It’s time again for Féile na Tuaithe, the best free family festival in the West. For the sixth year running the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life welcome families to the festival of the countryside. Féile na Tuaithe 2010 takes place on Saturday May 22 and Sunday May 23 from 12pm to 5pm. Admission and parking plus all demonstrations and workshops are absolutely free of charge.
The festival focuses on everything that’s good in traditional country life and presents it all in a fun and accessible way for children of all ages, as well as adults of course. Visitors get a chance to try their hand at traditional activities including sean nós dancing, bushcraft, candle making, and spinning – or watch skilled blacksmiths and tinsmiths at their crafts. It’s a cornucopia of action and activities, for all age groups, but with a particular family focus. Demonstrations and family-friendly activities run non-stop and the excellent food and craft marquees attract crowds from start to finish.
Highlights this year include the colourful and crazy antics of the fabulous Fanzini Brothers, who top the bill of family-friendly activities. Music fills the air all day long with something to suit all tastes and age-groups. Art Squad invite everyone to get involved in their community arts project all over the Museum grounds and dog lovers will love the West of Ireland Spaniel Club’s demonstrations on Saturday and real live gundog event on Sunday.
New this year is the photography competition Capture Féile sponsored by Angela Campbell, Kodak Express Castlebar. All amateur snappers are invited to take part. Full details are on the website www.museum.ie
