The pretty village of Tyrrellspass is to be steeped in culture next weekend, as the Tyrrellspass Festival takes over the town from August 26 to 28.
A medieval theme has been chosen for the festival, which marks the 600th anniversary of Tyrrellspass Castle and takes place in conjunction with National Heritage Week .
The local community have come together to bring together as many elements of local heritage as possible into a fun-filled and fascinating festival.
A number of events have been planned to highlight the village’s history and heritage, with the highlight an open-air medieval feast at the castle on Sunday evening August 28.
The festival kicks off on Friday evening with a grand parade at 8pm featuring the Mullingar Band and the Uisneach horses, after which the Festival King and Queen will be crowned.
Saturday features a guided bog walk with Eugene Dunbar, photography and art exhibitions in the old schoolhouse, a medieval sports day on the village green, dog show, musical recital in St Sinian’s church, and céilí mór in St Patrick’s Hall. Live entertainment will be on offer nightly.
The fun continues on Sunday with a family fete on the green featuring music, crafts, pony rides, funfair and more, a ranger-led walk from Kilbeggan to Tyrrellspass along the Long Hill Esker, organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Association, and the much anticipated open air medieval feast at the castle, where there will be awards for the best medieval costumes.
For further updates search for Tyrrellspass Festival on Facebook.
