Food, music and fun on the cards for 2014 in hundreds of communities
Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring has today announced that funding of just over €537,000 has been approved by Fáilte Ireland for 175 regional festivals and events taking place this year [
view list here].
Minister Ring said, “2013 was a great success for Irish tourism and regional festivals and events across the country played a big part in that success. We want to build on the legacy of the Gathering and ensure 2014 is even more successful. The funding announced today will allow local communities to broaden their appeal to overseas visitors who will be able to experience everything from culture and sport, to festivals and fun.”
The huge range of festivals being supported by Fáilte Ireland under the Regional Programme of the Festivals and Events Initiative includes:
• Music festivals like the Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Sligo Jazzfest, New Ross Piano Festival and Masters of Tradition in Cork;
• Sports events such as the Dingle Adventure Race, the TriAthy in Kildare and the Pig n Porter and the European Mountain Biking Marathon both in Limerick
• Food events such as the Savour Kilkenny, Dalkey Lobster Festival and the Westport Festival of Music and Food;
• Or cultural events such as the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival, Kilkenomics in Kilkenny, and the Ballyshannon Folk Festival.
Fáilte Ireland research indicates that in 2011 there were 10,836 people in paid employment in festivals. Additionally, 48,692 people around Ireland were engaged with festivals in Ireland on a voluntary basis.
Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland stressed the importance of festivals for Ireland and the tourism sector:
“Festivals and events are the lifeblood of Irish tourism – complementing the beauty of our landscapes and the friendliness of our people with a rich variety of spectacle and experiences. These events will provide the backbone to the tourism calendar in communities throughout the country and add to our ability to grow overseas visitors and revenue.”
ENDS
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