The Mirazozo luminarium, a giant art installation featuring caverns for members of the public to explore, will be a colorful focal point on the Ennis landscape during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The structure, designed by Alan Parkinson of the company Architects of Air, is being brought to Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park by Clare County Council. The structures designed by Alan having been visited by more than two million people in 43 countries around the world at iconic locations such as the Guggenheim in Spain and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Inspired by Islamic architecture and natural geometry, Mirazozo features winding passages of small domes inspired by repeat forms found in the bazaars of Iran. Inside the spaceship-shaped structure is a multi-coloured world of bright luminous green, red and blue stripes of light forming bouncing patterns of colour on the walls of five interlinked domes.
Monica Meehan, Community and Tourism, Clare County Council said the 158 ft. by 94 ft inflatable exhibit will be the size of more than half a football pitch once erected.
“The luminosity of light and colour inside Mirazozo is created purely by the light shining through the exhibit which is constructed from a specially made PVC. Anyone of any age or background can connect with it. Visitors are invited to wander, to sit down and enjoy the ambience and the space,” she explained.
“Clare County Council is working closely with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann committee to deliver a memorable and successful event for the town and county, as well as the many thousands of people coming to compete in and enjoy the festival. The delivery of this family entertainment space and the appointment of Futureama Productions to manage its operation represents a significant investment by the council but it is one we feel will add to what will be a hugely successful Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann,” she added.
The Mirazozo luminarium will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14 from 10am to 6pm, on Monday – Thursday, August 15 -18 from midday to 6pm and from Friday to Sunday,August 19 – 21 from a0am to 8pm.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.