4 Best Performing Arts Venues in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands, Ireland

Ennis comes alive with the beat of the bodhrán for eight days at the end of May in one of Ireland's greatest traditional music festivals. It offers workshops, concerts, trad sessions, parades, and street performances, as well as the opportunity to mix with locals.

Book ahead to avoid staying in the periphery.

Kinvara's Cruinniú na mBád, meaning "the gathering of the boats," in late August commemorates a time when the Galway hookers—red-sailed, black-hulled timber boats—hauled turf to trade in Galway. It's a great opportunity to see restored craft in all their glory and remember a time gone by.

Held in September in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna in the Burren, Europe's largest matchmaking fest is a monthlong festival of music, dancing, craic, and—if you're lucky—love. 

Known as the place where shady deals took place between politicians and developers during the boom times, the Galway Races is a high-profile event that brings the city to a standstill and brings out all of Ireland's aspiring socialites, horse-racing enthusiasts, and ostentatious hats. Room rates skyrocket around this festival so plan accordingly.