New Traditional Music and Dance Initiative launches in the North West

Fáilte Ireland today launched a new initiative to promote traditional music and dance in the North West region.  Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to discover what’s new in the North West this summer with a cultural calendar full of traditional music and dance performances in local venues.

This initiative has been developed with support from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and local tourism providers in the counties of Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. A total of 22 venues, including pubs, hotels, arts centres and even a cinema, will offer events throughout the summer season with many taking place in the afternoon to cater for the family market. 

Speaking this evening at the launch in Sligo, Shaun Quinn Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland said –
 
“With a vibrant tradition and culture of traditional music, song and dance, visitors to the North West region are spoilt for choice this summer. Our research shows that traditional Irish music is a must see – or must hear – for our overseas visitors who actively seek out venues for such entertainment. Initiatives such as this make that much easier and provide our overseas visitors with a memorable taste of Ireland.”
 
Mr Quinn continued -
 
“Today’s initiative is not only a great example of local businesses working in partnership but also an intelligent positioning of the North West tourism industry with regard to providing visitors good cause to visit the area and a strong reason to stay as long as possible.”
 
One of the key components of this initiative is the authentic Irish dance and music experience - Shaylyn. Dedicated to creating performance and development opportunities for young traditional Irish dancers, musicians and singers of the region, Shaylyn will perform at the Eclipse Cinema in Bundoran every Wednesday at 8pm from 1 July until the end of August. 
 
Other venues taking part in the initiative include Leo’s Tavern in Donegal (home to the renowned Clannad as well as the success story that is Enya), McGrory’s of Culdaff in Inishowen, and the recently refurbished Coleman Centre in Gurteen where traditional music sessions will be taking place weekly throughout July and August. 
 
For further information including a full list of participating venues, log on to www.discoverireland.ie/northwest

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Louise Tolerton 
PR Officer
Tel: 086 6086578/01 8847135
 

Note for editor

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
 
The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 250,000 people and generates more than €6 billion in revenue a year.

Back