www.failteireland.ie

In February, Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, met with the heads of fifteen State tourism agencies, State arts bodies, and the cultural institutions to begin the work of further developing the cultural tourism market. This is the first step in implementing the Minister’s undertaking, to put in place an initiative to further develop the potential of cultural tourism. The Minister’s aim is, “to present Ireland as a first-choice destination for culture seekers and the examination of opportunities for creating new jobs, building additional arts/culture events and carefully-themed product development for the international market.” He said that cultural tourism is growing in importance internationally, adding, “It has been achieving average annual growth rates of 15% - three times the overall growth rate for tourism. It represents a third of all tourism business and is high yield. It is essential that Ireland places itself as a premier destination for the many tourists for whom experiencing culture is an important component of their holiday.”

Research carried out by Fáilte Ireland indicates that the largest segment of potential visitors to Ireland is in the category known as sightseers and culture seekers. This sector makes up over half (50 to 60%) of Ireland’s overseas holidaymakers each year.

www.returntocamden.org

As part of the St Patrick’s Festival
The London Irish Centre in association with
Return to Camden Town Festival present
In Concert:

Le Chéile
‘Iconic Irish Traditional Music Band’ The Irish Post
Legendary band from the 1970s, reformed in recent years with new members Andy Martyn (accordion) and Paul Gallagher (flute) joining original band members Danny Meehan (fiddle), Liam Farrell (banjo), Kevin Boyle (guitar/ piano) and John Roe (piano).
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August 1st, 2009
www.IrelandsMusicAwards.com

Ireland’s top traditional, folk and Celtic music industry stars will be recognised and awarded for their contribution to the industry at “Ireland’s Music Awards” which will take place in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co, Mayo this summer on the night of Saturday August 1st 2009. The event will take place as part of “The World Fleadh” international Irish & Celtic music festival, but is a stand alone event and is expected to draw massive crowds to Castlebar, Co. Mayo for the Gala Ceremony.
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July 24th – August 15th, 2009
www.theworldfleadh.com

“THE WORLD FLEADH INTERNATIONAL IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BE HOSTED IN CASTLEBAR”

After the outstanding success the 2008 festival in Portlaoise, The World Fleadh International Irish & Celtic Music Festival returns with a fantastic selection of top Irish and Celtic music acts from around the globe alongside quality special guest acts from other musical genres. Festival Directors are delighted to announce the brand new location of Castlebar, Co. Mayo which will host the event between July 24th and August 15th 2009.
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July 31st – August 3rd, 2009
www.ocarolanfestival.ie

The O’Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, now in its 31st. year has established itself over the years as one of Ireland’s leading musical events.

The 2009 Festival which is held under the auspices of C.C.E. takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from July 31st. to August 3rd. while the O’Carolan Summer School in Traditional Music, Song and Dance precedes the Festival and takes place from July 27th to July 31st.
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Website :: www.fidilmusic.com
Audio samples :: www.myspace.com/fidilcd

Ciarán Ó Maonaigh :: Fiddle
Aidan O’Donnell :: Fiddle
Damien McGeehan :: Fiddle

“One of the most challenging and beautifully austere albums of the last fifty years.”
Sean Laffey, Irish Music Magazine

Music Network is delighted to announce a concert by Fidil on Thursday 5th March, at 8.00pm in Triskel Arts Centre. Fidil are Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Aidan O’Donnell and Damien McGeehan who were awarded a place in 2008 on Young Musicwide, Music Network’s development programme for selected young professional musicians.
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www.wliw.org

Below please find programs of Irish and Celtic interest airing between Wednesday, February 25 and Sunday, March 8 on WLIW21 New York Public Television. WLIW21 is also offering tickets to several related concerts happening around St. Patrick’s Day. Details below.

FROM GALWAY TO BROADWAY
Saturday, February 28 at 8 am and Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm on WLIW21
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May 15th – 17th, 2009
www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com

Skerries Traditional Music Weekend Festival now in its 8th year is growing in strength from year to year. The annual funding provided by Fingal County Council Community Culture and Sports Division, The Arts Council and our Local Businesses allows the Festival to promote the traditions in the Fingal Region.
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June 22nd to July 3rd 2009
www.blas.ie

Now in its fourteenth year, the Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance at the University of Limerick goes from strength to strength, increasing students numbers and the list of its tutors year-on-year. Plans for Blas 2009 are in full swing.
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Ardara, Donegal, September 25th-27th, 2009
www.ardarafestivals.com

A great weekend of Music, Song & Dance. Something for everyone, Workshops, Pub sessions, Ceilís with Emerald Ceilí Band, World Famous Tirconnail Ceilí Band from Glasgow and Barn Dances with Cascade. If that is not enough we have the Gala Concert on Saturday the 26th of September with the award winning band Cherish The Ladies. It will be a great weekend for all, especially if you know the infamous Joanie Madden who always guarantees a good time.

Confirmed Tutors: Joanie Madden, Flute & Whistle, Mirella Murray, Piano Accordion, Kathleen Boyle, Piano, Mary Coogan, Banjo & Mandolin, Roisin Dillon, Fiddle, Michelle Burke, Singing, Sheila Gormley, Sets & Ceilis, Clement Gallagher, Sets & Ceilis and Edi Bradley, Barn Dance, Mick Mulkerrin, Sean Nós.

For further information contact: Pat McGill Tel: 074-9537949
or Eileen Golden Tel: 086-2391441 www.ardarafestivals.com