Dunmore East in Co Waterford is hosting its 8th annual international bluegrass festival this weekend, with bands specialising in the increasingly popular music performing in the village. An estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend.
Mr Mick Daly, one of the organisers, said: "When we started there was nothing like this in the country and we would say it's still one of a kind. People came in the first year out of curiosity but the numbers have grown and grown. Last year we had the biggest crowd yet and this year is looking like it is going to break that record.
"Dunmore was often bypassed by large groups of tourists and has suffered from a lack of publicity over the years. Now people who come for the festival return on their holidays and it has proved to be very successful in putting the hidden treasures of this fishing village on the map."
The music is quite distinctive, said Mr Daly, even though it may have some similarities with country music.
"It is believed to have originated in the Appalachian Mountains in the US and is an offshoot of country music and gospel with European roots. The nine bands we have playing over the weekend also reflect influences from a variety of sources including traditional and fusion jazz, contemporary country music, Celtic music and old-fashioned rock'n'roll."