Street Festivals
The Best Summer Festivals in Mayo and Ireland
Quinns Bar Swinford give you a summary on some of the best Summer Festivals in Ireland and Mayo  | | | Swinford hosts one of the County's largest summer festivals, Siamsa Sraide Swinford (Fun in the Streets of Swinford). This is a festival of Pageantry, Ceili Dancing, and Heritage Displays depicting much of the traditions of East Mayo. The Swinford Siamsa Sraide street festival has an annual fixed date - it is always held on the Irish August Bank Holiday weekend since the mid 1980’s. This year's (2009) festival will be held from Saturday 1st August to Wednesday 5th August.
Contact Brid O’Connell, co-ordinator 086 8059172.
| | | | Just a little further down the road west from Swinford, Ballina welcomes everyone to join them in their annual Salmon Festival each July. The ten day programme is a family centred line-up that has something for young, old and everyone in between!
The Ballina Salmon Festival is proud to be ranked as one of Ireland's leading community based festivals, welcoming people from across the globe to enjoy craic agus ceol in the salmon capital of the world.
Spanning from July 11 to 20, the 2008 programme promises to be even bigger and better than ever before incorporating all the old favourites such as Heritage Day, Mardi Gras and the Teddy Bears Picnic with new events including the Monster Open Air Table Quiz and Salmon Run Triathlon.
And remember, Ballina welcomes all the family - one third of their entire programme is dedicated solely to children.
So bring all the family and friends, and spread the word, the party is in Ballina town centre from July 11 to 20! |
| Not too long ago, the Taste of Dublin Festival would not have been considered an Irish event at all. Thankfully the focus of the festival has completely changed. In the last few years alone, Dublin has added three Michelin stars to its bow, and local, seasonal and Irish artisan produce has become all but gospel. Taste of Dublin celebrates the distance travelled, with taster menus from the city's top restaurants, celebrity chef demonstrations, wine tutelage and all-round gastro cheer. It's finger-lickin' good. Details: June 12-15; tickets from €25 per four-hour session. Tel: 0818 717200; www.tastefestivals.ie
| | Willie Clancy Summer School: Willie Clancy week is the best window through which to view west Clare's musical tradition, bar none. Granted, there won't be elbow room at the bar (and the after-hours sessions are as elusive as ever), but there's something electric about being in the middle of Miltown Malbay, a stone's throw from Flag Road where the great piper once lived, soaking up the exuberance of it all. This is Ireland's largest traditional music school, held annually since the great man died in 1973. During the week, some 1,000 students from all over the world attend daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. A full programme of lectures, recitals, dances and exhibitions is woven in and out of the study and, needless to say, the pub acts as the biggest classroom of all. Details: July 5-12; class prices vary.
Tel: 065 708 4281; www.oac.ie
| | Galway Film Fleadh: Like you need an excuse for a knees-up in Galway. Come on! The G Hotel, the all-round artsiness, the oysters, Atlantaquaria and the redoubtable Ti Neachtain... who knows, whilst rediscovering the most boho of Irish cities, you may even find time to take in a movie. The Galway Film Fleadh began on a budget of "chewing gum and spit", according to its founders. That was 1989, however, and since then it's gone on to premiere Once (in 2006, people) and host the likes of Anthony Minghella and Maureen O'Hara. This year's programme remains hush-hush, but expect dozens of Irish and international features, masterclasses and public interviews. Details: July 8-13; prices vary.
Tel: 091 569777; www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
| | Spraoi Festival: 'Spraoi' means 'celebrate' or 'party', which won't come as a surprise to veterans of Waterford's bank-holiday hootenanny. The festival's strength (and, indeed, ethos) lies in the quality of its street art. Running the gamut of music, theatre, dance, comedy and circus, the result is a riot of colour. Basically, it works thus: Waterford surrenders its city centre, and streets and quays are transformed into a giant stage. The Spraoi Parade, the company's own production, is traditionally held on Sunday evening and works as the highlight of the festival. It's followed by a sizzling fireworks display over the River Suir. Best of all -- the whole thing is free! Details: August 1-3, free.
Tel: 051 841808; www.spraoi.com
| | Electric Picnic Oxegen: Oxegen is the place for grandstanding, but for those who prefer their festivals with a little less mud and a little more fair-trade, the Electric Picnic is the only show in town. Since its launch in 2004, this self-styled 'boutique' outing at Stradbally, Co Laois, has become the sleeper hit of the festival circuit. The big news for 2008 is the booking of My Bloody Valentine. Loveless, released in 1991 (yes, you are really that old), remains an indie classic, and the band's reunion is as hotly anticipated by some as that of the Pixies. The Sex Pistols and the Breeders are also confirmed, and eclectic touches include a Spoken Word tent, a cooking stage and the returning Bollywood Bar, with its hand-stitched Indian silk interior. Details: August 29-31; weekend tickets, inc camping, cost €240. Tel: 0818 719300; www.electricpicnic.ie
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Book your accommodation in Swinford at the most economical rates available in the town at Quinns Bar
Call (094) 925 3510
From abroad dial 00 353 94 925 3510  |
Quinn's Bar Lower Main Street Swinford Co. Mayo Ireland.