October 22 – November 3
Wexford wexfordopera.com

Since its inaugural year in 1951, the award-winning Wexford Festival Opera has grown into one of the world’s leading opera festivals. Over the last 68 years, it has established a reputation for high-quality productions that bring thousands of international opera-lovers to Wexford Town every year.

This year has a distinctively Irish flavour, with two Irish works gracing the stage of the National Opera House: the world premiere of newly commissioned opera La cucina by Andrew Synnott, and a concert version of The Veiled Prophet by Charles Villiers Stanford, conducted by David Brophy.

• While you’re in the area:

Running parallel to Wexford Festival Opera is the 67th Wexford Fringe, which is set to take over Wexford Town with over 300 eclectic events, including cabaret, comedy, dance, film, theatre, music and the visual arts. From nearby Kilmore Quay, you can also enjoy a picturesque stroll along Ballyteige Burrow, or explore the protected bird habitats on the Saltee Islands – before heading to Mary Barry’s Bar and Restaurant for the famous seafood specials. Popular hotels include the Maldron Wexford town and Clayton Whites Hotel. Plus, Wexford boasts fantastic b&bs including the Blue Door and the Foggy Dew Inn.

For more details about planning your trip around Ireland, go to www.discoverireland.ie