screen presented by The Gathering Ireland 20th July Merrion Square West will provide a platform for the show’s musicians past and present to showcase their brilliance as they perform live to a specially edited on-screen backdrop of Riverdance’s DVD highlights over the years. Riverdance – The Gathering World Record 21st July A spectacular sight and sound will emerge from the banks of the River Liffey – the spiritual home of Riverdance - where a chain of dancers will attempt to break the Guinness World currently set by 652 dancers in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. We think it’s time the record was brought home to Ireland. Forming a continuous line over 1km long and dancing a special version of Riverdance you have the unique chance to be part of this epic Gathering! All participants will receive a voucher to attend a matinee performance of Riverdance during the remainder of its summer season at the Gaiety Theatre for the specially discounted price of €13.00 (for the year that’s in it!) subject to ticket availability. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Gaiety 21st July To bring Riverdance – The Gathering to a close the Gaiety Theatre will have a special Gathering accent both in the show and in the theatre. Particularly welcoming those travelling from overseas, special matinee and evening performances will be introduced and will feature very special guests.

IT'S MORE THAN JUST A MUSIC FESTIVAL... The festival will take place in Dublin’s Marlay Park over the weekend of 19th to 21st July. French electro-pop geniuses Phoenix will headline the first day of the festival, with Vampire Weekend pegged to take centre stage on Saturday night. Kraftwerk will then bring the curtain down on the festival with a 3D concert (!) on Sunday night. Previous concerts in Marlay Park have taken place in one particular section of the grounds but MCD insist that Longitude will be spread across the rolling hills of the park, with art installations and more scattered across the grounds and into the woods. The full announced line-up for Longitude 2013 is: Kraftwerk (3D concert) | Phoenix | Vampire Weekend | Foals | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Villagers | Hot Chip | Jake Bugg | Modest Mouse | Teed | Paul Kalkbrenner | SBTRKT (DJ set) | Mark Lanegan | Local Natives | Django Django | Jessie Ware | Trentmoller | Kodaline | Mmoths | Tom Odell | Alunageorge | Flume | Cast of Cheers | Young Wonder | Mo | Michael Paskalev | S O H N | Petite Noir | Half Moon Run | Vondelpark | Stealing Sheep |The Maccabees | Laura Mvula | Wolf Alice | Gold Panda | Dutch Uncles | Matt Cotby |  Marcus Foster | King Krule | Japandroids | Hudson Taylor | East India Youth | London Grammar | Drenge | Tribes | Milo Greene | Funeral Suits | Leaders of Men | White Collar Boy | Ofei |  Le Galaxie |  Kool Thing | Blue Hawaii | SOAK many more to be announced… Click here to view full day-by-day breakdown of the festival Ticket Information: Tickets for  Longitude go on sale from 9.00am Monday 4th March 2013. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

There's something for everyone at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show. With live music and entertainment, art, fashion, shopping, food and the best in national and international equestrian competitions, you won't want to miss it.  The Dublin horse is one of Ireland's biggest annual sporting and social events and the 2013 event will feature the Land Rover Puissance featuring the famous 'Wall'; the Longines International Grand Prix; the popular FEI Nations Cup for award of the Agan Khan Challenge Trophy; over 100 national showing and show jumping classes; and the Blossom Hill Ladies Day on 8th August.   As a family-friendly event in the middle of Dublin's city centre, the show provides an assortment of children entertainment. The popular Kids' Zone, situated to the rear of the Grand Stand, will keep kids busy with pony rides, fun inflatables, face painting, Billy Bubbles, Johnny D'Juggler, pony rides and magicians!   Equestrian lovers are truly in for a treat and the show remains a true and challenging test for the 1,500 horses that turn out to contest the competitions and classes at a variety of levels and across the different disciplines.

There’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week. From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free! Whether it is nature and wildlife, folklore, or built heritage, National Heritage Week aims to deliver messages and events that are positive, engaging and relevant in people’s day to day lives. Any person or organisation can actively take part in the Week and organise an event which educates people and promotes an aspect of Irelands Heritage. Many attractions across Dublin are hosting Heritage Week events across the National Heritage Week such as National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Natural Museum of Ireland - Archeology, Chester Beatty Library, National Botanic Gardens. Click on their events tab to find out what events they're hosting. View all Heritage Week events taking place in Dublin here. For more information visit www.heritageweek.ie

Dun Laoghaire will host the Ukulele Hooley It brings together some of the world's best ukulele talent and entertainers to celebrate their love and passion for the tiny instrument that is currently the world's biggest selling instrument. There will be ukulele master classes, a "Grand ukulele public busk" and open air ukulele open mic concert for players who want to show their skills. But the show piece event of the weekend is a FREE day long ukulele concert on Sunday at the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire featuring the some of the best ukulele performers from round the World. For more details check out our website ukulelehooley.com Its a fantastic day out for the whole family and you might win yourself a ukulele in a raffle!

Although 2012 Dublin Festival Season has wrapped up it's never to early to start thinking about 2013. Who knows what giddy suprises will be in store this year so pop a big reminder in your diary for September and October for the return of Dublin Festival Season. It is no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the many festivals and events organised throughout the year. Headline festivals such as the inimitable St. Patrick’s Festival held in Dublin every March, attract and enthrall visitors in their thousands every year. Next Autumn, Dublin unleashes an explosion of festivals with ‘Dublin Festival Season’ kicking off in early September and running until the end of October. With festivals and events celebrating everything from arts, architecture, music, film, to food, Guinness and beer, fashion, sport theatre and literature; autumn presents the perfect opportunity to visit this vibrant city of culture. The many festivals you can catch during Dublin Festival Season: Culture Night Dublin Fringe Festival Dublin Theatre Festival Arthurs Day Oktoberfest Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival Dublin Fashion Festival Hard Working Class Heros Open House Dublin Bram Stoker Festival For More Information: www.dublinfestivalseason.com

September in the Square is a programme which will provide an opportunity to get behind the beautiful Georgian doors of Merrion Square, explore the surrounding architectural attractions and discover the hidden treasures in the Square. We are inviting people to take this opportunity to come and take part in some of the many events happening on Merrion Square during September and avail of the opportunity to get to know one of Dublin’s cultural treasures. September in the Square is a festival of events and highlights included: Lunchtime music every Tuesday and Lunchtime talks every Thursday Weekend Wonders, special events which will get behind the personalities and characters of the individual buildings and their histories. A Family Discovery Trail allowing families uncover the hidden secrets of the Square. Guided walking tours with guaranteed access into at least one house. Georgian Living: Dancing on the Square A Georgian Dining Experience Special events celebrating Culture Night on the Square. Events are FREE (apart from the Dining Event)

An important date for your 2013 calendar, Dublin Fashion Festival is a must for fashionistas and shoppers alike. Running from the 5th - 8th September, Dublin City Centre will see the streets being taken back by style. The festival will feature some of the usual favourites, celebrating design, style and culture with an exciting medley of on street fashion shows, workshops, industry expert demonstrations and talks, competitions and much more. DFF by Night will also be continuing the festivities late into the night with guerrilla fashion shows in bars and restaurants around the city. As if that weren’t incentive enough, all events are non-ticketed, and many of the local businesses will be hosting in-store events, so your weekend of shopping and general glamour will be free, fun and fabulous! See www.dff.ie for more details or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates. Dublin Fashion Festival is proudly part of the Dublin Festival Season.

Various venues in Co. Dublin Dublin Fringe Festival is Ireland's largest multi-disciplinary arts festival running city-wide every September, showcasing the newest and best Irish and international arts. 2013 sees the 19th year of the festival and will involve up to 1000 participants with companies presenting over 600 events spanning theatre, dance, music, circus, opera, live and visual arts in over 30 venues across Dublin. This event annually seeks to transform the city and celebrate it in an exposé of great creative talent from around the globe. This skilfully curated festival programme offers the opportunity to springboard all the human senses and entertain every kind of thrill seeker through work that is provoking, thoughtful, challenging and fun! Dublin Fringe Festival, unlike others, is a wholly curated festival seeking innovative and daring work that impacts, moves and invigorates its audience. The festival is a platform for new companies as well as giving a platform for experimentation and risk for more established artists and a showcase for the best contemporary theatre, dance and spectacle shows touring internationally. For the creators, the Fringe facilitates an opportunity to innovate, to cross disciplines and boundaries and to find new ways and places to make work, for audiences it is a chance to get up close with an array of talent for the best two weeks of performance of the year. The 2013 programme will be launched on August 14th with highlights announced in June. See more details on www.fringefest.com

Come and enjoy a late FREE night of culture for all the family! For one night only the city’s museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists studios, cultural centres and more, will open their doors late for a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. Hundreds of talks, tours, performances and events for you, your family and friends to participate in and enjoy. Join the thousands who will be staying up late for culture! On Friday September 20th 2013, locals and visitors across the island of Ireland will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure taking place in a record 28 towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland. Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the evening welcoming people of all ages to taste and sample their cultural delights for free on the evening. Bring the children, catch up with friends, meet new people, participate, interact and experience the exhilaration of free entry, live performances, workshops, tours, talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities for free! Culture Night brings together a very unique and diverse audience who all share a desire to explore and enjoy culture. And remember, everything that’s open on Culture Night will be there when you visit the next time, and the next time...so why not make a habit of it!

Venue: Skerries Events include a fantastic Lego Day for all enthusiasts, workshops, Equinox Celebrations with Fingal Mummers and a variety of concerts from pop/rock to singer/song writer, some in unusual venues. The classical highpoint of the festival is a Music Network concert in beautiful, candlelit Holmpatrick Church. Other highlights include a festival street party with Rock Music trailer, street entertainment and fun for all the family, a street market, Céilí after Sunday Mass, a night parade and spectacular fireworks in Skerries Harbour. Add children's theatre or puppets, dancing, exhibitions, theatre and pop-up events - expect the unexpected! 'Skerries Rocks' - come along and be part of it!

The All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final, from Croke Park in Dublin, is the climax of Ireland’s most popular sporting season. On match day the fantastic stadium is full to the rafters creating an atmosphere perhaps unparalleled to any other sporting occasion across Europe! Can 2012 champs Donegal retain the national crown or is there a new challenger on the block! Further Info & tickets  www.crokepark.ie / www.crokeparktickets.ie

At precisely 17:59 Irish-time on Thursday 26th September, a toast will commence in cities across the world as glasses, mostly pint-sized, are raised to the memory of Arthur Guinness, the man who founded the Dublin brewery back in 1759. The annual ‘Arthur’s Day’ celebrations may be another remarkable advertising coup by Guinness but, in an age when excuses for merry-making have been few, raising a pint to the creator of our most famous export is surely good for you. Due to its huge popularity among Irish pub goers and publicans alike, GUINNESS has significantly expanded the Arthur’s Day celebrations since last year to include live music events in local pubs across Ireland so whether you’re from Dingle, Derry or Dublin, it’s never been easier to take part in what is set to be no ordinary Thursday night. This year there are no tickets on sale, just grab some mates and head to one of 500 free Arthur’s Day music events taking place in local pubs across all 32 counties. It promises to be a remarkable night of live music featuring hundreds of home grown artists but, as usual, Arthur’s Day will also be a night full of surprises…. Voting will be open from 15th August to 16th September but in keeping with the spirit of Arthur’s Day, the winning pubs will remain a secret to the public until the night itself so you never know who might walk through the door. Check out www.Guinness.com for full details. Stuart Kinch, GUINNESS Marketing Manager, Diageo Western Europe said, “Arthur’s Day has always been about people coming together for unique and remarkable music experiences in pubs and venues around the country. This year, we wanted to do more and give everyone the chance to experience the magic of Arthur’s Day by making all events free and giving the public a chance to vote and help bring a headline artist to their local!” “Apart from the change from 38 ticketed music events last year to over 500 free Arthur’s Day music events this year in pubs in all 32 counties, we anticipate many more pubs will also be organising their own celebrations around the country so it promises to be the biggest Arthur’s Day yet with the Arthur Guinness Fund also directly benefiting from the celebration”. Through the Arthur Guinness Fund, Arthur’s Day supports social entrepreneurs in Ireland and around the world who are in the business of changing communities for the better. This year, for every ‘check-in’ by people to the Arthur’s Day Facebook event, a €5 donation will be made to the Arthur Guinness Fund by GUINNESS. Check out details on how to RSVP and ‘check-in' on the Guinness Ireland Facebook page. GUINNESS will be making further exciting announcements in the coming weeks of additional international artists added to the line-up, unique performance collaborations and more surprising ways to enjoy a remarkable Arthur’s Day celebration in Ireland. Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events. Facebook:        www.facebook.com/Guinnessireland

Don’t you love being the first of your friends to source the next big thing in music, especially when it comes in the very hip form of Hard Working Class Heroes? Jamming (literally) 100 bands into 6 venues over just three days this is the Festival that will set Dublin rocking. We’re talking Meeting House Square, The Button Factory, The Workmans Club, The Mercantile, Twisted Pepper and The Grand Social hosting a bunch of box-fresh bands unleashing the newest, most original musical sounds into your ears and the world.

Open House Dublin is the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Open House Dublin 2013 will take place from 4 to 6 October 2013. Over one weekend, almost 100 buildings of all types and periods will open up their doors to allow citizens and visitors to explore the architecture of their city, with special tours by hundreds of professionals and enthusiasts, along with other associated events, completely for free.    As the city is constantly evolving, Open House Dublin allows you to get close to buildings and urban spaces and offer a new perspective. The festival showcases the wealth and breadth of Irish architecture, from the splendour of Georgian Dublin to the breathtaking contemporary spaces and places. The event showcases the most iconic buildings in the city as well as the smallest, most beautiful interventions.   The Irish Architecture Foundation, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 30,600 building visits in 2012. Established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.  Open House Dublin is part of Open House Worldwide, a network of currently 19 cities on 3 continents, inviting everyone to explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment. Open House Dublin is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, and Dún Laoghaire County Council.

Dine in Dublin, the bi-annual event brought to you by Dublintown.ie, returns again on Monday 21st to Sunday 27th  to celebrate the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more.

Dates to be confirmed 3 days, over 30 events, 3 strands – Film & Theatre, Street Animation, Literary Dublin City will celebrate the life, work and legacy of Irish horror novelist Bram Stoker and his gothic novel 'Dracula'.  The three-day festival will peel back the layers of the city to reveal Stoker's Dublin. Prepare for a  weekend for all the family with walking tours through the lane-ways and hidden steps of the Victorian macabre of the city; literary workshops exploring horror writing with award winning authors for both teens and adults; Stoker-themed theatre, lively discussions on all things vampire, and a highlight being an evening of spooky spectacle from renowned street theatre company Spraoi in the grounds of Dublin Castle. 

Dublin Marathon 2013, one of the great European city marathons, takes place in Dublin City on the October Bank Holiday. This will be the 34th year of this great event which is run through the capital's historic Georgian streets and its magnificent Phoenix Park. Thousands of boisterous spectators will line the route and in fact, such is the buzz from the crowd, that overseas participants in the Dublin Marathon have dubbed it the 'friendly marathon'.   Dublin is only an hour by air from most UK and European cities, and a large number of the expected entry of 14,500 will be made up of overseas runners, many of whom will be returning to sample Irish hospitality once more. So why not come and experience the occasion for yourself? A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. But be warned, once you have tried it, you'll want to come back again!   Enter online or by contacting us. Entries must be received by 5.00pm on October 1st. There will be no late entries at registration or on race day. Once entry is confirmed by e-mail we cannot refund or exchange numbers.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2013 in Dublin with the street party to beat them all - NYE Dublin Festival. The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class acts taking to the College Green stage for the Countdown Concert. The main event of the NYE Dublin Festival is the New Year's Eve Countdown Concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival.  In addition, there are a series of free events over the course of the two day festival including: fireworks display in St. Stephen's Green; Procession of Light through Dublin's streets broad and narrow; 5 festival zones located around Dublin City Centre and the Big Brunch which takes place in Meeting House Square on New Year's Day. So, whether you are young or old, native Dubliner or visitor, performer or spectator, NYE Dublin has something exciting for you. We can't wait to party with you in Dublin and celebrate the arrival of 2014. More information to come.....

Dates TBC Dine in Dublin, the bi-annual event, celebrates the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more.

The Republic of Ireland will play Serbia in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 5 March, 2014. Serbia were the opposition for Giovanni Trapattoni’s first home game in charge of the Republic of Ireland in May 2008. That game finished in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Andy Keogh strike. The Serbs are currently ranked 32nd in the world.

Taking place on St. Patrick's Day each year in the GAA's national stadium Croke Park, both Gaelic football & Hurling games are played on the day where the club, the cornerstone and bedrock of the GAA take centre stage.  

Dublin One City One Book is a project designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of April. 2013 featured Strumpet City by James Plunkett. Partners across the city are organising imaginative, fun, informative events. See also: www.dublinonecityonebook.ie Furthur Details to be announced.

It's the big day with the bigger atmosphere, both on and off the course. The Phoenix Park in Dublin will be hosting excited adults and children from near and far for the SPAR Great Ireland Run, now in its twelfth year.       The only event in Ireland recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the 10km road race is a highlight in Dublin’s sporting calendar. Last year saw Ireland's most successful female athlete as the honorary starter for the Junior Run, Sonia O’Sullivan standing alongside Catherine McKiernan, the Irish marathon record holder, to fire off the 9-15 year old category. It will be the second time the 3-8 year old Mini 1.6k will take place in Ireland, and the pace is always fast from the off. We cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store! More Details to be announced

Dates TBC Now a significant date in Dublin's annual literary calendar, The Franco-Irish Literary Festival, held in Dublin, is preparing for its 15th edition continuing the tradition that led to Dublin's nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature.  The Festival is organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy. Our intention is to invite Irish and French writers.  We feel sure that it will be a great success and hope for significant participation from our English-speaking audience.  For that reason simultaneous interpretation will be provided. All events open to the public - Admission Free. More Details to be announced

This evenleth anniversary International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival takes place in venues across Dublin city centre and will feature a diverse programme of drama, musical theatre, music and comedy over two weeks. Founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth in Dublin of Oscar Wilde, the IDGTF has grown to become the largest of festival its kind in the world.  It showcases works with a gay theme or playwright or addressing broader themes of masculinity, feminism, gender-identity and sexuality and presents these to a diverse, mainstream audience.  Many works are Irish, European or world premieres and are performed by a wide variety of artists, in a diverse programme of over 30 plays carefully selected from over 100 submissions. There will also be a range of free events including play-readings and a seminar on gay theatre as well as a nightly Festival Club. More details to be announced

Dates TBC Location: Grand Canal Dock and Plaza, Dublin The Waterways Ireland Docklands Summer Festival's purpose is to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy an exciting world class urban recreational environment. The refurbished canal dock, originally build in the 1790s, now provides a world-class recreation space right in the centre of Dublin. The mix of on water activities is designed to give everybody an opportunity to participate or sit back and enjoy the show. The newly developed Grand Canal Plaza and surrounding quays provide a uniquely modern and dynamic unban space for all the family to enjoy. The local cafes, bars and restaurants, many of which face onto the water, provide wonderful al fresco facilities. These are complemented by the festival's many on land attractions and activities located on Grand Canal Plaza. On water activates include a wakeboarding competition, charity rubber ducky race, tour of naval vessel, water sport 'Come and Try It' sessions in sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and a canal barge gathering. On land activities include food market, corporate golf challenge, street performers, balloon artists, face painters, fun fair attractions, open air art gallery & children's arts centre in the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre. Good clean fun for all the family!