It will be a weekend of music, art, drama, dance and fun for children of all ages on the May bank holiday weekend, when the 26th annual four-day Festival of Finn takes place in the North Clare village of Corofin.
Many of the old favourites are back like the Lark at the Lake and the Fancy Dress Parade, the 25th annual World Stone-Throwing Championships and the Salmon of Knowledge Table Quiz.
And they are joined this year by some new events, including several art workshops, a ‘tween’ trad session and a festival café at the Hall on the afternoon on May 2.
Among highlights of this year’s festival:
*A free talk at the Hall by Sean and John Davoren of the Caherconnell Ringfort in Carron, who will introduce the audience to the 1,000-year history of that remarkable place. 7:45, opening reception, 8:20 p.m., talk, April 30
*A ‘visible mending’ workshop, creating artistic designs from clothing repairs. 2 p.m., May 2. And a paper-making workshop. 2 p.m., May 3. Both at the hall. Free but must register on Eventbrite as numbers are limited.
*A performance at the Hall of ‘Wit,’ by the Corofin Dramatic Society, which has been selected for the All-Ireland finals. 8 p.m., May 3
*Children’s puppet show featuring the Custard Pie Puppets, €5 per child at the Hall. 12 p.m., May 2.
*Clifden House will open its gates, with visits to the ruins of the water mill there, and a sale of unusual plants propagated on site. €2 per person, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 2
The stone-throwing championship gets underway at 4 p.m. on May 3, at the Fair Lane car park in the village. The parade kicks off on May 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Hall. The theme is ‘anything goes,’ so put your thinking cap on! And the always-popular Lark at the Lake starts not long after the parade at 2:30 p.m. at Lake Inchiquin. Plenty of children’s activities, music, dancing, food and more.
In addition, a number of guided walks are scheduled throughout the weekend. This includes two walks, at 10 a.m. on both May 1 and May 4, with local residents who will reflect on village life in times past.
Look for the brochures and posters listing all events in stores, cafés, libraries and other locations in Corofin, Ennis and throughout the North Care region. Also, check out the Visit Corofin and the Festival of Finn Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information. This is an event you won’t want to miss.