Ireland's festivals in 2009 promise a delight for nearly everyone ..
Temple Bar Trad Fest - January 28th to February 1st
Traditional Music in Dublin's "bohemian quarter" (or "party ground zero") ... this year featuring Paddy, Seamus and Kevin Glackin, Paddy Keenan and Tommy O’Sullivan as well as Solas - plus a supporting cast of thousands (or so).
More information at the Temple Bar Trad Fest website.
City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival - April 30th to Mat 3rd
There's more to this than just jazz - blues, soul and dance music also make an appearance. Maybe too mainstream for some enthusiasts. 2009 sees Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as headliners, as well as legend Elkie Brooks.
More information at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.
Live at the Marquee - June and July - Cork City
Not a festival as such, but a series of concerts at the Cork venue - with something for everyone (mainly for the older generation at times). Hop over to see a range of artists from Air Supply to The Prodigy, from Rod Steward to Gilbert O'Sullivan, with Shayne Ward, Josh Ritter and Kasabian thrown in for good measure.
More information at www.aikenpromotions.com.
Elton John at Thomond Park - June 6th - Limerick
How many candles will get snuffed in the wind?
Take That at Croke Park - June 13th - Dublin
Will Robbie be there?
Oasis at Slane Castle - June 20th - Slane Castle (Co. Meath)
Britpop legends Oasis are joined by firestarters The Prodigy for a memorable night on the banks of the River Boyne.
More information at Lord Mountcharles' website.
AC/DC at Punchestown Racecourse - June 28th - Punchestown (Co. Kildare)
For those about to rock ... we salute you!
Oxegen - July 10th to 12th - Punchestown (Co. Kildare)
Commercial and rough - basically a rock festival with an "alternative" label but run by "the man". Huge area to get lost in. The 2009 line-up includes big names such as the Killers, Kings of Leon, Blur, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Keane, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Lily Allen, Manic Street Preachers, Pet Shop Boys and Scotland's finest ... Glasvegas.
Tickets for Oxegen '09 will set you back by € 244.50 (full ticket including camping). The good news: prices have not gone up from 2008 and the organizers have introduced a system whereby you can put down a deposit and then pay in instalments, at no extra cost.
More information at www.oxegen.ie.
Electric Picnic - September 4th to 6th - Stradbally Castle (Co. Laois)
Ireland's "Boutique Festival" that lost a bit of its novelty appeal and seems to cater for the "in-crowd" more than other festivals.
More information at the the Electric Picnic website.
Coldplay in the Phoenix Park - September 14th - Dublin
Could get cold ...
