To find out more about Irish music, culture, arts and heritage go to:
Culture & Society – Living In Ireland
From action-packed adventures to rejuvenating retreats, Ireland’s got something for everyone.
Entertainment.ie covers events around the country, such as music gigs, plays, cinema releases and festivals.
Going to the cinema is a popular thing to do in Ireland. The busiest times are usually at the weekend. Many cinemas will offer discounted rates for daytime shows, or evening shows during weekdays. More Information
There is a comprehensive directory of professional drama, dance and opera in Ireland.
Live music is an integral part of Irish social life. In most places around the country, there will be live music events taking place – be they a spontaneous Irish music ‘session’ in a local pub or a major international artist playing in one of the fine music venues to which Ireland is home. More information
There are a number of different kinds of festivals on throughout the year in Ireland.
Discover the remains of prehistoric tombs. Imagine the thrill of defending a castle. Wander through medieval halls. Soak up the serenity of historic gardens and the splendour of great estates. The Heritage Ireland website gives a guide to historical attractions throughout Ireland, by region.
Pubs and bars are quite popular places to hang out in Ireland, either for a casual meet-up with a friend, a night out for a celebration, or after a hard day at work or college.
There are around 7,000 pubs in Ireland, so you’ll find one near to you. Some pubs will have impromptu traditional Irish music/singing sessions.
The average price of a pint of beer is €5, but is usually more expensive in cities.
Pubs usually have no entrance fee, but clubs may have an entry fee that you can typically pay as you enter.
Opening Hours
Pubs/Bars
Nightclubs: around 02.30
Off-licence (including supermarkets): alcohol can be sold at these hours:
Children (under 15) cannot enter a pub unaccompanied by parent/guardian.
Children (15–17) are allowed in the bar unaccompanied, but cannot be served/consume alcohol.
Both must leave the premises by 21:00 (22:00 between 1 May and 30 September), unless they are attending a private function at which a substantial meal is served.
As a sporting nation, Ireland has a wide range of sporting options. More information
Hurling (men) and Camogie (women) are stick-and-ball games, with 15 players on a team. One point is awarded for hitting the ball over the crossbar, and three points for hitting it into the goal.
Gaelic football (men) and Ladies Gaelic Football (women) are similar to Australian Rules football, in that players can kick the ball, bounce it, carry it, and pass it. Each team has 15 players, and a ball over the crossbar scores 1 point, with a ball in the goal scoring 3 points.
Rugby, soccer, basketball and golf are also popular sports to play and watch in Ireland. There are many local clubs you can choose to take part in.
Ireland offers a whole host of activities and outdoor pursuit options for the adventurous and active minded. There are plenty of adventure centres around Ireland offering opportunities for you to get active and get outdoors. More information
Cycling Ireland provides information on biking clubs, and provides tips on trails to ride.
Walking is the perfect way to see the beautiful landscape of Ireland. Irish Trails has many walks throughout Ireland listed on their site – by county, difficulty level and length. You can also look at suitable cycling trails. Mountaineering Ireland offers membership, events and advice on hillwalking, rock climbing and mountaineering.
Youth clubs are safe, enjoyable and welcoming places where young people can socialise.
If you are new to an area, they are a great place to hang out, meet new friends, get involved in activities and have a voice.
Contact your Local Youth Organisations or Youth Information Centre to find out more about your local youth clubs/group.
Join your local library – it provides wonderful facilities and services, and it’s free to join.
University or College Card: Your student card from college or university can also be used to avail of student discounts and savings. So, you should get used to asking if there’s a student discount, no matter where you go – clothes, tickets, food…
European Youth Card: You don’t have to be a student to get the card. It’s available to all young people under the age of 31 or 26, depending on your country. The card is usually valid for one year and the price varies from country to country. Check out the card in your country and don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local card office to find out more. The card offers discounts on travel, food, clothing and more.
ISIC Ireland | Get Discounts Today: Offers students in secondary and third level education a wide variety of benefits, covering all areas of entertainment, leisure, sports and travel. The card is recognised by shops, universities, academic institutions, national governments, and ministries of education around the world.
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Erasmus+ is managed in Ireland by Léargas and the Higher Education Authority.
