Event guide: Kilkenny Arts Festival, Opeth, and the other best things to see in Ireland in the week ahead

August in Ireland promises a rich tapestry of cultural events spanning music, theatre, visual arts, and more, with numerous festivals and performances drawing attention across the country.

The Kilkenny Arts Festival enters its 53rd year as a multidisciplinary celebration, featuring a diverse programme that includes opera, contemporary music, visual art exhibitions, and theatrical presentations. Among its standout offerings is the world premiere of Michael Gallen’s opera The Curing Line, staged multiple times at the Watergate Theatre early in the month. The festival also revisits Samuel Beckett’s The Last Tape with a fresh interpretative approach, scheduled for mid-August performances.

Experimental sounds and contemporary dance converge in notable Kilkenny events like Crash Ensemble’s performance of Land of Winter at St Canice’s Cathedral and the innovative For the Record, blending dance and sound at the Set Theatre. Additionally, Francesco Turrisi debuts Vuci: Voices from Sicily, a multimedia exploration of Sicilian vocal traditions.

Metal enthusiasts have a unique highlight with Stockholm’s Opeth, a band renowned for their evolution beyond death metal origins into a fusion of genres including folk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. Their latest concept album, The Last Will & Testament, delves into post-World War I themes and has been recognized for its artistic boldness and complexity. Their upcoming shows are anticipated to offer an unpredictable and genre-defying experience.

Northern Ireland’s capital hosts a significant cultural fixture as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann makes its Belfast debut. Known as the world’s largest annual gathering celebrating Irish traditional music, song, and dance, the festival encompasses a week-long programme of workshops, masterclasses, and competitions. These culminate in headline performances by acclaimed traditional acts such as Macalla, the Sí Fiddlers, and Lúnasa, performing free concerts on the Gig Rig Stage, which runs daily from mid-morning until late evening.

Complementing the traditional music scene, an exhibition at Fleadh Cheoil showcases Belfast photographer Jim Maginn’s extensive archive, The Light of Other Days. This collection documents almost four decades of Irish traditional musicians, presenting both iconic figures and lesser-known artists who have shaped the cultural landscape.

In Dublin, the SETS series at the Guinness Storehouse brings electronic music to the city with London duo Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott taking over the Gravity Bar. Their sets promise immersive house music experiences, supported by Tipperary-born DJ Surka, whose eclectic style ranges across disco, house, and progressive trance genres.

The coastal town of Howth revives its Blues & Roots Festival with a particular focus on celebrating women’s contributions to the genre. Highlights include a tribute to Bonnie Raitt by Susan Tomelty & Band, a showcase of prominent female blues artists in a triple bill event, and a closing acoustic set by Hothouse Flowers, marking a soulful conclusion to the festival.

Art aficionados can explore the National Gallery of Ireland’s exhibition commemorating Ireland’s EU Council presidency. Featuring around fifty European works on paper from the 15th century to modern times, the show curated by Niamh McNally reflects on the diverse influences and themes that have shaped European art history. Works by artists such as Paul Cézanne and Káthe Kollwitz feature alongside other notable names.

On the comedy and music front, American multitalent Fred Armisen brings his show Comedy for Musicians but Everyone is Welcome to Ireland. Known for his multifaceted career as comedian, writer, actor, and accomplished musician, Armisen integrates humor with musical performance, drawing from his extensive experience including a decade as a bandleader on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Finally, literary and cultural conversations enrich Belfast’s Seamus Heaney Homeplace anniversary, featuring writer Bernard MacLaverty in dialogue with Dr Eamonn Hughes. Their discussion delves into themes of inspiration, Northern Irish identity, exile, and faith, reflecting the region’s complex cultural narratives.

This array of events highlights a dynamic period for Ireland’s cultural calendar, offering a blend of tradition and innovation across multiple artistic disciplines.