*The Kilfenora Ceili Band performing at Vandeleur Festival Kilrush 2023. The popular North Clare outfit is returning to Kilrush this June. Photograph: Eamon Ward
FIRST ACTS have been announced for the second annual Vandeleur Festival Kilrush which takes place from June 27th to 30th.
Irish-American supergroup Cherish The Ladies, the world-famous Kilfenora Céilí Band and country music star Robert Mizzell will be headlining at the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre with further acts to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Supported by Clare County Council, the Kilrush Town Team, Kilrush Amenity Trust CLG and Kilrush Credit Union, the four-day festival also will feature street entertainment in Kilrush town centre.
A park and ride service will operate every fifteen minutes between Kilrush town centre and the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre to accommodate evening concertgoers.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated, “Everyone in Kilrush is delighted to have a brand-new festival right on their doorstep”. The Kilrush native added, “Our experience from 2023 shows that this event brings new life into the town and complements the hugely successful annual Kilrush Traditional Music & Set Dancing Festival. We look forward to establishing it as a permanent fixture on the Irish festival calendar that also shines a spotlight on the arts and culture community in West Clare”.
Noel Kilkenny, Chairperson of Kilrush Amenity Trust CLG commented, “Creating a community-focused attraction is a key priority for the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre. We are committed to supporting a programme of events that contains something for everybody with performances and activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages”.
Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare MD noted the positive support that has been received from the wider community for the festival. “Vandeleur Festival Kilrush was a huge hit for the town and the wider county during its inaugural year and we are excited about its return this summer”.
A programme of events around the three main concerts are planned, Colette Costello, Head of Operations for Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre outlined. She confirmed this includes “street family entertainment in the town centre and other events that highlight and promote the vibrant and arts and culture community of West Clare. We are very much looking forward to welcoming people from near and far to Kilrush this summer”.
One of America’s most acclaimed Irish music ensembles, Cherish The Ladies will headline the opening concert of the festival on Friday, 28th June. The Kilfenora Céilí Band, supported by special guest Ger O’Donnell, will perform on Saturday 29th June, while Robert Mizzell will be bringing the curtain down on the festival on Sunday 30th June. All concerts begin at 7.30pm and are ticketed events.
Further information on the Vandeleur Festival Kilrush is available from www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie.
