A THREE-DAY festival of music, family entertainment, arts, heritage and local food will take place in Doonbeg during Irish Open week.
Doonbeg Fáilte Fest will run from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, coinciding with the Amgen Irish Open at Doonbeg Golf Club.
The event has been organised by local residents, businesses and community representatives, working with the Amgen Irish Open, Doonbeg Golf Club and Clare County Council.
The festival aims to encourage visitors attending the Irish Open to come into Doonbeg village, support local businesses and experience the wider West Clare area.
Irish Open action will be shown on a big screen in the village, while a West Coast Showcase in Doonbeg Community Hall will bring together local artists, producers and businesses from across West Clare.
There will also be three nights of live concerts behind Doonbeg Community Hall, along with entertainment for children and families.
The community has been preparing the village ahead of the event, including sprucing-up works and the creation of a new mural depicting the local community.
A competition for the best-dressed house or business has also been launched, with a €500 prize.
Jennie Drysdale, a member of the Doonbeg Irish Open Committee, said there had been significant work behind the scenes to prepare the village.
“There has been an incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes to get Doonbeg ready for the Irish Open. The community and local businesses have really embraced the opportunity and there is a fantastic sense of excitement throughout the village.”
“We want visitors to know that Doonbeg is open for business. Whether you are coming for the golf, looking for somewhere to eat, want to enjoy the entertainment, visit the West Coast Showcase or simply soak up the atmosphere, we are ready to welcome you.”
Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), also a member of the Doonbeg Irish Open Committee, said the festival would help ensure the wider community benefits from the tournament.
“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with local businesses, Clare County Council, Doonbeg Golf Club and the wider Irish Open team.”
“We are incredibly proud that Doonbeg Golf Club has been chosen to host the Amgen Irish Open, and we want to make sure that the benefits and excitement of this prestigious event are felt throughout our village and across West Clare.”
“Our message is very clear – come for the golf, stay for Doonbeg. Come into the village, support our local businesses, enjoy the big-screen action, visit the West Coast Showcase and experience the fantastic three nights of entertainment.”
Information on the festival, including parking, Park & Ride guidance, accommodation and local activities, is available through the Doonbeg Fáilte Fest website.
