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Time to take a well-deserved break while celebrating Lá Bealtaine.
May Day is the spring festival and commemorates fertility and the blossoming of flowers and fruit. In the Irish language, this spring festival is known as Lá Bealtaine. A number of events and celebrations will be taking place throughout Ireland over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
In Kerry Féile na Bealtaine takes place in Dingle over the Bank Holiday weekend. The culturally rich Dingle Peninsula commemorates the old Celtic festival which divided the year into two – Samhain and Bealtaine. A fiery mix of arts, culture and politics! Tied in with the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way makes Kerry the perfect destination to celebrate.
If it’s culture you’re looking for, then look no further than the Cork International Choral Festival. As the oldest festival in Cork, and one of the biggest in Ireland, the Cork International Choral Festival is one of the most successful and prestigious choral festivals in Europe. Travel east to visit the sites of Youghal and Cobh or west to view the spectacular scenery and pretty towns and villages of West Cork.
On the subject of music, Smithwick’s Roots Festival takes place in Kilkenny. Ireland’s leading Roots/Americana festival, featuring a host of Irish and international acts in venues throughout the city. Over 100 shows over the four days, with 80 free events and of course you will have to sample the local brew.
The second meaning of May Day is its importance to the workers of Ireland and all around the world. In over 80 countries, this day is Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day.
For hundreds of years Irish lighthouses have helped seafarers find their way. Today, these stunning structures shine their light on a truly unique experience around the exquisite coastline of Ireland. To celebrate the fantastic work of all those who worked in Lighthouses and the importance of these lifesaving operations, a flagship festival Shine a Light on Summer, will take place in 8 of the 12 great Lighthouses of Ireland. Getting everyone into the summer spirit, delve into amazing coastal experiences, meet storykeepers and guides, enjoy maritime, craft and technology demonstrations while discovering the world of shipwrecks beneath the waves. From Hook in Wexford to Valentia Island in Kerry, by Loop Head in Clare to Donegal’s Fanad Head, Blackhead in Antrim, Clare Island, Mayo, Wicklow Head and beyond – there’s so much to uncover at these towers of light this May Bank Holiday.
Whether it’s the Wild Atlantic Way or Ireland’s Ancient East, there is a lot happening over the May Bank Holiday weekend. However, if it’s a nice quiet relaxing break you want you can still enjoy this in one of the 100 caravan & camping parks throughout Ireland. Kick off the start of summer Go Camping
