Here are some of the many cultural events which are held throughout the year:

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Dooris

St. Patrick’s Festival

Festival of St. Patrick is annually held in Dublin (it was between 16th – 19th March this year). It is Ireland’s official national holiday and the celebration is full of parties, festive malls and night performances. But you will certainly not be bored elsewhere in the country! Almost every town and village organize celebrations of this day. During the festival you can stay in one of holiday homes in Dublin however the prices can be slightly increased.

Days of the Titanic

Easter Titanic Belfast Festival in Northern Ireland is dedicated to the famous ship that was constructed in Belfast and lasts for the whole week. The festival has a busy schedule, including special exhibitions and tours through many places where the Titanic came into the world. (31st March – 19th May 2012)

Waterways Ireland Fishing Festival

The main point of the most important fishing event called Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival is the race in classic fishing, which is annually attended by over 300 participants. It is held in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (30th April – 4th May 2012).

Writers’ Week

It is one of the world’s most respected literary festivals dedicated to writers, lectures and seminars held in Listowel, Ireland. (30th May – 3rd June 2012)

Summer horse racing

The Galway Horse Races are held in Ballybrit, Galway (30th July – 5th August 2012) and are known worldwide for its quality and exciting atmosphere.

The World Fleadh

The World Fleadh (August 2012) is considered the largest festival of Irish music. You can see concerts of artists from around the world, international competitions, or great Irish dance with the largest group throughout Ireland. There are also a number of alternative street performances.

International Festival of oysters

In Hillsborough town, in Northern Ireland you can participate in unique event called Hillsborough Oyster Festival (6th – 9th September 2012), which is known for great entertainment and excellent food.

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Positano, Campania, Italy by Stefano Costantini

Positano is one of the world’s most beautiful resorts and, of course, one of the most expensive. The most renowned beaches here are sandy beaches Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia Fornillo. There is also the rocky beach Scogliera. Of course you can do a wide range of activities here. The most popular is the diving and surfing. However the area is suitable for hiking as well. During the summer season Positano holds many festivals and celebrations. Among the most significant is the celebration of the landing Saraceno – “Festa di Santa Assunta” or Festival of Dance – “Premio Positano“.

The city was an important port during the 16th and 17th centuries, but later in the 19th century many people moved out and those remaining lived very poorly. Around the year of 1950 a poor fishing village has been discovered again and opened to a new and lucrative industry. Today the inhabitants live solely from tourism. Currently Positano has around 4,000 inhabitants.

Positano, Campania, Italy by Jensens

There are several sights that you can find here, but visitors are coming here mainly for romantic sunsets. One of the best ways to enjoy a sunset is sitting on the beach with a glass of Limoncello.

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The oldest monument in Orvieto from the Etruscan period are remnants of the temple Tempio del Belvedere. Impressive is also the Etruscan Necropolis located under the Orvieto rock. The most representative medieval sight is Duomo from the late 13 century. From modern monuments there is a well Pozzo di San Patrizio.

In Orvieto local residents still maintain their traditions. Almost in every part of the year, there are held various cultural events and celebrations. Every year in mid-May, there is for example the Festa della Palombella – celebrations established by noble family already in the 15th century. There is also Palio dell’Oca – competition established by noble families. At the beginning of October you can attend celebrations Orvieto con gusto, where you can taste their typical products.

The famous products are olive oil and excellent wines, red, white or rose.

View Orvieto – the city of artistic and architectural treasures and wine traditions in Italy in a larger map

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