IRELAND
 |
Bloomsday in Dublin. [June] The James Joyce Centre, 35 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 00353 1- 8788547. The James Joyce Museum, Joyce Tower, Sandycove, Co Dublin. Tel/Fax: 00353 1- 2809265.
BLOOMSDAY marks the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. It is celebrated every year on 16th June by Joyceans all over the world. In Dublin, where the novel is set, Bloomsday celebrations go on for a week, with most of the attention on the day itself. It is traditional to dress up and go out for the day, visiting the locations of the book and taking part in readings, walks, re-enactments and convivial activities of all sorts which in some way connect with Ulysses, its author and its world. As an occasion rather than a festival, Bloomsday has no ‘official’ programme or organising committee. Events are arranged by a number of different bodies and occur at venues in and around the city. 
 |
Doonbeg International Jazz Festival. [June] Doonbeg, Co Clare, Ireland. Tel: 0035365 9055039.
Festival of swing, Dixie and Jazz held over whit-weekend (2nd-5thJune 2006).Weekend of fun, international bands, all performances free.
 |
Wexford Hooves n Grooves Festival. [July] Ardara Annexe, Spawell Road, Wexford, Ireland. Contact: Senan O'Reilly. Tel: 003 053 44634. Mobile Number: 086 2427981
Well established festival in Wexford town with quality music trail, street theatre, horse-racing and markets.
WORLD SHEEP DOG TRIALS World Sheep Dog Trials. [July] Event Location: Charleville Estate, Tullamore, County Offaly. Trial Office: Esker House, Patrick Street, Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. Tel: 0506 23272 or 0506 23891. Fax: 0506 23258. In 1873 the first recorded sheep dog trials were held in Bala, North Wales, but it was not until 33 years later that the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was formed, following a meeting of English and Scottish sheepmen in 1906. Shortly afterwards the first International Trials were held in Gullane, Scotland and, except during the war years, have continued to be an annual event.
