Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring TD has today (Thursday) announced that Fáilte Ireland will provide support totalling €180,000 for ten festivals taking place all around Ireland this year.
The festivals include major events Donegal International Motor Rally, the 7Up Winter Wonderland in Dublin, the Galway International Oyster Festival, the Corona Cork Film Festival, the Great Limerick Run and the Limerick International Bands Parade.
“Tourism is key to our economic recovery and these announcements add to the strong package of festivals and events that Minister Varadkar and I announced last month. Festivals are magnets for visitors, from home and abroad, whose spending will support jobs and the local economy.”
Funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland to support the events based on their ability to generate tourism bednights in their respective locations.
Fáilte Ireland Shaun Quinn stressed the importance of festivals for Ireland and the tourism sector. “Wherever you go around Ireland, there will be festivals and things to see and do everywhere. Behind all the fun and enjoyment lies a strong business case. The simple matter is, interesting and attractive festivals bring people into this country and encourage people to travel throughout the country. Festivals and events also greatly improve the overall visitor experience of Ireland, providing opportunities to showcase not only Irish culture but the good nature, charm and invention of our people as well.”
ENDS.
Issued by:
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Press Office. Tel: (01) 604 1087 / (01) 604 1090.
Note for Editors
The following festivals and events are being supported:
Limerick International Bands Parade
Ireland's longest running international Band parade which is in its 42nd year. The primary participants are North American High School bands in addition to at least 15 other bands from Ireland North and South.
Limerick Riverfest
A city wide series of events held over the May bank holiday weekend. The festival celebrates Limerick's position on the River Shannon. The programme of events is concentrated along Howleys Quay, Arthurs Quay and Market Quarter area. This event is intended to complement the Great Limerick Run which takes place on the same weekend.
Great Limerick Run
The Great Limerick Run is an inclusive sporting event that is open to people of all ages, and fitness levels to participate in. The Great Limerick Run team have recognised the increased popularity of running in Ireland and internationally and have designed the event with three races so as to maximise participant and visitor numbers.
Camden Crawl Dublin
The first Camden Crawl Dublin event will be organised by the same team behind the annual Camden Crawl festival in London, with a Dublin-based partner. The Camden Crawl is renowned for showcasing hotly tipped live music/performing artists. Its success is based on the commitment to making innovative music/arts accessible to everyone.
International Quilt Festival of Ireland
The Galway event will be aimed very specifically at niche overseas visiting tour groups of quilters (and their travelling partners). It will be organised by a tour operator who specialises in niche groups and marketed in mainland Europe, UK, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.
Donegal International Motor Rally
The rally features three days of motorsport action using the roads across the County of Donegal and attracts over 200 entries from within the island of Ireland, and also from England, Wales and Scotland. The event attracts large numbers of spectators to Donegal. The rally teams and their support staff who take part in the competition also contribute to visitor numbers.
Waterford Harvest Festival
Seven day food festival specialising in craft / local / slow food production and producers. The overall aim of the festival is to become the premier food festival in Ireland and to showcase Waterford as a food destination.
7Up Winter Wonderland
Christmas attraction located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham running over a 5 week period. The event is aimed at all ages and features visits to Santa Claus, funfair rides, big wheel, rollercoaster, circus and ice skating. Christmas markets, live entertainment and festive displays can also be found at this event.
Galway International Oyster Festival
This long-established event features a seafood and wine Mardi Gras, workshops around the history of the sea and the Galway region, seafood cookery and demonstrations, 'Young Oyster Festival' for children, an oyster themed area on Quay St and Shop St. and other activities.
Corona Cork Film Festival
The Corona Cork Film Festival presents a diverse programme of local, Irish and international screenings, meetings and social events. The festival's celebration of the short film has established Cork as one of the premier festivals for screening such work.