The Arts Council/An Chomhairie Ealaion have published a report showing that a significant number of the Irish public attend arts events nationwide. The reports states that of those questioned nearly one third believe that there are barriers to attending or taking part in arts activities.

Ennis will host the annual Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship on Sunday, 5th January 2014 from 13:00 until 16:00 at Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park, Ennis, Co. Clare. The event is organised by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council and the proceeds of the event will go to the Clare Branch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The event is common across Germany and Austria. Last years winner was John O'Dea from Co. Limerick who launched his Christmas tree 10.2 metres, just 2 metres short of the world record held by German Klaus Pubnaz. The contestants must throw a standard 1.5 meter tree.