TASTE the delectable local cuisine on offer at Dingle’s food and wine festival taking place 30 September to 2 October. Throughout the festival local and national chefs will provide cookery demonstrating on how best to use your natural ingredients. A taste trail will allow visitors to sample a vast variety of mouthwatering foods on menus in all local pubs and restaurants. There will be lots of entertainment – including opening and closing parties, kid’s entertainment, live music and a food and wine market. Tickets for the taste trail will cost €22. For more information, see www.dinglefood.com

VISIT Europe’s oldest traditional horse fair as the annual Ballinasloe horse fair and festival, takes place in Ballinasloe from 2 October to 9 October. The event attracts over 80,000 people from all over the world. The fair will have a number of equestrian competitions and will be showcasing some of Ireland’s finest horses. There will also be a food and craft market, kid’s craft competitions, baking competitions, a dog show and a monster firework exhibition starting at 8.30pm on Friday 9 October. This is a free event. For more information see, www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com or call 087 442 1561.

IMMERSE yourself in the world of dance, theatre, music and art at this year’s Westport arts festival, taking place from 28 September until 2 October in Westport, Co Mayo. There will be over 100 events taking place over the duration of the festival, in venues in the town and its surroundings, with a lineup that includes a selection of diverse music, literature, dance, visual arts, theatre, film, comedy, children’s and family events and much more. There will also be an arts trail around the galleries in Westport as well as events taking place in venues all over town. For more information and ticket prices, see www.westportartsfestival.com or call (098) 28459.

SING AND DANCE along with the incredible musical performances at this year’s Cork Folk Festival from 29 September to 2 October. The 37-year-old festival will be hosting a number of talented artists and bands such as Mick Flannary, Lynched, The Unthanks and Atlantic arc Orchestra to name just a few. The festival will showcase a variety of music and dance, which is bound to satisfy everyone’s interests. There will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family, as the festival will feature workshops, children’s events, and traditional set dancing. Performances will take place throughout Cork city in concert halls, music venues and pubs. For more information and ticket prices see, www.corkfolkfestival.com or call (021) 431 7271.

EXPLORE the southeast Hook Peninsula and visit the oldest operating lighthouse in the world at the Hook lighthouse and heritage centre in Co Wexford. Take a tour of the 800-year-old lighthouse and climb the 115 steps to witness the breathtaking view of the south-east coastline. After visiting the lighthouse, why not relax in the café located right beside the lighthouse? There is also an art exhibition and visitors can participate in art workshops at the lighthouse throughout the year. For more information and for tour prices, see www.hookheritage.ie