Vacation in Ireland, could be a unique experience. Its rich culture, unexplored landscape, historic castles and hundreds of festivals round the year, makes it one of the favorite location for visitors and backpackers alike. The country celebrates some of the unique festivals that you are less likely to find in other countries. Furthermore, some of these traditions can be traced back to over 100 years. However, it is not possible for visitors to get the full experience of all festivals; so, the article has narrowed it down to the top 5 most interesting and unique festivals of Ireland.

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival

This is one of the most popular and creative festivals in Ireland. It is held for a week, typically in the month of August. The festival includes vintage parade, visual arts, pub entertainment, live music, fireworks, old-time fair, art, craft market and a lot more.

It is one of Ireland's longest running festivals that attracts thousands of attendees from around the world. For the week, the festival makes way for numerous bed and breakfast in Birr as well as top luxury hotels in Birr to make space for the visitors.

The 'Bloomsday' Festival in Dublin

James Joyce fans celebrate 16th June as Bloomsday in the memory of his novel, Ulysses. The festival's name comes from the protagonist 'Leopold Bloom' who gets into an unusual turn of events on an ordinary day of 16th June 1904. The festival is a commemoration of Leopold Bloom's life and thoughts. The novel is also set in Dublin.

Every year, people dress-up like their favorite characters and take part in activities such a book reading, tour of significant places and performances from professionals. If you're a fan of James Joyce or love modern classics; this is something you shouldn't miss.

The 'Puck Fair' in Killorglin, County Kerry

Also called as 'Aonach an Phoic'; it is one of Ireland's oldest annual fair. The tradition is believed to be still original, as it was 400 years ago. Every year, people capture a wild goat from the mountains and bring it to the city. 'Queen of Puck' - A schoolgirl, crowns the goat as the 'King Puck' and the festival begins. It is commonly celebrated with fireworks, dance performances, music sessions and storytelling for 3 days. The pubs stay open till 3:00 AM during the festival. It begins on the 10th of August.

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare

This is Europe's biggest matchmaking festival, which attracts over 60,000 people from around the world. September is the peak month of this holiday season, when bachelors flock to Lisdoonvarna in search of wives. Willie Daly - the current matchmaker, has helped many bachelors and spinsters find their love. The matchmakers have unique match making skills, which are passed down through generations. The tradition is over 150 years old and anyone can take part in the festival.

It is one of the most popular food festivals of Ireland; held annually on the last weekend of September. This is a must visit for gourmets, as it gives them the opportunity to test seafoods in Galway's popular restaurants.

The festival also includes a number of events such as the Oyster Olympics, the World Oyster Opening Championship, live music, beauty contest, Mardi Gras style Gala event with champagne and more. It brings over 2 Million Euro to the local economy.

The Galway International Oyster Festival in Galway

Author's Bio:

Dooly's Hotel stands in Emmet Square, the very centre of Georgian Birr. The hotel is one of the oldest coaching inns in the country dating back to 1747 and now enjoys the status of being a 3 star hotel.

Dooly's Hotel Emmet Square, BirrCounty Offaly, Ireland.Tel: 057-91 20032 Fax:057-91 21332email: reservations@doolyshotel.comor info@doolyshotel.com

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