Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Doolin Folk Festival line-up confirmed

Damien Dempsey, Solas, Liam O’Flynn and Kíla are among the artists set to perform at the 2nd annual Doolin Folk Festival in County Clare, details of which were announced today.

The three-day festival takes place from June 13th to 15th in the Hotel Doolin Marquee, located less than a mile from the site of the famous Lisdoonvarna Festival of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Performers this year include Solas, Damien Dempsey, Liam O’Flynn & Paddy Glackin, Kíla, The Máirtín O’Connor Trio, Mike McGoldrick & Dezi Donnelly, Lisa O’Neill, Séamus Begley & Jim Murray, Lumiére, Chris Droney, The Whileaways, Siobhán People, Murty Ryan & Pat Marsh, Mick O’Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Moxie, The Unwanted, The Bonny Men, The Friel Sisters, New Road, Tommy McCarthy & Louise Costello, and Blackie O’Connell & Friends.

According to Festival organiser and Hotel Doolin manager, Donal Minihane: "It’s only in its second year and yet the Doolin Folk Festival already has the feel of a defining feature in Ireland’s musical landscape. Taking inspiration from the great Lisdoonvarna festivals of the 70s and 80s from Clare's deep musical roots, Doolin 2014 will again present powerful music in an intimate setting and ensure that audiences and musicians can feel at one and just enjoy the communal spirit of such festivals."

“The people getting the true royal treatment will be the audience members. With all the music taking place at the Hotel Doolin, we’re aiming for that ideal festival experience. We really want people to hear this music for what it is. To me it’s like an antidote to so much of the unwanted sounds of the world," he added.

According to RTÉ presenter John Creedon: “Doolin 2013 was one of highlights of the year on The Creedon Show. We had spine tingling on-air performances from Iarla Ó Lionaird & Martin Hayes followed by Scullion, lit only by the sun setting over the Aran islands to the West. This is a true ‘boutique festival’ – small and super cool, where the music really matters.”

As radio presenter and musician, Philip King points out, “Human contact is at the heart of traditional music in this country. Festivals like Doolin are clearly filling a void in our virtual age. We may be more connected than ever before but we are also more disconnected in other ways. Out there on the edge of the country, Doolin allows both musicians and audiences to reconnect, to take a rest from media and experience that unbroken but changing nature of our rich and nourishing music.”

This year's Doolin Folk Festival will also feature food stalls and a traditional crafts fair. Mr. Minihane commented: "We know from last year that we have all the ingredients in place – the right location, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and pubs and attractions, a full range of accommodation, great local support, and the music of course. All we need now is the audience."

Day and Weekend Tickets for the Doolin Folk Festival are on sales from www.tickets.ie, Hotel Doolin and Celtic Note record Shop in Dublin. More information on www.doolinfolkfestival.com or www.facebook.com/doolinfolkfestival