Tag Archives: Ennis Showgrounds

THERE will only be one campsite for Fleadh revellers this year if the plans in the event licence application are approved, local businesses have been told. While there were a number of campsites last year, this year there is only one campsite, which is in Clarecastle, in the event licence application. Details of car-parking arrangements and event control were outlined at the meeting by Clare County Council Fleadh co-ordinator Noleen Fitzgerald. The early part of the festival comprises of Scoil Eigse, a summer school of Irish traditional music, song and dance for children. It is competition time from Thursday to Monday, when competitors will flock from the United States of America, Europe, the United Kingdom and provincial champions from all over Ireland. Patrons can also look forward to concerts, lectures, Seachtain na Gaeilge and Fleadh TV. The Gig Rig will be located in Abbey Street again, although its orientation and layout will be slightly different this year. It will back …

INIS Fest music festival is back on track and will take place at Ennis Showgrounds on June 26-28, it has been confirmed. The three-day festival will see Ennis Showgrounds being transformed into a world-class venue with a 3,000-person capacity big top tent and an entertainment and leisure area featuring food and drink stalls. Organised by Impresario Events, the inaugural event features Nathan Carter, Damien Dempsey, Delorentos, Hermitage Green, Mundy, Rackhouse Pilfer and more acts to be announced. “We received overwhelming support from the wider public following our decision to defer holding the event last month. Thanks to Clare Agricultural Show Society and the ongoing support of Clare County Council, the Fire Service, An Garda Síochána, Clare Civil Defence and the public we are delighted to announce that an alternative event venue has now been secured,” explained Darren Purtill of Impresario Events. “We believe that INIS Fest is a hugely positive event which not only provides the people of Clare and …

All-Ireland sheaf-throwing champion, Michael O’Brien will face stiff competition at the 110th annual Clare County Show this Sunday. Talented sheaf-throwers such as Paddy Dooley from Tullamore and Paddy Delaney from Laois, will be hoping to knock the Tulla man off his stride at the Showgrounds, Ennis. Doubling as a curtain-raiser for the All-Ireland Sheaf-Throwing Championships in a few weeks, spectators will also get the opportunity to see experienced throwers from Offaly, Mayo, Limerick and Galway. High standards in competition is nothing new for the County Show, which has a number of All-Ireland qualifiers that attract entries from the four corners of the country. Show public relations officer Mary Stafford credits the enthusiasm and endeavour of committee members for ensuring that its appeal remains as strong as ever, 110 years later. “Clare was the first county to have an indoor riding school and there are still a number of indoor riding schools in the county. There is a great tradition and …

The  countdown is for the landmark 110th County Clare Agricultural Show, set for Sunday, July 6 at Ennis Showgrounds. Always one of the top shows in the country – the prizemoney is an added bonus – the organisers are looking forward to welcoming the top breeders and owners of horses and cattle. There will also be several classes for sheep and donkeys. The Brood Mare All-Ireland Championship qualifier has a prizefund of €1,500, while the All-Ireland Yearling Colt or Gelding Championship carries a €2,500 pot. The prestigious De Valera Cup will be awarded to the champion young horse. On the showjumping side, spectators will be entertained by big name riders on the show circuit, while the pony-jumping will also attract considerable attention. The showgrounds indoor facility will house a huge array of home produce, fresh vegetables and flowers, as well as trade stands. The carriage driving class is always a big hit, as is the dog show and agility course. For …

RADIO and television gardening expert, Peter Dowdall certainly didn’t beat around the bush when it came to praising the upcoming Clare Garden Festival. The festival will be held at the Ennis Showgrounds on Sunday, April 27, with a host of gardening experts set to attend. Among them will be Peter, who said, “Even though it is only a very young event, the Clare Garden Festival is establishing itself on the gardening calendar throughout Munster and beyond. I am delighted to be a part of it this year. “The theme of this year’s show, My Beautiful and Edible Garden, is a great choice and while I will be focussing on ornamental gardening, the importance of good garden design and gardening in small spaces, I believe there is always room for some edibles in every garden, delighting the eye and the palate,” he said. The festival will feature talks on edible flowers, borders and hedges, as well as the always popular beginners’ …