From festivals of food, beer, theatre and culture, to female-only comedy nights, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and poetry evenings — here’s the best of what’s on this May.
Bealtaine Festival
Running throughout May, across Ireland, more info here
Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age, is bringing a vibrant, fun and contemporary festival to various locations across Ireland with an all-new theme, ‘Lust for Life’. Festival goers can expect an exciting array of events including ‘Prom Night’, in partnership with Street 66 and Outhouse, which is an opportunity for older LGBTQIA+ individuals and those who may have missed out on experiences in their youth.
Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party
2-11 May, Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick, more info here
Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party is a story of love, longing and obsession, centring on Jack, and his experience of a brief, passionate kiss in the downstairs toilet at a party in Limerick City in 1983. The incident becomes Jack’s lifelong fixation. He kissed Jilly Morgan, at her own birthday party, and life, for him, will never be the same again.
Art in the Gardens at Mount Congreve
2-5 May, Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford, more info here
A celebration of visual art is being hosted by Artform at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford this May Bank Holiday weekend. The program includes three events, including the opening event of ‘Bucolica’, which invites artists to delve into the serene and idyllic, while also encouraging a reflective examination of the historical and contemporary implications of humanity’s relationship with the landscape. There’s also a ‘Paint-out and Draw-along’ session with special guests, and a masterclass with artists Eamon Colman, Róisín Curé, Sinéad Lucey and Julie Cusack.
A Taste of Galway
Throughout May, various locations, more info here
Step into the vibrant world of A Taste of Galway, or ‘Blas Na Gaillimhe’, where food takes centre stage in a celebration of culture, community, and culinary excellence. From food enthusiasts to families seeking adventure – there’s something for everyone, including pop-up events, oyster tastings, farm visits, cheese-making demonstrations, seafood trails, distillery tours, foraging expeditions, beer masterclasses and wine pairings.
Dublin Street Photography Festival
3-6 May, Charlemont Square, more info here
The first ever Dublin Street Photography Festival features an extensive exhibition of work by a host of international and Irish photographers and offers lectures, workshops and guided photo walks over four days. An outdoor exhibition of work by top international street photographers will also run for the month of May within Charlemont Square.
Women On The Verge of HRT
Until 4 May, Gaiety Theatre, more info here
After a decade-long absence from the Dublin stage, Marie Jones’ hilarious comedy Women on the Verge of HRT is back with a reworked production promising to be a riot of laughter. Telling the story of two middle-aged women, Vera and Anna, as they head off to Donegal on a weekend away for the annual concert by their super-star idol, Daniel O’Donnell, they get more than they bargained for, and will leave you in hot flushes!
Happy Days Beer & Food Festival 2024
4-5 May, Rascals Brewery & Pizza Restaurant, Dublin, more info here
The Happy Days Beer & Food Festival returns for the May bank holiday weekend, bringing together world class breweries, spirits and cocktails, mouthwatering food vendors, the best DJs, and the guarantee of a great atmosphere. Your ticket includes a reusable pint cup and the offer of a free brewery tour, subject to availability.
Foodie Fest
4-5 May, Mountain View, Kilkenny, more info here
FoodieFest is a unique new event celebrating food for the mind, body and soul taking place in the spectacular surrounds of Mountain View, Kilkenny. On Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a four-course menu prepared by three Michelin-experienced MasterChef’s and overseen by Mountain View’s Executive Chef, and there are workshops and talks taking place over the weekend that are sure to pique your interest.
Brickyard’s ‘Cinco de Mayo’ brunch
4-5 May, Brickyard, Dublin, more info here
The annual global celebration of Mexican heritage ‘Cinco de Mayo’ is nearly upon us, and one of South Dublin’s favourite gastropubs, Brickyard, is going all out for a big, mouthwater Mexican brunch extravaganza. Expect an array of mouthwatering Mexican cuisine and Mexican drink specials that are sure to set your taste buds alight.
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
6-19 May, various locations, more info here
The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is a celebration of love, diversity, and creativity that brings together some of the best LGBTQ+ theatre talents from around the world. This year marks their 21st festival, and the lineup includes comedies, dramas, musicals, horrors and everything in between.
Culture Date with Dublin 8
8-12 May, around D8, more info here
Culture Date with Dublin 8 is a neighbourhood initiative, which celebrates Dublin 8’s rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage with over 80 specially curated events including talks, walks, markets, and concerts. This year’s programme offers an opportunity for everyone to explore the area’s rich history, including local landmarks, heritage sites, museums, iconic breweries, churches, and hidden treasures.
Irish Pop-up Collective
12 May, Royal Marine Hotel, Dublin, more info here
Building on the success of previous events, the Irish Pop-up Collective are set to make the upcoming summer event even more dynamic and inspiring for visitors. Featuring over 55 of the best in Irish lifestyle brands and businesses, this promises to be the biggest and best pop-up in Ireland. Expect the likes of Begley & Bowie, Capulet & Montague, Cleo Prickett, Dalkey Soaps, FAO Millinery, Kopper Kreation, Peelo Bags, Sock Coop and Úna Burke Leather.
Muldoon’s Picnic
13-17 May, Galway, Armagh, Wexford, Dublin, more info here
Featuring Paul Muldoon with special guests Glen Hansard, Roddy Doyle, Liz Nugent, Anne Enright, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Donal Ryan, Hugh Buckley, Sile Denvir, and many more, Muldoon’s Picnic returns for four dates nationwide throughout May. An omnium-gatherum of poetry, prose and music, Muldoon’s Picnic is a cabaret-style evening, by turns witty, exuberant, and sophisticated, hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon.
Dublin Dance Festival
14-25 May, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, more info here
Dublin Dance Festival’s 2024 edition presents a world of dance, showcasing thrilling, ground-breaking artistic voices that bring diverse identities, beliefs, histories, and perspectives. Asia’s leading contemporary dance company Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan is returning to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to open the 2024 Dublin Dance Festival with the exquisite and fantastical world of 13 Tongues.
Learn to meditation online with Moons Yoga
14, 15 & 21 May, online, more info here
Learn to meditate over three live training evenings online, as well as a pre-course, pre-recorded introductory talk which will completely equip you with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to meditate – anywhere, anytime, ongoing. This experiential approach will allow for ample Q&A with Sinéad Mooney to ensure you finish feeling fully confident in your ability to develop this transformative life long habit.
Ballymaloe Festival of Food
17-19 May, Ballymaloe, Cork, more info here
Ballymaloe Festival of Food celebrates every aspect of the journey of good food from the soil and sea to the plate, along with 60 years of Ballymaloe. World-class chefs from Ireland and beyond will travel to Cork for the inaugural festival, with cooking demos, pop-up dinners, talks, guided tours, walks, producers, craft exhibitors and activities.
Luke Kelly Festival
18-19 May, Smithfield Square, more info here
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the free family-friendly festival returns to Smithfield Square with a wide array of music, discussion, singalong-sessions, sport, arts and crafts and more in celebration of Dublin’s favourite son.
Funny Women
20 May, Whelan’s, Dublin, more info here
Funny Women are back with a new all-female standup comedy show headlined by Emma Doran. This night celebrates an array of the best Irish comedians on the scene right now from established household names to some of our brightest emerging talent, including DirtBird Sue Collins, Sinead Quinlan, author and broadcaster Barbara Scully and Aoife Dooley.
Sarah Browne: Buttercup
Running throughout May, Sirius Arts Centre, Cork, more info here
Artist Sarah Browne presents her latest body of work, Buttercup, a multi-layered film in the form of a poem that focuses on a particular photograph of a child, pictured on a farm with her father and her pet cow. The narrator explores the relationships implied in the photograph, between human and bovine behaviour, naming, domestication and wildness.
The IMAGE Business Club takes Cork
22 May, The Dean Hotel, Cork, more info here
The IMAGE Business Club takes to Cork city for an evening that digs deep into all things finance, health and career to find solutions for energy, security, progression and reward in our lives – both personal and professional. Join IMAGE contributing editor Melanie Morris as she chats with a panel of professionals made up of consultant endocrinologist and bestselling author Dr Mary Ryan, Financial advisor Carol Brick, and businesswoman Lisa Jordan.
Fastnet Film Festival
22-26 May, Schull, Cork, more info here
As part of Fastnet Film Festival, That They May Face The Rising Sun will be screened on the outdoor screen in the park in Schull, with an introduction from the Director Pat Collins. This multi award winning film is an adaptation of the final novel from John McGahern, one of Ireland’s greatest novelists, and captures a year in the life of a rural, lakeside community in Ireland in the 1970s.
Féile Binn Éadair: Trad Festival Howth
24-27 May, Howth, more info here
Comprising four headline shows and 27 free gigs across one weekend, Féile Binn Éadair is a (mostly) free Irish and traditional music festival in the fishing village of Howth. The full lineup includes Sharon Shannon, Kila, Scullion, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Billy Treacy and The Scope, Saltaire, Buíoch, Gatehouse, and many, many more.
CNW HipHop and R+B Brunch Party
25 May, Hyde Dublin, more info here
Summer Time Magic: Miami Summer Edition is right around the corner, so get ready to soak up the sun and feel the heat with this great Chicken N’ Waffles event. Dress to impress in your freshest summer attire; neutral tones, beachy whites, and laid-back elegance, because the Hyde rooftop will be the place to be on 25 May.
Street Feast 2024
25 & 26 May, across Ireland, more info here
An annual celebration of community spirit, Street Feast returns for another weekend of street parties and neighbourhood feasts across Ireland. Inviting you to get together with your neighbours, share some food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie this summer, you can organise your own feast at home, in your front garden, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks and community centres. You just have to register and you’ll receive a free party pack complete with bunting, posters, invites, stickers, and a DIY guide.
Richmond Barracks Summer Fair
27-28 May, Richmond Barracks, Dublin, more info here
Richmond Barracks are hosting a fair filled with crafts, fun and lots to do, including workshops, entertainment, and food to feast on while you browse the wares. Ranging from clothing and crafts to design and art, this fair will be showcasing upcycled gems and recycled treasures made by local businesses, artists and craftspeople.
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