Cashel Arts Festival
With the Rock of Cashel as their backdrop, the Cashel Arts Festivals are always spectacular. And the 15th year is set to be the best yet. The festival begins on Thursday 21st September, taking in Culture night on the Friday and continues with a jam packed programme until Sunday evening. Here’s a little snapshot of the what’s on, but check out The Cashel Arts Festival website for lots more information.
Home…
One of the central themes of this year’s festival is ‘Home’. And who better to speak about ‘Home’ than Cashel native Diarmuid O’Leary. Diarmuid has worked and lived abroad for many years in his role as a diplomat in the Civil Service.He will open the Cashel Arts Festival in The Vicar’s Choral in The Rock of Cashel.
Also on Thursday, Don Wycherley (of Bachelor’s Walk fame) takes to the stage in Brú Ború with My Real Life. Reviews for this production have been superb to date.
Throughout the festival, the town will be transformed into an open air art gallery. Various shop windows will display the work of several Tipperary Artists. In addition, the library will display works by the acclaimed artist Marie O’Driscoll. And the Chapter House will showcase an art project by Pat Looby, exploring the concept of ‘Home’
The artists of the future will not be forgotten. A gallery space has been specifically designed to showcase Art Work by under 16’s. Maybe join author and illustrator Oisín McGann for a fun Illustration Workshop? Or assist Lynn Kirkham in building a large temporary sculpture using willow, hazel and other natural materials on the theme of home.
There will be lots of opportunities to get creative over the weekend. From lamp-shade making to iphone photography and lots more besides, there’s a host of brilliant workshops on offer.
Culture Night 2017
The whole country will celebrate Culture night on Friday 22nd September. The Cashel Arts Festival organisers have planned a very special night. Begin the evening with ThoseFireguys. This is a spectacular Fire Breathing and Drumming Show that will leave you spellbound. Then The Culture Night Youth Concert hopes to to unite people with the magical power of music, from classical to contemporary. Local young people will perform in this free concert in the Brú Ború Theatre.
Saturday at the Cashel Arts Festival
Our pick of the programme of events for Saturday include a Talk by Manchán Magan. Manchán is a writer and documentary maker. This talk will explore alternative building ideas, sustainable small farms and community-supported farms and bakeries.
Then Robert Fisk will give the inaugural Bolton Lecture at St. John’s Cathedral. Fisk has been a Middle East correspondent for 41 years and is the author of two best-selling first-person histories of the Middle East. This promises to be one of the highlights of the festival.
Later on Saturday, Steve and Joe Wall, legendary The Stunning and The Walls band members, will host an evening of outstanding music. This is a rare opportunity to hear their songs stripped-down in an intimate setting and to hear the stories that inspired them.
Family Fun and Food
Sunday is all about family fun and food.. The Ugly Sisters will be putting on a show in The Plaza. Or visit the World’s Smallest Big Top at the Flea Circus Tent on Main St.
The always popular Food and Craft Fair will have plenty of artisan food and craft stalls for all the family to enjoy. You can even enjoy some Polish Folk Dancing while you browse.
Next we’ll be heading to Mikey Ryan’s Garden to see Corner Boy in action. This Wexford based band have wowed audiences at most of Ireland’s biggest music festivals including; Sea Sessions, Indiependence, Vantastival, Knockanstockan and Electric Picnic.
No doubt Mark Graham author and expert on all things festival related will be impressed. Head over to the Chapter House at 4pm to hear his thoughts.
Finally it’s back to the Rock where the wonderful CODA will finish off the festival in style. With acapella arrangements and songs with instrumental accompaniment as well as traditional Irish music this Mayo based group will leave you enthralled. A perfect way to round out a brilliant weekend.
Don’t forget to check www.inspireme.ie regularly to find lots of inspiration for things to do in your own locality. And sign up here to receive regular updates on what’s on in your area.
Finally, all information correct at time of publishing. You should always check with the event organiser before you travel.