More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the first World Fleadh in Ballybunion, Co Kerry, which starts today. The seven-day festival will showcase Irish dancing, music and theatre and will host top international artists from the world of Irish and Celtic music.
"We wanted to bring the best professional musicians to one venue," said festival director Eric Cunningham. "There are Celtic and Irish music festivals like this all over the world, but nothing like it in Ireland.
"I suppose there was an element of selling sand to the Arabs about it, like selling Irish music to the Irish. But hopefully all the other facets we've organised will overcome that."
More than €800,000 has been spent in preparation for the event. Part of the budget has been used to build the temporary Fleadh Village, which includes two outdoor stages, 10 marquees housing food and craft stalls, a campsite and a custom-built dome next to the town's newly-completed Tinteán Theatre, which will be used to accommodate the 1,000 set-dancers competing throughout the week.
The main musical events will take place over the weekend and are expected to draw the biggest crowds. Kila and Beoga will give free performances on the town stage.
The main "Atlantic" stage, perched on the clifftops, will host La Bottine Souriante, Solas and the Sharon Shannon Big Band on Saturday evening and the Waterboys and the Gypsy Kings on Sunday. Day tickets for the concerts start at €45.
The event is expected to generate in excess of €10 million in revenue for local businesses.
"Most festivals these days are aimed at the under-25s," explained promoter Sarah Crabbe. "This will be a slightly older, varied crowd, with more families. We've also had a lot of inquiries from overseas, because most of the acts performing have a worldwide audience and people want to see them play in Ireland."
The festival, which is supported by Fáilte Ireland North Kerry, continues until August 20th. For more information go to: www.theworldfleadh.com