Ireland Travel, Irish Gifts, Celtic Symbols, Irish Festivals and News

Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm is the date and times to mark you calendars – for the 11th Annual Adams County Irish Festival will be in town. Going into its second decade, the fest plans on big things starting off with having Makem & Spain Brothers as the headlining band amongst the many other groups that spans the Irish traditional genre from acoustic tunes to rocking pub songs.

Along with the many local, regional and internationally-known Irish bands, the festival will have Irish step dancers, bagpipers, Irish music workshops, Irish food, Irish wolfhounds, and art and gift vendors.

Take me to this festival: Adams County Irish Festival – July 17, 2010 >>

Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, this year’s Irish Fest (a.k.a. The Irish American Heritage Festival which is to be held on July 9, 10, 11, 2010) plans on many special promotions and events in celebration of this milestone. The supporters of the fest, the Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC), have been supporting the Irish community of Chicago's northwest side for over 25 years.

The festival weekend will bring together thousands of Chicago’s families, celebrating the best in Irish music, dancing, food, and cultural exhibits. The festival attracts 15,000 people from all over the Midwest and directly benefits the IAHC in its operating costs.

Take me to this festival: Irish Fest – July 9, 10, 11, 2010 >>

The Irish Fair & Music Festival is heading into its 35th year. The largest festival of its kind in Western America, the event is said to have 16 entertainment areas making so that any and all festival goes will find something to enjoy. Each stage will feature the best in Irish music and many numerous events and displays.

Many events will be featured including: from Irish musicians off all stripes, to sporting events, parades, Dog shows, theater and art events, and even historical displays and lectures. Add in the Irish travel booth, and the many shops and authentic food and Irish Fair & Music Festival is shaping up to be a blast!

Take me to this festival: Irish Fair & Music Festival – June 19-20, 2010 >>

The Oklahoma Music and Heritage Festival will be hitting Stillwater, OK on June 19, 2010 – June 20, 2010. The festival is hosted in part by the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma (USCO), the Tulsa Irish American Club and the Tulsa Gaelic Association – as well as the many historians and musicians across Oklahoma.

All the events will be held indoors in the Payne County Expo Center (the hotel accommodations held at the nearby Quality Inn). Many things will be offered including vendors, Scottish Clans, athletics, livestock, demonstrations, workshops, history exhibits, children's area, sessions, and live music and dance all spread out along three separate stages.

Take me to this festival: Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association – June 19th and 20th, 2010 >>

On June 19, 2010 in PA , the 10th Annual Penn-Mar Irish Festival will kick off at 11:00 a.m. From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm the Glen Rock, PA landmark, the Markets at Shrewsbury will host the event.

This event, into its 10th incarnation, will showcase the traditions of Amish crafts and furniture, along with an open farmers market beginning at 8:00 a.m. Since 2001, Penn-Mar’s annual Irish Festival has presented Irish live music and dancing, food, drink and unique shopping experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Thousands of people travel each year to enjoy the festivities that showcase local musicians and nationally known acts.

Take me to this festival: 10th Annual Penn-Mar Irish Festival – June 19, 2010 >>

Coming mid June is the 4th Annual Young Irish Musicians Weekend. The festival showcases the various youth performing in Irish music. The festival has a full line up of internationally renowned Irish musicians who will be traveling to Saint Paul, Minnesota to give workshops and lectures dealing with Irish traditional music.

Many will both perform and teach, giving tips to the next generation of musicians. The weekend will feature workshops from master artists for youth, morning program for young beginning students and workshops from master artists and CIM staff for adults.

Saturday night will feature a concert performance of the master class artists that are generously contributing to the future of Irish music.

Take me to this festival: Young Irish Musicians Weekend – June 18-20 2010 >>

The 24th annual “Day for Special People” is slated to happen on Sunday, June 13, 2010. This festival held by the Clare Association of Chicago is a day dedicated to those “special” people in our lives. The event, open to every person with either a mental or physical disability celebrates the lives and how special needs persons touch each and every one of our lives.

The event will be held at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th Street in Oak Forest, IL with all “special” guests allowed free admission and a nominal fee to others. The event will involve guest raffles, an Irish buffet breakfast, and various games for everyone to enjoy.

The 17th Annual Potomac Celtic Festival is coming to Leesburg, VA June 12-13, 2010. Held at Morven Park International Equestrian Center (a part of the historic Morven Park) is spacious and wide, easily containing the big events that are planned for this festival.

The two day fest will feature music and dance from Celtic fan favorites, as well as crafters and imported Celtic goods.

The family friendly event boasts Living History reenactments that span back 2000 years, bagpipers, workshops, children’s activities and crafts, the Highland games athletic demonstrations, and more. Alongside all this a food and drink, and pub tent will also be available.

Take me to this festival: Potomac Celtic Festival – June 12-13, 2010 >>

Oshkosh isn’t just a line of children's clothing – up and coming this June is the Second Annual Oshkosh Irish Fest held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The odds of overall’s being seen aren’t as high as the seeing, tasting and hearing great Celtic dancers, authentic Irish food, and hearing awesome Celtic music. All June 11-13 visitors will be immersed in Irish culture and the beautiful scenery of the park and the nearby by waters of Wisconsin.

They are a young event but already are doing their part to help out others with their 5k walk to raise money for the group Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin. Between other activities for the wee ones and the many vendors, visitors will be entertained for the 3 day festival.

Take me to this festival: Oshkosh Irish Fest – June 11th, 12th, and 13th 2010 >>

June has another festival on the 11-13: the Riverfront Irish Festival. Second only to St. Patrick’s Day, the Riverfront Irish Festival is the biggest Irish festival Ohio has to offer! Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Brendan Division, the festival will be filled to the brim with music, food, drink, dancing, and definitely Irish culture.

The family friendly fest held in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio will have traditional Irish and American fare, Irish Mass on Sunday, Traditional Irish dance, activities for the Kids, and vendors full of Irish goods. And all of this fun will be provided – free to all!

Take me to this festival: Riverfront Irish Festival June 11 -13 2010 >>

Want to see how the wool is removed from a sheep? Want to see it done as fast as possible? Well you’re in luck – the All-Ireland and International Sheep Shearing Championships are rolling in this June 5th and 6th at the Portlaoise Rugby Club.

This showcase of Ireland’s agricultural skills and sheep shearing will be heavily featured as 2,500 sheep will be shorn by shearers from all over Ireland, the UK, Europe, USA , Australia and New Zealand. Amongst the competitors, wool, and sheep, there will be other attractions and activities to take part in. Many of these attractions are locally hosted and supported. This fest will span two days over the bank weekend, and offer tickets online.

Take me to this festival: The 2010 All Ireland Sheep Shearing Championships – June 5th and 6th >>

Chicago Gaelic Park’s Irish Festival is coming up soon! Over the course of 4 days they will be hosting lots of entertainment spread out over six stages. So many events are scheduled that everyone will find something to catch their eye.

Along with the list of events, there will be many food and beverage vendors as well as the large Irish Fest Mall, a large gathering of Irish import stores to visit. Tickets are $15 for general admission, but tickets are available at a discount if you buy them early, as a 4 day pass, and will be available at a discount at certain points of the day.

Take me to this festival: Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest, May 28 to 31, 2010 >>

As the months change from April to May, the large festival of Bealtaine (1st May to 31st May) starts to go into full swing. This Irish national festival celebrates the creativity in all ages. Taking place over the event are many concerts, dancing, singing, art classes, plays, tours, lectures and literary events – and many more venues allowing celebrants to get together, socializes, and express their creativity. The event touts over 100 events so that there’s something to interest anyone visiting Ireland in May. The festival has a program of events to take place over the festival so that you can plan in advance.

Take me to this festival: Bealtaine Festival from May 1st- May 31st 2010 >>

Maryland will host one of the oldest Celtic celebrations in the state. Every year from 10 AM to 6 PM on the last Saturday in April, clans and societies congregate to share stories, food, dance, music, and other traditional old world charms. Competitions in various categories will be held all day. After closing ceremonies, stay for the evening ceili for some after festival dancing with the Rovers at 6:30pm.

Hosted on the 560-acre Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, this will be the 32nd year of this event, displaying the heritage and pride of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx, Breton, Cornish and British.

Take me to this festival: The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland – April 24, 2010 >>