Roll up Roll up to the greatest Show in the West.
For 45 years Dunmore Annual Festival has been being putting on a fantastic show and this year is no different.
The Dunmore Annual Festival runs from the 4th to the 11th of August with an action packed programme of nearly 100 events.
From fire shows to circus workshops, factory tours to slow motorbikes, Rave Bingo to our famous traditional Market Day topped off with some fantastic live music including an exclusive performance on Sunday 11th by X Factor finalist Brendan Murray there really is something to suit all ages.
The Festival Officially Opens on Sunday 4th of August with the ‘greatest show’. Enjoy stilt walking, juggling, a fire show. You will be dancing in streets alongside ‘Ace High Cheerleader & Gymastics, Dance J Company’ and singing along to songs from the Greatest Showman. You can get your face painted, grab an ice cream and climb into a Fire engine or Garda Car.
The party continues later that night with Live Music in the Square from ‘Half Landing’ at 7pm and The JCB man himself Seamus Moore on stage at 9pm. Whether you come to town on Your Little Honda 50, or bring along a Mighty Man from Mayo you would be Some Trucker to miss this.
There is sport of all kinds taking place throughout the week, Monday the 5th of August is the official Festival Sports Day. The day kicks off with the Annual Garrafrauns/Dunmore 6k Road Race followed by sports for all ages at the Fairgreen including some novelty ones for the less sporty.
That night fresh from her International tour, we welcome back our own Tracey Bruen and Friends for a night of beautiful melodies.
The fairies of Dunmore were very impressed with the enchanting homes local children build for them last year. In conjunction with Dunmore Tidy Towns The Bog Walk Fairy Trail event takes place on Wednesday the 7th of August where this year’s creations and some exciting new additions to our fairy trail will be unveiled.
The popular Traditional Market Day takes place on Thursday the 8th of August. Featuring local crafts, traditional stalls with homemade produce, butter making, and a blacksmith demonstration in the square. A vintage display of thrashing, sheep shearing, wood turning, turf cutting will take place.
An event not to missed is Dunmore’s first ever Rave Bingo, Think foul mouthed calling, filthy prizes and confetti. Lots of confetti!! Tickets are limited and selling fast so be sure to buy yours from the Dun Ri in advance.
Other highlights though out the week include – joining the circus for an afternoon at our Circus Skills workshop.
Checking out Dunmore’s Rising Stars in our Competition, or get creative at Pavement Art or our Fairy Door Workshops. Drop in and see what the Mad Scientist is getting up to or try your hand at our popular Road Bowling as it takes to the highways and byways. We are also looking for Dunmore’s
fittest family are you up for the challenge?
Come along to the Festival Folk Mass and afterwards sample the entries in our Bake Off or tickle you tastebuds in our Hot Hot Hot spicy challenge. Get some tips at our Ladies Wellness Takeover, or find your inner Zen at our Yoga Taster.
Enjoy a catch up over Afternoon Tea, learn more about pollination and Bee Keeping. Challenge yourself to a game of Chess or test your knowledge at the Festival Table Quizzes .
Try your hand at Texas Hold’em Poker, Bridge, Basketball or learn some dance moves or cooking tips during out International Day.
Dunmore Annual Festival is one on the countries longest running festivals, now in its 45th year.
Locals and Visitors from all corners of the world look forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones as well as many happy memories in Dunmore.
Sunday 4th of August might be the official opening but the programme of events is so vast and varied that festivities actually kick off 2 days early on Friday the 2nd of August.
Check out the programme below and keep up-to-date on the Dunmore Annual Festival on Facebook.
