Major spin-off expected from Féile Brian Ború

BUSINESSES and tourism-related enterprises in Killaloe and Ballina are looking forward to a major spin-off from the eagerly-anticipated 18th annual Féile Brian Ború Festival.
An action-packed programme of events for all the family from Tuesday, June 29 to Sunday, July 4 is expected to attract thousands of day-trippers and tourists to the shores of Lough Derg.
Festival chairman, John Grimes said the committee is confident the new attractions included in this year’s line-up will generate a lot of extra business for local pubs, restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Mr Grimes told The Clare Champion there has been a tremendous response from local businesses, who have put their shoulder to the wheel behind the festival.
Top of the bill is the arrival of one of the Ireland’s most successful ballad groups, The High Kings, who will conclude the weekend with a performance in the Lakeside Hotel on July 4.
People are advised to book early for the show as a lot of people who turned up without tickets to see the Furey Brothers at last year’s corresponding event were disappointed.
Activities for children is the main focus throughout the festival and one of the biggest changes is the decision to extend some of the attractions into the following week.
Mr Grimes said it is great to be able to help children in the two communities to learn more about the folklore and history of their area, particularly information about Brian Ború.
Fun activities include the art trail, Féile children’s parade, dog show, animal magic display, traditional Irish music/dancing, a craft market, farmers’ market, bungee jumping, community orchestra, children’s art competition, tag rugby, guided tours, boat races and a stunning fireworks display over the River Shannon.
On Tuesday, people can enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music with East Clare Comháltas.
Wednesday will begin with the official opening of the Féile Brian Ború art trail at Wood Brothers Bistro. On Wednesday evening, people can visit the Anchor Inn for traditional music and set dancing.
The events on Thursday and Friday include a table quiz at O’Donovan’s, Ballina and a Top of the Town Talent Show, followed by Beat on the Street, Killaloe.
Saturday’s events begin with canoe polo, which will continue through the day. The morning’s events also include a children’s art competition, puppet show, craft market, animal magic and art trail treasure hunt, which will lead into the Féile Brian Ború parade, between Molly’s Bar and Flanagan’s on the Lake.
Patrons can enjoy the community orchestra live from the green in Killaloe and a fireworks display on Saturday evening.
Sunday is also jam-packed, starting with bungee jumping, canoe polo, hurling, farmers’ market, tag rugby and guided tours.
In the afternoon, there will be the Féile Féis Killaloe, garden féte in the Lakeside Hotel, the Shannon Swim and the dragon boat race.
A programme of events is available at www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie.