Féile Lughnasadh Milltown deemed a huge success

Milltown hosted its second Féile Lughnasadh, building on the success last year and again showcased the very best in Trad in the free, family-friendly festival.

Organiser Owen O'Shea was delighted with the 2023 event.

"Our committed team of local volunteers have been working tirelessly to deliver this totally unique event, a free festival with the very best musicians. Frankie Gavin is a legend and we are very proud to have hosted Dé Danann in Milltown. He now joins names such as The Chieftans, Sharon Shannon, Kila and many, many more to have played in our town,” he said.

The hugely popular mid-Kerry venue did not disappoint, with the unpredictable weather settling to ideal conditions for this outdoor event.

"It was great to see crowds enjoying the music in the sunshine", explained organiser Patricia Wren, "especially families who enjoyed a full day here on Sunday.

The outdoor ceilí is a regular favourite in Milltown, and it was a wonderful spectacle with a full floor dancing to Uí Bhriain. While the highlight of the festival was Dé Danann, the other acts wowed the crowds too, with Pólca 4 and The Four Winds performing memorable gigs on the outdoor stage.

Local groups continued the revelry into the night in local bars, as well as the Festival Club.

"We were concerned about the weather, being such an outdoor event", said local CCE Chairman Turlough O'Brien, "But the parade, Lughnasadh bonfire, outdoor gigs, ceilí, craft fair and street entertainment competition all worked a treat."

The organisers are grateful to the many sponsors from the community who helped make it happen, as well as the public who bought tickets for the draw.

"We sold tickets throughout the festival", said organiser Deirdre O'Gorman, "and I must say people were so generous. We had an excellent prize and I suppose people knew we working hard to foster our tradition and culture and were happy to help,” she said.

“Many passing tourists were surprised to come upon such an authentic cultural event, and I'd say it was the holiday highlight for many", said festival organiser Vincent Prendergast.

It is now a major event in the Kerry summer, and plans are underway for next year's event, with fans already speculating on the headline act for 2024.

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