Festivals
Festivals
The Erris region comes alive every summer with festivals providing entertainment for locals and visitors alike. Some festivals celebrate ancient practices and have been handed down from generation to generation. The bonfires on Oíche Sin Seáin (Oíche an Tine Chnámh) (23 June), Lá an Logha in Belmullet (15 August), Oíche Shamhna (31 October) and Lá Bríde (1st February) have been celebrated for as long as people can remember. Arts Festivals such as Force 12 (Literature), Féile Iorras (Folk Arts), Music Summer Series and others celebrate the arts. Community Festivals are occasions when people come home and meet. The Horse Riding on Doolough Beach was the core activity in J.M. Synges (The Playboy of the Western World) which he wrote in 1905. The races are still held on Doolough beach every August. Currach Racing in Eachléim celebrates the rich maritime tradition of the area ( the Currach is a workboat for inshore fishing).
Other festivals include Féile na Seachtaine (including Heritage Day), Féile Cill Chomáin, Feile na bPáistí (for the children) and Seachtain na Gaeilge. Erris is a place where the festivals are of the people and for the people and provide an exciting fusion of old traditions, the irish language, modern arts and community festivals.
UPCOMING FESTIVALS
Erris Beo Festival Brochure 2012.pdf
FOR A FULL LIST OF FESTIVAL EVENTS SEE BELOW.............................