Billed as the biggest Irish summer festival, it kicks off with three evenings of entertainment at the Irish Centre off Bull Close Lane.

The Festival, which has proved a huge and colourful event, begins on Monday with an evening of poetry and song from Lucht Focail and Anima (tickets £5). Tuesday night sees the screening of the film "Re-Imagining Ireland" and the chance to listen to Joe Sheeran and Joe Horgan from the Irish Post (tickets £5). On Wednesday pertformance poet Siobhan MacMahon presents "The Mouth of the Cave", which she has also written. There is conversation and music with harpist Bernie Byrne and Uilleann Piper Brian Aylward.

Other highlights include a Gala Dinner Dance on Friday, July 4 at the Casa Hotel and Restaurant, Brighouse in the company of Stephen Smyth, Nathan Carter and Celtic Beat. Admission is strictly by ticket only at £27.50 a head. Bookings can be made with Peter Timmons on 01422 381055.

Anyone who has ever been curious about the high tempo game, Gaelic Football should take a trip to Brooksbank Sports College on Saturday (July 5) at 2pm where there will be an exhibition match. And in the evening it is all back to the Irish Club for a Ceili with the Castlemore Ceili Band and the Callen and Irish Dancers. Admission is free.

Sunday sees a spectacular closing event from midday to teatime with a host of entertainment including three teams of Irish dancers and several bands. There is a beer tent with plenty of the black stuff flowing. Admission is £4 for adults.