Events, Dublin

The brightly painted round-topped caravans of the tinkers who used to travel the roads of Ireland and who are thought to be descended from Irish people driven into the west of the country by Cromwell's forces and unrelated to the gypsies of the Continent, are now rarely seen. However, in recent years modern replicas of these picturesque vehicles have become popular with holiday-makers as a means of enjoying a leisurely holiday on the quiet roads of the Republic.These caravans, drawn by sturdy horses, are some 13ft/4m long by 8ft/2.5m wide and usually have room for not more than four people. They have seats and a table which can be converted into beds and a two-burner cooker working on bottled gas. Bedding and bed linen is provided. The caravan operators have fixed itineraries - there is a choice of routes - with suitable overnight stopping-places. The day's journey is unlikely to be more than 10mi/16km or so. The horse must be given its nosebag of oats once a day and turned out to graze in the evening.To rent a caravan it is necessary to put down a damage deposit of perhaps 60 to 100 pounds, refundable when the caravan is returned in good condition. Rental charges range from 160 to 240 pounds a week, varying according to season.

This annual festival takes place on June 16 and is dedicated to James Joyce. Events scheduled throughout the day include a ritual Pilgrimage along the "Ulyssses" trail made famous in Joyce's writing, public readings, parades and tours of other Joyce landmarks.

As suggested by this festival's name, the program includes a series of chamber music concerts in the various 18th C. mansions in and around Dublin. The 10 day festival takes place in early June and among the venues often used are the Birr Castle, Castletown, Russborough House and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

This annual horse show was founded in 1868 and has grown to be one of the biggest in the world. Held in mid-July, the show draws equestrians from all over the world to compete for the Aga Khan trophy and the Grand Prix of Ireland.

This is the headquarters of Irish music and dancing.

A film festival is held in Dublin every year.

This annual two-week festival runs from early to mid-October.