It is estimated that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be worth €38 million to the local economy.
Ennis welcomes the traditional music festival to Co Clare for the first time since 1977. In the intervening thirty nine years the Fleadh has continued to grow in cultural and economic significance. An expected 400,000 visitors will descend over the County town for the coming nine days with accommodation in Ennis sold out for the past fortnight.
This year’s event will cost €1.1 million to stage. The Fleadh organising committee are grateful for sponsors who have helped to alleviate this expense. Shannon Airport are the main sponsors of the festival while Supermacs have come on board as the Gold Sponsor.
Company Secretary with Shannon Group, Mary Considine explained how the sponsorship deal came about.
“A love of traditional Irish music runs deep in Clare and is a vibrant part of our local heartbeat and coming on board as main sponsor for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Inis 2016 was a natural fit for us. We have been busy extending a warm welcome to the many visitors and participants coming to the event through Shannon Airport. As an airport with deep roots in the community we know that the tremendous spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by the people of Clare and beyond will leave a powerful, lasting legacy and all those who have given selflessly of their time are to be commended.”
A full listing of events for the Fleadh is available here.