Ballinrobe Races (4 May - 28 August)

Ballinrobe has a very old tradition of racing in various forms with meetings recorded in 1774 and steeplechases included in the 1834 meeting. The present course was purchased in 1921. Possessing a slightly elevated track, Ballinrobe boasts an exceptional view of the whole course. General facilities updated in 1998. Contact: Mr John Flannelly, Manager, Ballinrobe Race Committee, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Tel: 00 353 92 41811, 00 353 87 289 5974.

Galway Early Music Festival (18 - 21 May)

Based in the medieval City of Galway, the Galway Early Music Festival features medieval, renaissance and baroque music and dance. Concerts by internationally-recognised performers using historical instruments, workshops and costumed street performance, coupled with the West of Ireland's unique welcome and warmth, make this the place to be in May for a taste of medieval, renaissance and baroque magic! Click here for more details

Walking the Ancient Celtic Way (21 - 28 May)

Celtic heritage: holy places, ancient rituals, old myths and legends, early celtic church etc. with recognized scholars on Celtic heritage. Click here for more details

Fleadh Nua Ennis (21 - 29 May)

A seven day festival of colourful traditional entertainment which includes street and pub sessions, Céilí's and concerts, fleadh club, music and singing, workshops, set dancing workshops, story telling, exhibitions and lectures, scoraíochta and plearacha competition, cultural parade, national dancing championships and more. Click here for more details

Connemara Bog Week at Letterfrack

This is a ten day multi-layered festival - a celebration of landscape. Events include Connemara Walkabout, Fun Run, and traditional music, 'Sean Nós' singing workshop, Soccer blitz, Community Day, Olympic Handball, and an art exhibition - lots to do during the 10 days.

The Connemara Walkabout (3 - 5 June, see June 2006) is the feature event of the Whit weekend. This event consists of three gentle days of walking in a magical landscape in the company of scientists, musicians, poets and artists. This multi-disciplined team will explore the notion of landscape together. They will talk, walk, and play tunes out in the landscape. Telephone +353 (0)95 41034, +353 (0)95 43443 or e-mail lfrack@eircom.net