Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The Celts are Coming, & they're armed with Fun!

 Sarah Foley (7), Shayna Howe (6), Hannah Matthews (4), Chantelle Matthews (9) Ava Kehoe,8
Photo Dylan Vaughn. Carlow Pan Celtic Festival

 Get jiggy at  the Carlow Pan Celtic International Festival this Easter!
I've been sent the info on this year's fest (2-7 April 2013,) & it sounds brill! 

 Bride de Róiste, festival director says there will be ''a great festival line-up and highlights include storytelling and swapping, concerts, book launches, traditional singing and choral competitions as well as piping and drumming, harp, fiddle and dance contests in dozens of venues across Carlow town.” WHEW! 
''And in ancient times, Irish dancers' hairstyles were this big!''
Disclaimer: *may not be a direct quote* ;-)
Photo Dylan Vaughn
Story tellers Jack Sheehan & daughter Aideen McBride from Bagenalstown Co. Carlow.
 Don't miss it!


I'm told the highlight for many will be the Pan Celtic International Song Contest on Thursday, April 4. It will feature newly-composed songs from each of the six nations in their own Celtic language. Ireland will be represented by Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh from Donegal, singing Le Do Thaobh, by Connemara native Áine Durkin, a moving and poignant tribute to Áine’s late sister.

Carlow Pan Celtic Festival launch, Tricia Hutton, Carlow town. Dylan Vaughn
Here are a few more tidbits: 
''Carlow comes alive for the festival. Outdoor entertainment includes Celtic dancing, an open-air Ceilí, busking competitions and the festival parade. Festival-goers are also invited to run, walk or jog the Pan Celtic Mile!



The Trad Trail features no less than 40 sessions and 80 musicians in a total of 12 hostelries. There is also a series of workshops which range from baby fiddle to master classes in all traditional instruments, as well as Sean-Nós, Céilí and Breton dance classes.

This year’s programme also features performances from the Garda Band, RTÉ Cór na nÓg, Thurso Pipe Band, Pervish, The Great Trad Train and ARDS CCÉ as well as 3 Orchestras in Concert. Celtic language classes will offer a taste of Scots Gaelic, Manx and Cornish as well as Irish.


A Festival Club in the Seven Oaks Hotel, hosted by a different nation each night, will give a taste of the very best of Celtic entertainment each country has to offer. The festival is a true family event, with workshops and attractions galore for children, a ‘Celtic Taste of Carlow’ artisan farmers’ market and much more.''

Fun, music, dance, food-- I'm in!! See YOU there? 



All fringe events are free of charge.
 For more see www.panceltic.ie

4 comments:

  1. Holy crap there's a lot going on over there, jealous,
    Brian.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, found you via Earthapple Jane - and love your blog! Maybe you'll have a look at www.berlinletters.blogspot.com - (not only about Berlin) - and I will drink a pint of Kilkenny (when Lent is over :-) and read Edna O'Brien again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brigitta, welcome and Thank You! Enjoy your pint after Lent :-) and I will check out your blog. I'm hoping to visit Berlin one day on my @VibrantTravels, as @foxglovelane keeps singing the praises of the city :-)

      Delete
  3. Ha ha Brian, sure I could well be at an event here 365 days a year--- if any one would like to sponsor me! :-D

    ReplyDelete

Have a comment, or tip about Ireland of your own? Please share it here :-) Thanks!