MUSIC FESTIVAL-goers are spoilt for choice this weekend with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Festival of World Cultures among the major events taking place.
More than 200,000 people are expected in Tullamore, Co Offaly, for the Fleadh Cheoil, which opened last night and continues through the weekend.
Some 10,000 competitors are taking part in 130 competitions at the event, including set céilís in the Tullamore Court Hotel today and tomorrow. Motorists passing through the town will be diverted via the ring road for all routes.
The Festival of World Cultures in the seaside town of Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, will feature 150 live gigs by 800 musicians and artists. Among the musical acts headlining are Tiken Jah, Sa Dinding, Ethiopiques and Yungchen Lhamo. Other highlights include soap making, basket making and Japanese flower arranging workshops in the Royal Marine Hotel, and a “cool earth environmental fair” in the county hall.
In Dunmore East, Co Waterford, the Guinness International Bluegrass festival is taking place, featuring international bands such as Sunnyside, the Jack Grace Band, Buffalo Gals, Blueflint and Hungry Hill. Irish bands including Huzzars, Tin Box Company, Knotty Pine and Anyoldtune will also perform today and tomorrow.
The village of Terryglass on the northern shores of Lough Derg is hosting an arts festival this weekend, with storytelling workshops and a host of other events taking place today and tomorrow.
The Bansha Festival also takes place in Co Tipperary this weekend, and includes a free open-air concert tomorrow by Bagatelle. A Warriors’ Run will take place in Sligo tomorrow, with approximately 400 runners expected to take part in the 15km road and hill race.
Motorists are advised to expect heavy delays on the N21 and M7/N7 roads throughout tomorrow morning as fans from Kerry and Cork descend on Dublin for the all-Ireland football semi-final at Croke Park. Fans planning to use the Luas park-and-ride are reminded that the Red Cow park- and-ride will be closed.
Traffic diversions will also be in place in the Phoenix Park tomorrow for the Gatorade Dublin City Triathlon. Chapelizod Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic except buses and local traffic for the event.
Met Éireann says it will be windy this morning as rain spreads eastwards across the country, but the rain will gradually clear during the afternoon and evening. Tomorrow is expected to begin dry and bright, with rain and drizzle moving eastwards in the afternoon and evening.
‘Parade of sail’ to send off race yacht: page 8