The World Flower Show is set to be held in Ireland for the first time in 2014, with the RDS today named as the venue for the event. Due to take place in June 2014, the event will include a flower arrangers’ conference with over 1,200 participants, and the World Flower Show, an exhibition of flower arrangements, which will be open to the public. According to its organisers, this exhibition will showcase the beautiful and extravagant creations of flower arrangers from all over the world and is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors per day from Ireland and abroad. The Association of Irish Floral Artists (AOIFA) has been chosen by the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA) to manage a three year programme, on its behalf, that will include organising an international seminar, publishing of a book, running educational events and tours, and staging the 11th World Flower Show at the RDS. “During our three year tenure, the World Flower Show will be one of our largest events,” said Kitty Gallagher, president of WAFA Ireland. “We chose the RDS because of its great location along with its excellent conference and exhibition facilities. They also have the experience of managing and marketing large public events and we are expecting huge numbers to this exciting show”  

The Ideal Home Show, Ireland’s biggest exhibition for home owners, takes place at the RDS from 26th – 29th October 2012. Now more than ever The Ideal Home Show has the Quality, Value and Choice that you want for your home and garden.   Features include Extend Expo, Eco Expo, Retrofit & DIY, Furniture & Décor, Home Accessories, Ideal Woman and, of course, the Dulux Free Interior Design Advice Centre and The Architects Extension Advice Centre. Gerry Daly of Irish Garden Magazine will be giving advice to our many gardening enthusiast at the most important time of year in the Ideal Garden Section.   Extend Your Home As well as free advice from a team of professional architects from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, those considering extending their homes can stop by the fabulous, full scale, fully furnished and decorated home extension.  

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With more than 500 health and beauty brands under one roof, Professional Beauty 2012 is the place to be for everything in beauty. There will be a variety of the latest innovations in skincare, spa equipment, aromatherapy, nails, tanning and the full range of professional supplies. Visitors will be able to discover the biggest names in skincare including Clarins, Decleor, Elemis, Germaine de Capuccini, Dermalogica, Aromatherapy Associates, Thalgo and Crystal Clear. See equipment suppliers such as CACI, Chromogenex and Beauty Express. In nails we’ve got the best of the best: OPI, Jessica, Minx and CND and Bio Sculpture will be exhibiting their latest colours and in tanning visit Fake Bake, Australian Bodycare, Sienna X and Sunjunkie.  

Although 2011 Dublin Festival Season has wrapped up it's never to early to start thinking about 2012. Who knows what giddy suprises will be in store this year so pop a big reminder in your diary for September and October for the return of Dublin Festival Season. It is no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the many festivals and events organised throughout the year. Headline festivals such as the inimitable St. Patrick’s Festival held in Dublin every March, attract and enthrall visitors in their thousands every year. This autumn, Dublin unleashes an explosion of festivals with ‘Dublin Festival Season’ kicking off in early September and running until the end of October. With festivals and events celebrating everything from arts, architecture, music, film, to food, Guinness and beer, fashion, sport theatre and literature; autumn presents the perfect opportunity to visit this vibrant city of culture. For More Information: www.dublinfestivalseason.com

The Model Railway Society of Ireland has a reputation of staging some of the best exhibitions for model railway enthusiasts in the country and ensures a pleasurable outing for all members of the family, representing exceptional value for money. For more information: www.modelrailways.ie

The Dublin Horse Show is one of Dublin's best loved events, which has attracted generations of visitors over the years. Experience the excitement of this five-day show, from the thrills and tension of international showjumping, including the Aga Khan Nations Cup and Grand Prix competitions, to the daredevil Ukrainian Cossacks, one of this year’s visiting attractions. Admire the cream of Irish horses and ponies competing at this ultimate equine showcase or enjoy some retail therapy while browsing over 300 trade stands offering art and antiques, jewellery, fashion, quaint and quirky house and home ideas and a huge choice of equestrian goods. Be the first to discover the artists of the future through the RDS Student Art Awards Exhibition or savour the work of established artisans at the RDS National Crafts competition. More attractions at the Discover Ireland Horse Show include the fashion extravaganza and millinery competition that is Ladies Day and lots of free music and family entertainment on the Band Lawn and Kids Zone. To purchase tickets online click here

The Annual Summer Flower Show will take place in County Hall, Dun Laoghaire on the 11th & 12th August, at which a colourful display of Herbaceous Perennials, Pot Plats, Alpine, Cacti, Succulents, Floral Art and Home Baking will be on show.   This will be the 85th annual show organised by the South Dublin Horticultural Society and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is delighted to be able to host the event which complements the heritage of parks, gardens and floral displays in the County.   Further details to be confirmed.

Join us at The Ark for Awakening Curiosity, an interactive art exhibition for children and families, with a playful twist of science. In celebration of Dublin City of Science 2012 Exhibition Explore how the natural world inspired the work on display. See floating nests built with materials scavenged from the city, play our Food Chain of Life game, or gaze at a suspended shoal of recycled metal fish. Create your own species of butterfly in our digital painting installation or meet some mischievous animatronic creatures as they react to your slightest movement. You can even see the stimulating laser animation of a snail trail. And most importantly of all, don’t be afraid to ask “Why?, why?, why?”. It’s our favourite word this summer! Rooftop Art Garden After the exhibition, bring your experience to life in the indoor Rooftop Art Garden. Work with an artist to draw, sculpt and create using recycled materials and natural objects like rocks, wood and shells. The Art Garden is ideal for ages 4-12 and you can stay for as little or as long as you like. The Art Garden is presented in association with Art to Heart’s Magic Turtles programme. Art Garden opening hours are the same as the exhibition. 23 June – 6 August 2012 Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am – 5pm (Closed Mondays, except bank holiday Monday 6 August) Last admission: 4.15pm For 4-12 year olds Tickets €4.50 / €3.50* concessions, and groups of 4 or more No booking necessary – just drop in! Ticket price includes access to the Rooftop Art Garden. Adults and children require tickets. Full details of workshops and related special events will be available on Tuesday 15 May 2012

Erth are delighted to announce that they are returning to Ireland this Summer with their awesome Dinosaur Petting Zoo! Following a hugely successful tour last July, this brilliant educational, interactive and fun family show is making its return this June. Erth’s Dinosaurs are coming back from extinction and will be taking up residence around the country in perfect time for your school’s outing. Children of all ages can get up close and personal with these amazingly life-like creatures during this fun-filled event and get handson access to the Dinosaurs. They may even become a tasty part of the show if one of the Dinosaurs takes a fancy to them! In the show, the children are introduced to a number of different Dinosaurs that would have inhabited the southern hemisphere. Ticket information: Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster desk in the Dublin Discover Ireland Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.  

Since beginning in 2000, the festival's main goal is to develop and strengthen the links between Ireland and France. A showcase for the artists involved, the festival also offers an Irish audience the opportunity to discover French writers. This year the festival will host Irish and French writers and also one from Quebec in Canada, Germany and Northern Ireland. These writers are chosen in close co-operation with Irish partners & other members of the panel representing the Irish universities and the Press. Some of the participating writers will visit secondary schools and universities to discuss their work. The theme of the thirteenth edition of the Franco-Irish Literary Festival is 'Pleasure'. Throughout the three days this theme and its various aspects will be explored through four round-table discussions: what is pleasure; writing, reading and pleasure; forbidden pleasures; and pleasure of the senses.  

Last year over 122,000 people took part in 27 counties in a festival bursting with opportunities to celebrate the creativity of older people. So many highlights from 2011 – Dawn Choruses on beaches, piers and Dublin Airport, ‘Prime Years’ - the international photography exhibition, performances by the ‘Blow the Dust Orchestra’ of older people and the nationwide Bealtaine film and theatre tours. The theme for this May is ‘What kind of old do you want to be’..there’s something to start thinking about! Keep up with developments on the website and facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Bealtainefestival).   Download Bealtine 2012s programme to see all events taking place.  

The Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is an annual event, celebrating contribution of gay people to theatre, past and present. The Festival was founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, in his native city.  With an emphasis on new or recent international and Irish works with a broadly gay theme or relevance, the Festival has grown to become the largest event of its type in the world. Download the programme, to see all the events taking place at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. See also: www.gaytheatre.ie

Dublin Dance Festival is Ireland's premier dance event celebrating the best contemporary dance the world has to offer. You can look forward to a rich programme of performances, films, discussions, workshops, outdoor and family friendly events, all bringing dance to life in Dublin city. The full programme for 2012 is on sale now – see website. Dublin Dance Festival has built a reputation for its artistic integrity and bravery since its first ambitious programme in 2002, when the hugely influential Merce Cunningham Dance Company was presented. A key cultural highlight in Dublin, the festival has presented the Irish premieres of major and rising international choreographers (including The Forsythe Company, Yvonne Rainer, Raimund Hoghe, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker) alongside a new generation of Irish artists. The full programme of The Dublin Dance Festival events is available to download. Watch Dublin Dance Festival 2012 promo Video.   Family Friendly Events at Dublin Dance Festival 2012 Audiences of all ages will find something to excite, amuse and entertain them during Dublin Dance Festival, taking place 11–26 May at venues across the city. Spanish company Aracaladanza, renowned for their stylish work for children, will show the enchanting, action-packed and joyful Nubes (Clouds) at Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire on May 12 and 13. Inspired by surrealist artist Magritte, the company’s wildly imaginative meditation on clouds features flippers, ladders, puppets and more. The show has delighted audiences across Europe and is suitable for all audiences aged 4+. “Magritte would tip his hat… for 50 minutes both children and adults were left speechless,” wrote La Tribuna de Albacete of this work. On May 12 there will be an opportunity for audiences to meet the company. To book tickets via The Pavilion or Dublin Dance Festival. TO BOOK TICKETS ARACALADANZA (Spain) NUBES (CLOUDS) Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Date: Saturday May 12 & Sunday May 13 Time: 2pm & 4.30pm – 50 minutes Tickets: €14 (Adult) / €10 (Child, 12 and under) / Conc €12 / €8 Family ticket: €40 (4 people) Age range: 4+ Meet the Company: Saturday May 12 (after the 4.30pm show) Young audiences will also be able to enjoy  free outdoor events during the festival. On Grafton Street at 4pm on Sunday May 20 there will be a colourful celebration of dance in the finale to (In)Visible Dancing by Luca Silvestrini’s Protein. Protein will be joined by a host of local musicians and dancers of all ages on a mission to sweep away daily cares with a spectacular street show. Everyone will be welcome to join in and learn the moves. And in the days leading up to May 20, Dubliners are advised to keep their eyes peeled for some guerrilla dance action astir on Grafton Street… These events are free, with no ticket required. The festival will draw to a close with another free outdoor event, as Dublin Dance Festival and Temple Bar Cultural Trust present Encounter Indian Dance: Sacred Geometry. Renowned performer Divya Kasturi will be presenting the sights and sounds of classical Indian dance in a gorgeous encounter for all the family. This performance will take place in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar on Saturday May 26 at 7pm.   For more information visit www.dublindancefestival.ie  

International Museum Day 2012 Every year since 1977 International Museum Day is organised worldwide around May 18. This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. The International Council of Museum's Advisory Committee organises the theme of this event that, given the high number of countries involved, lasts a day, a weekend, a week or even a month. The theme for 2012 is 'Museums in a Changing World - New challenges, New inspirations'. These recent years, International Museum Day has been experiencing its highest involution with almost 30,000 museums that organised activities in more than 100 countries. Several events to celebrate International Museum Day are taking place across museums in Dublin: Dublin Castle: A tour of Unexpected Artworks in Dublin Castle will take place at 3pm on Friday, May 18th. Please email dublincastle@opw.ie or call 01 645 8812 for bookings. This tour is free of charge. National Gallery of Ireland: A special free tour of some masterpieces of European paintings to mark this year's International Museum Day. With Gemma Sexton. The tour starts at 2pm and finishes at 2.45pm. Please see www.nationalgallery.ie for more details. No booking required. An Post Museum: An Post Museum will be opening for free to the public to celebrate International Museum's Day on Friday 18th May 2012. There will be two tours held during the day. Tour 1 will take place at 11am and Tour 2 at 3pm. The meeting point will be under the portico of the GPO at the Cuchulain window. Spaces are limited so early booking is advisable. To book your place contact the Booking Officer on 01-7057420 Little Museum of Dublin: The Little Museum of Dublin are offering half price entry on International Museum Day at €2.50. Click here for more details about the Little Museum of Dublin. The Little Museum of Dublin are hosting a great exhibition featuring rare photographs of U2. Make sure to check it out while at the Little Museum of Dublin.  

2011 marked the 10th Skerries Traditional Music Weekend and now we are headed for our 11th festival in 2012. This picturesque seaside town plays host to a weekend full of music, song and dance reflecting the unique culture of the Fingal region. Leading artists travel to Skerries where they join with locals and visitors in a celebration of Irish heritage. This year the Weekend kicks off with the Schools Outreach Programme on Friday morning when local musicians visit primary schools in the area providing an interactive workshop and demonstration of various traditional Irish instruments. The 10th Celebration last May featured the debut performance of The Future Generation of Fingal Musicians on Friday night. 2011 also saw the return of the much revered Singing Session as well as a Masterclass in Cape Breton Style Fiddling. And for the first time we had Music on the Street providing outdoor entertainment on the Saturday afternoon. The energetic music of the tutors can be heard in Skerries Mills on the Sunday morning, by now a deep-rooted element of the Weekend. The 2011 festivities culminated in the return of the Focus on Fingal event to the spectacular grounds of Ardgillan Castle featuring a unique blend of music, song and dance from the local region. This years festival takes place on May 18th, 19th & 20th of May. Make sure you don’t miss out on a wonderful weekend.   View and download the Skerries Traditional Music Weekend brochure for a full listing of events and workshops  

‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ is a celebration of peace, unity & love‘ is Ireland’s feel-good festival, a unique annual celebration. Join us as we celebrate our 6th anniversary from Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th of May 2012! There’s loads of exciting events to choose from and what’s more most of them are FREE for you to enjoy because as the old saying goes…”the best things in life are free” ! There’s a whole lot to get excited about, all your favourite events are back and we’ve created some fun new ones too. Check them out here, pick your favourites and get ready to celebrate your soul with us this coming May. Favourites… The Soul Picnic -  a little piece of magic in association with Dublin City Council.  Enjoy the world’s best music concert in a picnic style starring an exciting line-up of amazing local, national and international artists. Much more than a music event, enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from our picnic vendors. Entry is free, but don’t forget to make a donation.  Special guests to be announced. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of May in Merrion Square Park. Gospel Brunch -Following the huge success of our “Gospel Brunch” event in 2011 and to celebrate our 6th anniversary we’re bringing some of our favourite things together to give you an unforgettable experience. Breakfast + lunch = brunch, now just add a great gospel choir and you’ve got the recipe for a great Gospel Brunch! Kick start your day with family and friends over a mouthwatering brunch while one of our favourite gospel choirs provides the musical entertainment guaranteed to invigorate your soul and put a spring in your step for the rest of the day. Love the City Music Trail- Mosey along the Dublin streets, moving from venue to venue checking out all the fantastic entertainment on offer or find your favourite venue, band or DJ and get comfy. Savour a relaxing beverage in a quaint bar or cafe while enjoying an acoustic set from one of our solo artists or duets, then stroll a little further down the road and submerge yourself in a full on musical experience that will guarantee to have you out on the floor shaking your tail feather! (Warning: comfortable dancing shoes required) As you make your way along the friendly Dublin streets you’ll be amazed by the exciting on-street entertainment from our Soul Festival buskers and street artists! Rising Stars - Witness the world’s best ‘Rising Stars' at our 2012 showcases event featuring the best emerging artists in a unique setting. See also:  www.dublincitysoulfestival.com 

Bloom, Ireland's largest gardening, food and family event, will take place in the Phoenix Park Dublin during the June bank holiday weekend for 5 days (From Thursday 31st May - Monday 4th June 2012). Bloom 2011 was the 5th year of the event and to date has been the most successful yet! Bloom 2011 attracted almost 90,000 visitors to the 70 acre site at the Visitor's Centre in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. While you wait for Bloom 2012, why not browse the website which includes the 27 spectacular showgardens, Bord Bia's new Food Village in 2011, and a day by day preview in our video section here. With something for everyone, visitors to Bloom 2011 enjoyed live cookery and craft demonstrations, free gardening advice from the experts and workshops. Kids attended Bloom 2012 for free! Bloom 2012 Highlights include: The Grand Pavilion-Free Garden Consultations from the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) at Bloom. Come along to the ALCI stand (G20 in the Grand Pavilion), bring a photo of your garden and we will advise you on how to turn your backyard eyesore into the garden of your dreams. Avail of the opportunity to seek free advice and handy tips from the best in the industry, the members of the ALCI. Floral Marquee - This year's Floral Marquee sponsored by the 100% Electric Nissan LEAF will showcase the very best of plant and floral nurseries in Ireland. The marquee will be brimming over with a wonderful selection of floral delights, plants and flowers for sale. Large displays from over 40 of our top nurseries and florists will delight and inspire visitors with the scents and delights of summer. Come and talk to the growers who can advise you on the best plant for the right place. The Expert Stage - The Expert Stage sponsored by Woodies at Bloom 2012 will provide a comprehensive range of expert advice from leading experts in horticulture, gardening and floristry. Tree Climbing -  Industrial tree climbing is certainly not new to Ireland or the Phoenix Park, but this year sees the arrival of the first recreational tree climbing Competition to be held in Dublin’s world Famous Park. The professional competitiors will be against the clock in this dynamic spectacle of balance, agility and speed. They will be judged on their movement around the dizzy heights of some of the fabulous trees at the Bloom site, trying their best to ring a series of bells and carryout small tasks in the crown of the trees. Hanging Baskets - Once again this year Blooming Baskets will transform the pergola adjoining the exterior wall of the OPW Walled Garden, to a colourful, scented tunnel with 35 large opulent summer flowering hanging baskets. Food Village - Including live cooking demonstrations from top Irish Chefs, An artisan food market, Meat and Fish market, The Love Irish Food Marquee, A Live Animal Display. Humanitarian & Environmental Zone - Featuring marquees from Beekeepers Federation, Tree Council of Ireland, Birdwatch, Irish Wildlife Trust. Live Muisic Entertainment And much much more! See www.bloominthepark.ie for more details!  

A Dublin City Centre Multi-Stage Music & Arts Festival - June Bank Holiday Weekend   Dublin's only multi staged music and arts festival was arguably the best city centre festival in the 2011 event calendar. “A festival like this has been a long time coming, one that combines music, art, fashion and simple good vibes into a two-day city-based event" - Irish Times. In 2012 it will be extended to three days - Saturday, Sunday & Monday of the June Bank Holiday weekend - and will have five stages, including a newly added Comedy Tent. The non-camping festival is a collaborative fusion of music, art, fashion. Together with a fine array of delicious food, creative craft stalls and the usual festival quirks and oddities Forbidden Fruit is the best reason to spend a Bank Holiday weekend in Dublin The Line-up for Bulmers Forbidden Fruit Festival 2012 currently includes the following acts, artists musicians, bands and groups: Leftfield New Order Wilco Bloody Beetroots Death Cab For Cutie James Vincent Mc Morrow Booka Shade The Rapture Beirut The Field Death In Vegas Mazzy Star Factory Floor Modeselektor Andrew Bird Bear In Heaven Atlas Sound Field Music Le Galaxie Austra Julia Holter Toby Karr Grimes Windings RSAG Kool Thing and Many More to be confirmed!

Location: North Wall Quay - D'Ollier Street - College Green - O'Connell Bridge This June Bavaria is bringing Formula 1 to the streets of Dublin! More than 100,000 racing enthusiasts are expected to gather for a spectacular afternoon with Dakar trucks, Super League Formula, Indy Car, Formula 2, drifters and Formula 1 demonstrations as the highlight of the day. Bavaria City Racing Dublin is a fun-fuelled weekend of activities, with something for everyone, including fashion, music and parties all over the city. Over 96% of the viewing space for Bavaria City Racing Dublin is free to the public. Latest news: Bavaria City Racing Dublin are delighted to announce that for the first time ever, one of the leading F1 teams in the world will take to the streets of Dublin. See video footage: http://vimeo.com/33717096  For more information visit: www.bavariacityracing.ie