Here’s your alternative event guide for the 25th – 29th July, formerly known as the Garth-Brooks-5-night-Croke-Park-extravaganza.
If musical theatre is your thing, New Jersey Nights is on at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre from Friday 18th July to Saturday 2nd August. The show is a celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
If you’re looking for The Time Of [Your] Life, Dirty Dancing is on at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre until 26th July.
The 20th anniversary production of Riverdance runs at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin until 31st August.
If comedy is your thing, the Vodafone Comedy Festival runs at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin from 24th – 27th July. Dara O'Briain, Russell Howard, Trevor Noah, Milton Jones, Jason Manford, David O’Doherty, Maeve Higgins, Jason Byrne, Stewart Francis and Neil Delamere are among the comedians performing.
After its festival weekends in Dublin (last weekend) and Cork (this weekend), Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular continues with various events around Dublin city until 27th July. Events include walking tours, a Mario kart tournament and a night of dinner and dancing.
Giddy Up! The Galway Races kick off on Monday 28th July and run till 3rd August. The 7 days of the Summer Races promise top racing, fabulous fashion and an electric atmosphere.
Get on your bike! For family fun, head to Cork for the 7th annual Cork Cycling Festival from 19th – 27th July – celebrating all things bicycle.
For a bit of culture, visit Galway for its International Arts Festival - 14th to 27th July.
Then head north for a bit of music. The Sligo Jazz Project takes place from 22nd to 27th July and offers workshops, ensemble classes, jam sessions and everything jazz, from traditional to experimental.
Follow in the steps of Moone Boy and visit Boyle for Co. Roscommon's biggest festival, featuring cultural events and workshops for all ages. Runs from 24th July to 2nd August.
For a night out, Sharon Shannon plays the INEC - Gleneagle Hotel, Co. Kerry on Friday 25th July, Aslan plays the INEC - Gleneagle Hotel, Co. Kerry on Saturday 26th July and Van Morrison plays Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th July.
Garth who?
