If recent performances by famous bands and singers in Ireland are anything to go by, this is the country to be in. Fantastic music festivals, a number of world class venues and welcoming audiences ensure that the world's greatest artists perform regularly around Ireland.

If recent performances by famous bands and singers in Ireland are anything to go by, this is the country to be in. Fantastic music festivals, a number of world class venues and welcoming audiences ensure that the world's greatest artists perform regularly around Ireland.

A thriving music scene sees big names in the music industry visiting Dublin, Belfast and other cities across Ireland to perform. The O2 and Vicar Street in Dublin have hosted Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithful, Leona Lewis and Slash of Guns n' Roses fame, to name a few. Smaller venues feature local artists regularly - but remember that Ireland is home to some of the world's best talent, so don't be surprised if the local artists outshine the international stars.

One music festival that is said to rival Glastonbury for the calibre of the acts and the size of the audiences it draws is Oxegen. Oxegen takes place over 3 days at the Punchestown Racecourse, about 20 miles outside of Dublin. Visitors can camp at the festival site, or stay nearby and attend as day visitors. In 2010, Jay Z, Eminem and the Black Eyed Peas will cater for the younger, modern tastes, while Earth Wind and Fire and Echo and the Bunnymen will take care of the older crowd. The festival also features performances by Cathy Davey and other popular Irish artists.

The Dublin City Soul Festival is another must-see event, catering for a variety of music tastes, not just soul. Artists lined up for the 2010 event include The Three Tenors, Carlos Santana, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, The Cranberries and more. Diverse music genres cater for a diverse audience making this a popular event each year. The famous bands and singers this event attracts are a testament to its success and popularity with Irish music-lovers.

The Music Show, held on the first weekend of October In Dublin each year is becoming increasingly popular with up-and-coming musicians. This event not only features live performances by the likes of Imelda May and The Coronas, it includes music workshops and talks by professionals from the music industry. Anyone interested in breaking into the music business should attend this event. Irish and international artists are featured, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy the music while learning about the industry.

Ireland's music festivals cater to a variety of tastes, featuring 'old' and new artists playing rock, rap, R&B and other genres. The cross-section of music genres featured attracts a wide audience of young and old, making Ireland a super destination for music lovers worldwide. Of course, Ireland's famous homegrown talent is recognized worldwide, with bands like U2, The Cranberries and The Corrs featuring in their music calendar. If you are looking for famous bands and singers, then Ireland's recent performances would indicate that this is the place to be.