Top 5: From15 to 22 September

CELEBRATE Ireland’s unique heritage and culture at the annual Comeraghs Wild Festival, which takes place at Mahon Falls, Co Waterford. The four-day festival begins on Thursday 15 September and will showcase an unmissable selection of events. Thursday will be a night of story music and fun, with renowned Waterford historian and broadcaster Julian Walton entertaining guests. On Friday, the theme of modern change will be explored with The play on the Mountains taking place at Mahon Falls. Saturday and Sunday will feature a variety of events such as sea-kayaking and exploring rock formations on the copper coast. There will also be a Coming Round the Mountain barn dance on Saturday night and a concert on Sunday, which will feature Voice of Ireland start Moylan Brunnock and classical pianist Daniel Kearney. Tickets for each event range from €10 to €25 and for more information, see www.comeraghswild.com or call 086 777 7515.

ENJOY the 12th annual Clonakilty International Guitar Festival as it takes place on 15 and 16 September 2016 in Clonakilty, West Cork. The festival celebrates the wonderful music produced by the guitar. The festival is a great family day out, with over 90% of the events across the festival absolutely free. The not-for-profit festival was founded by a number of music enthusiasts and aims to make music accessible for all. The festival takes place across the town of Clonakilty in libraries, campervans, churches, pubs, beaches and butcher shops. Families are given the opportunity to take a crash course in the ukulele, which will be run by The West Cork Ukulele Orchestra. For more information, see clonguitarfest.com

VISIT the Dunbrody Famine Ship, one of Ireland’s leading tourist attractions in the south-east, in New Ross, Co Wexford. Steeped in Irish culture and heritage, this is a perfect opportunity to explore New Ross and experience first hand the life and voyage of an Irish emigrant departing the shores of Ireland. The boat has been designed to replicate the 1840s emigrant vessel and provides an unforgettable famine emigrant experience. As well as talking a tour of the historic ship, visitors can relax and witness the picturesque view of New Ross and the river barrow at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre River View Café. Visitors can also take a stroll down the Hall of Fame, which commemorates a number of key Irish men and women who significantly contributed to US history. Adult tours cost €10 per person and for more information, see www.dunbrody.com

IMMERSE yourself in the best of agriculture and rural Ireland at the 85th National Ploughing Championships, which will take place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly from 20 to 22 September. This is Europe’s largest outdoor exhibition and agricultural trade show. This year, 300,000 visitors are expected to descend on Tullamore and over 1,500 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and information. This is an event for the whole family and there will be many attractions, including livestock and machinery exhibitions, trade stalls, craft stalls, vintage motors, fashion shows, home entertainment, interior design and art exhibitions. There will also be plenty of amusements to keep the kids entertained. Tickets cost €20 per adult and €15 for students and OAPs. For more information see, www.npa.ie

Experience BlueFire’s art festival as it comes back to Dublin City on Saturday September 17. The festival will showcase a variety of talented exhibitors and will have a diverse selection of live music performers. Core to the festival is the stellar line-up of musicians, bands and performers playing different and unique musical styles. There will also be a number of graffiti artists, who will be demonstrating their skills and talents throughout the day and expressing their modern style of art. This is a great day out for the whole family, as there will be many talented street performers including drummers, dancers and jugglers. This event is completely free. For more information, visit www.bluefiredublin.ie CL