One of the benefits of holidaying with Ireland Chauffeur Travel is our knowledge. Travel with us allows for truly private tours of Ireland. Aside from the beautiful sites around the Emerald Island, the wonderful hotels and the endless culinary options, we like to think that the real value is in our expertise. We really do know Ireland like the back of our hand and know what is on and when.
Below are just a few of the fun festivals Ireland has to offer which can be built into your tour.
Galway International Oyster Festival: September 22nd to 24th 2023
The oldest oyster festival in the world and described by the Sunday Times as “one of the 12 greatest shows on earth”, the festival celebrates Galway’s rich annual oyster harvest (in season from September – April). The Irish and World Oyster Opening or ‘shucking’ Championships are held during the festival, as well as top class entertainment, street parades, seafood trails, celebrated hospitality and the start of many new friendships.
Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival 14th October
The Kinsale Gourmet Festival brings a party atmosphere to the pretty seasisde town of Kinsale in County Cork. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the March Hare on the Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale for an escorted ‘foodie walking tour’ around Kinsale’s Good Food Circle restaurants who will prepare spectacular dishes from their kitchens bearing testimony to the culinary skills of the chefs of Kinsale.
Wexford Festival Opera: October 24th – Nov 5th 2023
A celebration of unique performances. The 72nd festival, themed around Women and War. Three main stage operas: Zoraida di Granata by G. Donizetti, L’aube rouge by Camille Erlanger, La Ciociara by Marco Tutino. Plus community opera based on Gianni Schicchi by G Puccini, Pocket Operas, choral and gala concerts and pop-up performances.
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival: October 26th – 30th 2023
The Cork Jazz Festival is an annual music festival held in Cork, in late October. The first festival began in 1978, conceived by Jim Mountjoy, the marketing manager of the Metropole Hotel. Designed to coincide with the newly instituted October Bank Holiday, it was the perfect way to build demand for the hotel and it has grown every year since. The city comes alive with the sound of the blues echoing out of every venue, from the smallest cosy pub to the Opera House. Talented and colourful street artists add an extra flair to the city squares and parks from morning until dusk. This really is a chance to see Cork come alive while you enjoy some of the world’s most famous jazz musicians and performers.
Puca Festival: October 27th – 31st 2023
Evidence gathered from archaeology digs, legends, myths and Celtic history have all been examined to unearth the story of the authentic origins of Halloween in Ireland. According to Irish folklore, Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain. The old Irish for ‘summer’s end’, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the start of the New Year. Through the spectacular nights at Púca Festival, salute the Halloween spirits through folklore, food, myth and music reopening the pathways of reflection and celebration carved by travelers over 2,000 years ago.
