Celebrating the Arts in Cootehill – What’s on in Cavan
2018 is the 30th year of the Cootehill Arts Festival. And the organisers have made sure that this will be the best year ever. There is a huge variety of events happening from 21st-26th August, putting the arts and artists in the heart of the community. So finish off the summer holidays in style and bring the family to Cavan. It will be a week to remember. Below are some of our favourite events taking place during the festival. For more ideas check out www.inspireme.ie or see here for the complete program.
Theatrical delights
On Tuesday 21st high drama comes to Cootehill. The fantastically named ‘Bring me the Head of Dermot Healy – A Cavan Opera’ celebrates the life and works of one of Ireland’s acclaimed writers. This play was written by Pat McCabe, of ‘Butcher Boy’ fame. And this world premiere is not to be missed. See here for more details.
Magical mysteries
If there are any fairy princesses in your life, Cootehill is the place to be. Each day at 11.30 in Cootehill library there will be a magical fairy story session with Jean. This is a free event, and fancy dress is encouraged, so dust off those fairy wings. And at 4.15 Erica’s Fairy Forest will be revealing their latest fairy door and the exciting story of the new fairy who lives there. With storytelling, fairy arts and crafts, little ones will be enchanted. And for older children there is a 3-day circus skills workshop where they can perfect their juggling skills or just clown around. Or for older teenagers, don’t miss the smartphone photography workshop with Paul Moore. This might just set them on a whole new career path.
Dramatic delights
‘Bottom’s Dream’ on Wed 22nd and Sat 25th is inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Performed by Footsbarn theatre, this promises be an evening of magic and comedy. Shakespeare for the Leaving Cert was never this much fun. Find out more here.
Musical magic
On Thursday 23rd, everyone’s favourite DJ Ronan Collins will be making an appearance. Having entertained radio and television audiences for many years, this is a man with a finger on the musical pulse of the nation. The Festival Tent will come alive for a night of the greatest hits of The Showband Era. Find out more here. On Friday 24th Culture Vultures will see Tony Clayon-Lea host an evening salon. Featuring music from The Pale and Barry Devlin, and words by Colin Keegan, this will be an unforgettable experience. And for those of you who were lucky enough to have snapped up tickets for the sell-out Come On Up to the House, Cavan’s very own Lisa O’Neill will be taking to the stage with Glen Hansard to finish out the festival in style.
There are so many events over the festival, from parades to poetry and music on every corner. So be sure to put the Cootehill Arts Festival in the diary. And check out www.inspireme.ie for more ideas of events in your locality.
Finally all details were correct at time of publication. Please check the organiser’s facebook page to confirm event details before you travel.
