Whether your roots are Irish or you simply feel a kinship with the island, you are invited to join The Gathering Ireland 2013 — a yearlong celebration of music, food, culture and much more.
Ireland has a way of inspiring admiration and affection around the world, and that global connection will be honored throughout 2013 with The Gathering Ireland. While no invitation is needed to visit Ireland, The Gathering creates a perfect occasion: a full year of opportunities to experience the island’s warmth and heritage.
One aim of The Gathering is to encourage the millions of people of Irish descent across the globe, along with their friends and extended families, to reconnect with their ancestry or to discover Ireland’s charms for the first time. Those who participate can deepen their sense of identity while supporting local communities and contributing to Ireland’s cultural renewal.
The Gathering truly offers a full calendar to experience Ireland — its people, places, traditions and creative life — in new ways. Across 365 days there will be events and festivals, beginning with a striking New Year’s celebration in Dublin to welcome 2013.
Be part of it! Organize your own Gathering in Ireland — for guidance and support in planning an event, visit The Gathering Ireland
A Taste of 2013’s Exciting Events
Celebrate a year of Irish connections. The Gathering Ireland 2013 invites visitors to share a range of remarkable and diverse events staged across the country throughout the year.
New Year’s Eve
Dublin, December 2012
The three-day New Year’s festival offers something for all ages: street performance, theatre, art installations, markets, and family entertainment.
Temple Bar TradFest
Dublin, January 2013
Temple Bar TradFest is one of Ireland’s leading music and cultural festivals. Over five days it showcases traditional and contemporary music across venues in Dublin’s vibrant Temple Bar quarter.
St. Patrick’s Festival
Dublin, March 2013
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide and is the day when everyone is Irish. The festival includes parades, performances and family-friendly events.
Cork International Choral Festival
Cork, May 2013
Each May the harmonies of more than 4,000 voices fill bars, galleries and civic spaces across Cork city and county in a celebration of choral music.
Galway Arts Festival
Galway, July 2013
The Galway Arts Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, featuring dance, visual arts, theatre, music and street events throughout the city.
All Ireland Fleadh
Derry-Londonderry, August 2013
The All Ireland Fleadh is a weekend devoted to traditional Irish music, song and dance, with lively competitions and performances for all ages.
Puck Fair
Killorglin, County Kerry, August 2013
One of Ireland’s oldest fairs, the Puck Fair in Killorglin is a unique weekend of celebration and folklore, including the well-known tradition of crowning a goat king.
Kilkenny Arts Festival
Kilkenny, August 2013
Marking its 40th year in 2013, the Kilkenny Arts Festival brings literature, theatre, music and visual arts together in a rich cultural programme across the medieval city.
These events represent just a selection of what’s on offer during The Gathering. For further information about these and many other events, please visit The Gathering Ireland