4 Best Performing Arts in The Southwest, Ireland

Language is no barrier to the supremely colorful entertainment offered by this theater, which re-creates traditional rural life through music, folk theater, and dance. There are nightly shows May to September, with year-round visual arts exhibitions and less frequent evening shows.

Big names and beginners rub shoulders at this major event on the Irish literary calendar, which takes over the small North Kerry town for five days in late May and early June. Workshops for all levels combine with readings and panel discussions with national and international writers, cultural tours, and prize-giving events, including the National Poetry Award.

Expect big crowds at one of Ireland's oldest fairs—it celebrated its 405th year in 2018. It's held over three days starting August 10 in the streets of Killorglin. On day one, a goat is crowned King Puck, and horses are traded in the traditional manner. All three days feature street stalls, a fun fair (midway), and free entertainment, including traditional music and dancing.

The town of Tralee is en fête for five days in mid-August with street theater, parades, fireworks, and big-name concerts. The highlight is a televised two-evening show in which young women from the Irish diaspora compete for the title of Rose, as they have done since 1959, with few concessions to changing times.