Gala launch for Féile na Tuaithe 2015
The biggest free family festival in the West of Ireland, it is expected to attract up to 25,000 people over Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May
MEDIA RELEASE
17 April 2015
Gala launch for Féile na Tuaithe 2015
A festival of family fun and all that's best in country life
The National Museum of Ireland's flagship family festival, Féile na Tuaithe 2015, launched in gala style in the glorious grounds of the Museum of Country Life outside Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The biggest free family festival in the West of Ireland, it is expected to attract up to 25,000 people over Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May. Family activities and attractions, a craft village, music, art, food, celebrity chefs, horticulture and a host of demonstrations and displays all celebrate the best of traditional and contemporary Irish life. All festival elements are a joyful celebration of the countryside and have a direct connection with the Museum's theme.
Féile na Tuaithe returned last year after a three year hiatus and it will be even bigger and better in 2015. A free shuttle bus will run from Castlebar and extra free car parking is available. The new Greenway cycling route from Castlebar will open in time for the event, offering an ideal environmentally friendly transport option - secure complementary bicycle parking will be available.
The festival is held in partnership with Mayo County Council who are active and supportive partners constantly striving to support and assist the event. Speaking at the launch Mr Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council expressed the importance of Féile na Tuaithe to Mayo and its contribution to the economic recovery of the Region. He also said, "Mayo County Council is proud to be involved with Féile, and we are grateful to all the other sponsors involved. We are hugely supportive of the collaborative approach taken in the Region, particularly by the Local Enterprise Offices, in supporting this popular free event in Mayo."
Tony Candon, Manager /Keeper of the Museum of Country Life, welcomed guests to the launch of the eighth Féile na Tuaithe, remarking that “Féile is even bigger and better this year, taking on a new regional dimension, involving participation of the Local Enterprise Offices of Mayo, Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon, Galway and Sligo. However, even with this new regional focus, Féile remains grounded in the folklife collections of the Museum and all they stand for, in terms of celebrating traditional country life". He went on to sincerely thank all local sponsors saying, " I wish to acknowledge the active support of our all our sponsors, without whom we would not be here today, these include the Connaught Telegraph, Cashin Print, Mid West Radio and Spear Design."
Damien Ryan, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, acknowledged the sterling work done by Tony Candon and his team at the Museum. He also said, "This proves the effectiveness of a collaborative approach in organising such a superb event."
Speaking on behalf of Louise Ward, CEO Roscommon LEO, Anne Browne of Roscommon LEO said, "This event represents potential of one of the largest marketing and selling opportunities in the West and Northwest this year. It is really a wonderful opportunity for small food and craft businesses to demonstrate and promote their products." She also commented on the importance of Féile na Tuaithe as a networking opportunity for these small food and craft entrepreneurs.
Féile na Tuaithe takes its inspiration from the collections of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, which represents traditional country life in Ireland between the years 1850 and 1950. The Museum and Galleries remain open during Féile (admission free) and everyone is welcome to enjoy the folklife collection. This offers a lovely opportunity to compare and contrast the beautiful traditional examples on display there, with those in the festival.
The arts are always an important element and the ‘On Sight’ art project this year is Welcome to the Stranger : Migrant people, places and spaces. This is a collaborative art project between Mayo Country Council Arts Office, Mayo Arts Squad and the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. Artists will create site-specific works in the Museum grounds inspired by the Folklife Collection.
Féile na Tuaithe would like to thank their partners and sponsors: Mayo County Council, Local Enterprise Offices ( Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Donegal), Western Development Commission, Bord Bia, Connaught Telegraph, MidWest Radio, Spear Design and Cashin Print.
Féile na Tuaithe, returns to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2015. The festival is held in partnership with Mayo County Council and is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors. Parking, admission, and all attractions, demonstrations and activities at Féile na Tuaithe are free. Starts at 12 noon each day.
Website: Féile na Tuaithe 2015 main page
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeileNaTuaithe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeileNaTuaithe
ENDS
Date: 17 April 2015
Contact:
Lesley Emerson, PR West, Ri Rua, Cogaula, Westport, Co. Mayo
Email: lesley@prwest.ie
Tel: 087 2263319
Lisa Fahy, Project Co-ordinator, Féile na Tuaithe 2015, National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Email: feile@museum.ie;
Tel: 094 903 1755 (Ext 381)