Local festivals receive funding
Harpers performing at a special harp recital during the O'Carolan Harp Festival. The recital featured renowned harpers such as Fiachra Guihen, Mossie Martin, Emma Benson, Micheál Fitzgibbon, and the Daly sisters. Pic: David Knight
Thousands of euro in funding has been awarded to local arts festivals under the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme 2025.
The funding of €293,252 for 64 events around Ireland in 2025 was recently announced by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.
The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.
The Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, which is currently taking place, received €5,000. The festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival which is community based and community driven. The main aim of the festival is to produce a first class Irish artistic programme in conjunction with local artists. Now entering its third year, in the previous two festivals over 100 people have engaged with the festival in a creative capacity, the department noted.
The O'Carolan Harp Festival & Summer School, which concluded yesterday, also received funding, being awarded €4,700. Set in the final resting place of the last of the Irish bards - Turlough O’Carolan, this festival strives to be the best traditional harp and Sean Nós dance music festival in Ireland of its size, and the ‘go-to’ for harpists, musicians singers and dancers. The festival aims to bring the very best entertainment and learning together in the village for local, national and international visitors to enjoy.
Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds, which is based in Ballinasloe and takes place in September, received €5,000. This festival is a family friendly four day celebration showcasing the historic East Galway Style and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Through immersive workshops in traditional music, song, dance, language, along with music sessions, lectures, céilís, CD launches, competitions in Irish language, fiddle and busking, concerts and a traditional crafters' village, the festival fosters cultural engagement and artistic expression.
An Tóstal Festival in Drumshanbo also received €5,000. This festival has been run since 1953 by a group of local volunteers, with the aim of providing a week-long festival with something for everyone.
