Christmas Day swim

25 December: Are you brave enough to jump into the sea in winter? A swim in aid of Ozanam House will take place on the main beach in Bundoran, Co Donegal, on Christmas Day at 12.20pm. Ozanam House is a resource centre used by St Vincent De Paul, providing adult education, youth programmes and more.

Clare céilí

26 December: Cois na hAbhna in Ennis is the venue for a lively céilí on St Stephen’s night, 9.30-12.30pm. The Star of Munster céilí band is performing at the event, with Michael Bland on accordion, Ralph Morgan on banjo, Fintan McMahon on keyboard and Dave Culligan on drums. Call 065-682-4276 for more information.

Mick Flannery

30 December: Cork singer-songwriter Mick Flannery performs at the INEC Acoustic Club on Tuesday. Mick, who plays both piano and guitar, will be performing songs from his new album, By the Rule. Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm. Tickets cost €20. Visit www.inec.ie or call 064-667-1555 for bookings.

New Year festival

31 December: The arrival of each new year is celebrated in Portmagee with a unique custom called The Old Year. The event centres on a street parade led by a piper with blazing turf torches and a local man dressed as the Old Year. At midnight, a shot rings out, he disappears and a young man depicting the New Year appears.