Another May Bank Holiday Weekend is upon us here in Ireland – and all of us working folk is really looking forward to a bit of a longer break. I personally have nothing planned yet…you never know what the weather will be like, so I will probably be doing some last minute planning, as usual. But I have heard that there are people out there who are planning their May Bank Holiday activities already – so I thought, I’d do us all a favour and have a look at what is happening on the Emerald Isle between May 4th and 7th! Here is what I came across:

Féile na Bealtaine Arts Festival, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Date: 03 May 2012 To 07 May 2012

For all of those of you with an artistic streak, this might just be the right festival for you!The gorgeous town of Dingle celebrates it’s bilingual culture and traditions at the annual Féile na Bealtaine Arts Festival… for the 18th time that is! The central theme of this year’s festival is Tom Crean’s Antarctic Explorations, which is meant to be, as you can read on the official website, “an event that promises to broaden and extend your horizons”. Sounds interesting, right?! There will also be a parade on Sunday, the 6th of May. Be prepared for some amazing costumes and props! So, make sure not to miss it and enjoy a weekend of art, literature, music, drama, dance and much more.You can find out more here: http://feilenabealtaine.ie/home/
Looking for a place to stay? Check out Tralee Bay Holiday Homes

Connemara Mussel Festival, Renvyle Peninsula, Connemara
Date: 04 May 2012 To 06 May 2012
This one is for all you foodies – especially those that can’t say no to delicious fresh mussels farmed in Killary Harbour. Yummy! So what can you expect? First of all, one of the most beautiful locations in the country! The Renvyle Peninsula is simply stunning. A must-visit place to put on your bucketlist – with or without the mussels. But back to the festival: There will be music, craic, mussel cooking competitions, walks, talks, theatre and children’s activities. In short, a whole lot to do. You can download the full programme here.
Need a place to stay? Renvyle Thatched Cottages are located in Tullycross, on the Renvyle Peninsula. Think of that bucketlist of yours!
To learn more about the festival, click here: www.connemaramusselfestival.com

Maritime Matters Festival, Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford
Date: 05 May 2012 To 07 May 2012
The Maritime Matters Festival brings a whole lot of excitement to the sunny South East. This is another festival which is held in an amazing location – at the well-known Hook Lighthouse. I have never been ther myself (which is a bit embarrasing after over 5 years of living and working in Ireland) but it is on the very top of my “Things-to-see-and-Do-List”! I might even go there this May Bank Holiday Weekend…. The Maritime Festival is a real family event with a lot to see and do for old and young. There will be an Irish Coastguard rescue showcase, a teddy bear picnic, a crafts market, cookery demonstrations, medievel knights shows and much more. Oh, and nnot to forget the “Republic of Ireland Strongest Man competition” on Sunday, the 6th of May! (for us ladies!!!). You can find out more here. I hope I will see you there
If you need a family-friendly place to stay in the area, check out the Rosslare Beach Villas!

Rally of the Lakes, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Date: 04 May 2012 To 06 May 2012
Last but not least, a bit more testosterone-laden event: The Rally of the Lakes, a “Tarmac Championship Battle” as they call it. From a woman’s point of view, there will be great cars with hard men in them speeding around Killarney, well actually Molls Gap, Beallaghbeama, Caragh Lake and Shanera on Saturday and Molls Gap, the HealyPass, Cods Head and Ardgroom with the final stage at Killmackillogue on Sunday. So grab your men and bring them to Killarney! You can find more information here: http://www.rallyofthelakes.com/index.html
The Killanrey Lakeland Cottages are the perfect place to stay when visiting the area!
Here is a nice little video to give you an idea of what awaits you there:

So this is it, these are my own personal highlights of the May Bank Holiday Weekend. I hope you got some inspiration out of this. Have a great, long (and hopefully sunny) May Bank Holiday Weekend!