Junior Brother, David Kitt, and Aoife Nessa Frances are among the acts who will perform at Croílár, a new arts and music festival taking place in Athlone next week.
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Seanchoíche, a project aiming to revive the ancient Irish tradition of storytelling, Mohammad Syfkhan, Theo Fitzgibbon and comedian Aoife Dunne will also appear at the event, which runs from 4 to 6 April across seven venues, from churches and pubs to contemporary galleries, and an outdoor area in the Shannon-side town.
Weekend tickets priced €50 are available now.
Croílár is Irish for 'heartlands' and organisers say the name "reflects the festival's deep roots in the midlands and its commitment to connecting with both the local community and a wider audience."
They add that the "main focus of the festival is to highlight emerging Irish talent by offering a platform for new and exciting voices in music, visual arts, comedy, storytelling, and more."
The inaugural festival will also host stand-up comedy, workshops and interactive experiences with a focus on yoga, breathwork and Chéilí dancing. afterparties and DJs, storytelling event, in partnership with Seanchoíche, and local food, arts and crafts, and art installations
Croílár is the creation of a group of like-minded individuals from the midlands, with a shared passion for the arts.
Festival organisers Jack O'Meara says, "Having a sister who’s a musician, it felt like there was a real lack of opportunity for original artists to perform outside of the coasts.
"For me, Athlone has always been a place of creativity, connection, and community. Croílár is our way of giving artists in the midlands a stage, bringing the town to life, and trying to create something to be proud of in the years to come."
Fellow organiser Eddie Connolly adds, "I've always been fascinated by how festivals unite people, create memories, and spark creativity. After getting into organizing festivals abroad, it’s exciting to bring that energy back to the midlands.
"Croílár is about celebrating the talent in our communities and the joy of coming together."
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