Birthdays, Anniversaries and Weddings
The Dublin Irish Festival is not just a place to come and see the best of Irish dance, music, sports, art and culture, it’s also quickly becoming a favorite of many to celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, and even weddings.
Many of you probably remember the engagement from a few years ago, or the wedding from last year. This year we have three weddings planned.
Recently on our facebook page, many have shared their stories. Below are a few.
DIF ‘07 was a reunion for me and my best friend from high school that I hadn’t seen in nearly 15 years! Haven’t seen her since then, but we’ve already got plans to meet up next weekend! THANKS DIF!!!
-Robin Brown
Ever since my parents invited my aunt and uncle to the festival a few years ago, it has become our yearly unofficial family reunion site. So if you see a group of people wearing matching t-shirts, say ‘Hi!”
-Chuck McGroarty
We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary there this year on Sunday!
- Kathy Guest
My husband and I just got married in Ireland in April. We still are talking about it and thinking of Ireland often. This will be our first year at the festival and I’m sure it will just make us miss Ireland even more.
I am a disabled person. I have attended the Dublin Irish Festival nearly every year, and have had a really great time. I am writing this year to bring up an apparent oversite by the Festival Committee. There seem to be NO disibility considerations!! Everything from ticket price (Seniors but no disibility discounts) to transportation (shuttles from parking areas & to each side of the park) to seating/signing for the visual, hearing and mobility impaired at the various venues. What’s going on people!?! Accessibility is an important issue! ADA requires basic accessibility. Those of us with limited abilities (and incomes) need your assistance. Please offer us the same opportunities given to all other Festival goers. This IS a national event now, and should be treated as such.
This was my 14th consecutive year and every year I have an even bette time. Since I’m here, I”d like to hand out some awards to them that I truly enjoyed.
1. Best on the Rock Stage Not Named Gaelic Storm: Screaming Orphans. Young blonde and kick ass. Although they didn’t do Seven Nation Army. I’m still ticked about that.
2. Best World Music Act. Salsa Celtica. Like the Afro Celts, some of the songs are complete duds, but they deal a lot more aces than deuces. Also, a nod to Lone Raven, who were stunning Saturday evening.
3. Least disappointing band. Ladies of Longford. Year aft year they get better and better. Hilda Doyle is a trmendous arranger and the daughter (sorry I can’t remember your name) that’s the hand drummer can play with anybody.
4. Best rendition of a pop song. There are a lot of nominees here: Solisbury HIll (POGEY); Devil Went Down to Georgia (Brigid’s Cross and LoL); I Fought the Law and the Law Won (Homeland); Jolene (Screaming Orphans) but I’ll give a nod to the Ladies again for their torchy rendition of Stairway to Heaven.
5. Duet I’d most like to see. This one’s easy – Liz Blickenstaff and Paul Baker duking it out on Devil Went Down to Georgia.
6. Best thing on four legs. The Kerry Bog Ponies. I love Wheaton Terriers and Irish Canines in general but the ponies were oh so adorable.
7. Last plug. Saw the lineup for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. It’s first rate with Solas, POGEY, Slide and many more. If you missed them in Dublin you can catch them in the Burgh. I”ll see you there.