Dublin City Soul Festival
24th – 27th May 2012
This four day festival is a celebration of music, art, food and fun which is now in its 6th year. It will feature performances from top soul performers, the Soul Food Restaurant Trail in association with Bridgestone Food Guides as well as comedy, films, art, photography and much more.

Comedy Ha Ha
25th January – 19th December 2012
This ongoing show at ‘The Venue’, which is part of part of the Mercantile Bar features regular performances of the improvised show by ‘The Princes of Lagos’ plus stand-up acts from the best of comedians including Gearoid Farrelly, Damian Clark and David McSavage.

Dublin Writers Festival
4th – 10th June 2012
Readings, discussions, debates, and workshops are among the highlights of this festival which attracts  some of the world’s finest writers. Poets, playwrights, novelists, fiction and non-fiction as well as children’s writing and Irish language writing is well represented. It has been described as “the country’s most successful and easily the best annual literary event”.

Taste of Dublin
14th – 17th June 2012 at Iveagh Gardens, Dublin.
The seventh year of this successful food festival is being launched this year by celebrated chef Jamie Oliver who also gives a cooking demonstration. Dublin’s best restaurants are represented and there will be tips from many of the country’s top chefs. A culinary experience and heaven for over 30,000 foodies who will attend.

The Dublin James Joyce Festival
11th – 23rd June 2012 at The New Theatre Essex Street
Various adaptations of Joyces work include Raising ‘The Dead’ , audio tour of No 15 Usher’s Island – the setting for Joyce’s short story The Dead; Songs of Joyce performed by Sinead Murphy & Darina Gallagher; The Full Bloom Cabaret, a performance of Molly Bloom’s soliloquy; Murderers, Hawkers and Jumpers real-life cases in Ulysses; A Portrait of the Artist, a reading of Tony Chesterman’s adaptation; and much more.

The St Patrick’s Festival will be celebrated around the country from the 16th to the 19th of March 2012. This is the largest celebration of everything that makes Ireland special. Street performers, competitions, song, dance and live music are just some of the events to look forward to in Dublin. The festival incorporates Ireland’s national day on the 17th of March (St Patrick’s Day), when musicians and teams of performers walking or riding on floats will begin the main parade at midday. They will depart from Parnell Square and make their way up O’Connell Street, then Dame Street, to reach their final destination of  Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Visitors to Dublin for these events can find good deals for Dublin hotels and Dublin B&B here.

The Dublin Pride Festival truly is a festival for everyone. It doesn’t matter if attendees and participants are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, know someone who is or just want to open their mind – they are welcome here. Song, dance, poetry, performance and a range of contests and competitions mean that everyone will be entertained, regardless of their orientation. The highlight is the Post Parade Party, which has featured international musicians in the past. This year’s Dublin Pride Festival will run from the 17th to the 26th of June 2012, with the Dublin Pride Parade (one of the biggest Irish parades) taking place on the 25th.

This will be the year that Dublin, as the City of Science 2012, showcases all that it has to offer in science, arts and culture at ESOF 2012. The Euroscience Open Forum is the biggest science conference in Europe and is taking place in Dublin from the 11th to the 15th of July. To mark this auspicious occasion, more than 160 events with a science theme shall be held throughout the year around Ireland. These include an eclectic mix of exhibitions, stage productions, movies, walking tours, lectures and much, much more. The aim is to create an interest in science, and encourage those with an interest in science to make new discoveries.

In August 2012, an estimated 100 Tall Ships will sail into Dublin, the Final Host Port. They are all participants in the annual Tall Ships Race, a global event that concludes with the Tall Ships Festival. This will take place in the Dublin Docklands from the 23rd to the 26th of August, when the public will be welcome to explore the participating ships. They will also be entertained by street performers, concerts, competitions, water sports and a host of other events to look forward to. It is expected to be one of the biggest Irish festivals this year.

The peaceful surroundings of the 4 Star Ardilaun Hotel will ensure that you return home from your break refreshed and restored. Wander around the magnificent lawns or work out in the leisure centre, complete with gym and 18 metre pool – it’s up to you. It is ideally situated between Galway Bay and the centre of Galway, making it perfect accommodation for conferences or as a base when attending one of the many events and festivals on the Galway social calendar. For half a century the Ryan family has been welcoming visitors and ensuring that the hotel’s traditional standard of service is maintained.

Visitors can find the best deals for hotels in Galway at Galway HotelReservations. Galway self catering is a good option for groups and families.

At the 4 Star Galway Bay Hotel, nothing has been overlooked when designing and decorating the bright and stylish guestrooms. Whether you want joining rooms for a family, or use a wheelchair, there is an exceptionally comfortable room to suit you. Free wi-fi and newspapers, television, kettle, trouser press, phone, hairdryer and 24 hour room service all come as standard, ensuring that where you sleep is also your own personal retreat.

Located in the beautiful village surroundings of Claregalway, on the border of Galway city, the award winning Claregalway Hotel provides ideal accommodation for those who want to explore all that the west of Ireland has to offer. Connemara is within easy reach as a destination for a day tour, while Salthill and the vibrant city centre are also easily accessible. Galway Airport and all major routes are also nearby. The 48 luxurious ensuite guestrooms are all complete with power shower, air conditioning and plasma TV, making this one of the best hotels in the county.

Not only does the 4 star Connemara Coast Hotel provide the ultimate in luxury, it is ideally situated, as it looks out over Galway Bay yet is only 10 minutes by car from the city centre. The warm and welcoming atmosphere are matched by the stylish and luxurious surroundings, with relaxing lounges, gourmet eateries, leisure facilities andbars. As one would expect from a hotel of this calibre, the impeccably appointed guestrooms provide scenic views of Galway Bay, while also providing all the luxurious conveniences as standard that the discerning business or pleasure traveller would expect. Here, there is only one aim – to ensure that your stay is a memorable one.

The 2 star Abbey Hotel is an elegant hotel in Dublin’s city centre. A full choice of complimentary facilities can be found in all of its attractive en-suite bedrooms. It also houses The Black Abbot, on three floors, and the Abbey Hotel restaurant, which offers an eclectic mix of Irish and world dishes on its selection of menus. The shopping precincts of O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Henry Street are all nearby. The Garden of Remembrance, GPO, Christchurch and Trinity College are just some of the many attractions to be found nearby.

For over 70 years the Lucan Spa Hotel, located on the N4 motorway at Junction 4A, has been charming customers and acting as a gateway to both Dublin City and Dublin Airport. Its copper roof tower has made it a landmark. This refurbished hotel now has satellite television and Wireless Internet / Wi-Fi access in all of its 70 well appointed en-suite bedrooms, in addition to banquet and conference rooms with a capacity of up to 600. The Earl Bistro is open during the day to serve top quality food, and in the evening the Hanora D restaurant will cater to all of your culinary needs. Alternatively, one can have a quiet, relaxed drink in The Ballyneety Bar, situated in the oldest part of the hotel.

Ideally situated in the pretty village of Chapelizod is the West County Hotel, now providing a friendly welcome for over 40 years. This warm and friendly family run establishment is a stone’s throw from the Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest. It is locally famous for its great value, with 50 guestrooms, comprising a mix of very comfortable single, double, twin and family rooms. Of utmost priority is the comfort of their guests; their duvets and pillows are specially designed to ensure a good night’s sleep. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.

The West County Hotel is also in a magnificent location, as although it is just 6 km from the city centre, with everything that a visitor could wish for in the way of entertainment, food, culture, history and shopping, the Phoenix Park is an easily accessible escape from this cosmopolitan hive of activity when one needs some peace and quiet. Its West Dublin location beside the N4 also opens up the possibilities for exploration to be found in the West of Ireland, and its proximity to both the M50 (Junction 7) and Heuston Station means the visitor can quickly venture to attractions all over greater Dublin, such as the beaches of Donabate and Rush and Ardgillan Castle, amongst countless others.

Check here for cheap Dublin hotels

Temple Bar might be well known as the melting pot of culture and stag parties, but do some exploring on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll find the Temple Bar Market, hidden in a small plaza. The home baked produce never fails to attract lovers of food, who gather to chat to the stall owners. There are many attractions of course, but one of the biggest is John Mac’s stall, selling just opened oysters. Harvested just the previous day off Co Clare, they are best served with a slice of brown soda bread and some chilled white wine. Other delights to be found include smoked mackerel, courtesy of Frank Hedermann from Co Clare, apple juice from David Llewellyn, Hicks venison sausages, and homemade orange and rum breakfast cake from Nóirín’s Bakehouse of Wexford.

Durrus, Coolea, Gubbeen or Milleen’s, St Tola’s creamy goat’s cheese or a crumbly Cashel Blue are just some of the treats to be found in Sheridan’s Cheesemongers. Their specialty is Irish goat’s cheese with a slice of apple and an oat cake. Established 20 years ago by the Sheridan brothers in Galway, this shop now also sells a variety of European cheeses and olive oils. Its knowledgeable staff offer tasting samples that are very difficult to resist.

Capel Street may be the home of adult shops and pet supply stores, but it is also home to Wolfes Irish Artisan Bistro. True food lovers will welcome their commitment to serving simple, yet top quality, Irish food at prices accessible to everyone. This bistro has succeeded at pairing the best of traditional fare with new ideas, resulting in a memorable gastronomic experience. The relaxed surroundings will ensure that an evening spent here is one to remember.

In the basement food hall of Avoca on Suffolk Street, you’ll find delicious takeaway food such as their prized potato cakes and soups. Regulars will agree that the pies and salads are Avoca staples. In the head store of the Pratt family handweavers, spread over four floors, one is always guaranteed to enjoy top quality, modern Irish food. The restaurant, situated on the top floor, serves exquisite dishes such as field mushroom soup, their sell out rillette of duck with crusty bread and creamy fish pie. Their trusted local suppliers ensure that only the best Avoca loveliness reaches its shelves.

The Taoiseach said businesses in sectors where the new lower VAT rates apply will be “failing Ireland” if they did not pass the reductions on to consumers. Mr Kenny said the Government would have “very, very strident discussions” with businesses which fail to cut prices.

Sales tax on restaurants, hotels, cinemas, newspapers and tourism-related activities was reduced from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent and Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar described it an important initiative in the Government’s jobs strategy and warned tourism businesses that the VAT reduction may not be extended beyond next year unless they pass on the benefits to consumers.
“This is an opportunity to really save many industries but also to build an indigenous economy that will create jobs and provide growth and opportunities for people.”

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said that the benefits had to be passed on to consumers in order to boost tourism and create jobs.

The measure is estimated to cost the exchequer €120 million this year and €350 million in a full year.

Mr Varadkar admitted businesses could not be forced to reduce their overall prices on foot of the VAT reduction, though they were obliged to reduce the rate of tax they charged but he said he expected the vast majority of tourism operators to deliver lower prices for their customers.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland announced that it had instructed its members to pass on the benefits of the change to customers.

Fast food chain McDonald’s, which has 78 outlets in Ireland, said the price of products such as a Big Mac meal would fall by 25 cent.

The Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, said its members had also been advised to pass on the savings. He said the organisation was pleased tourism was at the centre of Government plans for growth and recovery.

Although this VAT reduction will have just a small effect on prices it is very much welcomed in addition to other cost saving measures including the restructuring of wage rates, possible lowering of Local Authority charges, changes in rent legislation and other factors and it is essential that prices to the consumer reflect the cost reduction.

Prices in Dublin Hotels have already been falling and it is hoped that this new initiative will help to reduce prices further. Restaurants including Dublin restaurants have not experienced quite as dramatic a fall in prices so far.

One of the benefits of the worldwide economic downturn (from the point of view of the traveller) is the reduction in hotel prices all over the world. Dublin has become quite competitive in this regard making it a more attractive destination  than previously.

There is also downward pressure on restaurant prices and there is some evidence that eating out has also become cheaper and there is some prospect of further reductions if rent legislation is amended as expected. Many restaurants are offering special prices, early bird menus etc.

Many good accommodation deals can be got on hotel booking websites including Dublin Overnight. Check for your selected dates and find many hotels offering midweek specials, price reductions, offers of 2 nights B&B plus evening meal etc.

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival 2011 03 May 2011 – 16 May 2011
The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival celebrates the great contribution of gay people to theatre down through the years.
The Festival was founded in 2004 on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde and emphasizes new or recent works with a gay theme or relevance. This Festival draws a large attendance from Ireland and all around the world.

Dublin Dance Festival 13 May 2011 -28 May 2011
Dublin Dance Festival is dedicated to presenting contemporary dance from around the world. It offers a diverse programme of performance, films, talks, master classes, workshops and outdoor events at several venues around the city centre.
One of the highlights is the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s Songs of the Wanderers, in the Grand Canal Theatre Dublin for one night only on May 26th.
There will be a major focus on Asian choreographers and will also offer the work of many artists from Ireland, Europe and North America.

UEFA Europa League Final 18 May 2011 Venue: Aviva Stadium
Dublin will host its first major European club final on Wednesday 18 May 2011 at the Aviva Stadium. over 50.000 football fans will se two of the top European clubs battle for this coveted trophy.

The Carling Nations Cup 23 May 2011 – 27 May 2011 Venue: Aviva Stadium
The Carling Nations Cup will be the first senior international tournament played in Ireland. There will be six matches between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Monday May 23: Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
Tuesday May 24: Wales v Scotland
Thursday May 26: Wales v Northern Ireland
Friday May 27: Republic of Ireland v Scotland

* “The rugged beauty of the island and its historic past enchant me.”
* “I have family there. But I also love being out in the country, rambling around, exploring megalithic sites, and having tea in small shops. Love it all.”
* “Beer, castles, lush landscapes, and small enough to explore via bicycle or car.”
* “Love the scenery, love the people. Had an excellent time when I was last there, but need more time.”
* “A magical destination in nearly every way.”

Also, Ireland was rated as the Most Popular Destination of 2010 at a travel awards ceremony in Shanghai. World Travel Awards is organised by the Oriental Morning Post, a daily newspaper with about 400,000 readers. The winners are voted by the paper’s readers as well as travel experts from around China. This is good news for the Irish tourism industry which has seen a sharp decline in visitors to the country over the past few years. The number of visitors to Ireland fell to a record low in 2010.
Susan Li of Tourism Ireland said she was confident the honour would further enhance the reputation of the country and help to attract more visitors from China.
Tourism Ireland also picked up an award for the Most Creative Destination by The Global Times at the Most Popular Outbound Destinations Awards 2010 in Beijing.

Dublin Overnight says: The popularity of Ireland in China and elsewhere could mean many more tourists to Ireland but the issuing of tourist visas to travellers from Asia should be made easier and faster as difficulties in obtaining visas is often cited as an obstacle to Asians coming here on vacation.