The East Durham Irish Festival has been held on Memorial Day weekend for the last 31 years. It is the largest first Irish music festival to be held every year; many say it is the best Irish festival outside Ireland due to the entertainment lineup that gets better every year. Please see the letter below from our festival director Tom McGoldrick.

January 2009
Dear Friends,
Our 32nd Annual East Durham Irish Festival held on May 23rd & May 24th 2009 on the grounds of the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre promises to be "The Event of The Year."
New music from around the US, Canada, and Ireland, along with many of your favorite groups certainly will make your visit very exciting and enjoyable.
New for 2009 will be The Elders from Kansas City. This high-energy group has become a favorite at so many festivals around the country that they headline. An act that you do not want to miss.
Also this year we will feature Searson from Ontario, Canada and Barleyjuice from Philadelphia, PA. Both are high energy groups that are patrons are sure to enjoy. These bands will be featured on both Sat. and Sun.
Back again for his 1st appearance in 2008, The Jimmy Sturr Band, winner of 17 Grammy Awards including a Grammy in 2008, along with his 5 gold albums. This group is sure to delight again, our festival goers as they did last year. The band's two shows are on Sat.
Also back again this year will be Black 47, Shilelagh Law, and Hair of the Dog. Add such favorites as The Andy Cooney Band, Kitty Kelly Band, Jameson's Revenge, St. James Gate, and the Moonshiners, ad you are sure to experience a great time.
The Albany Police Pipe and Drum Band and the Michael Farrell School of Irish Step Dancing will appear both on Saturday and Sunday.
For the children, there will be rides and games, along with their very own music tent. Featuring, Driscoll & Smith, with their sing alongs; Carol Spear, Storyteller Extraordinaire; and NEW this year, The First Steps of Irish Dance. Megan and Ronan will teach children basic steps of Irish Step Dancing.
Check out our website for area accommodations. This yr. we will offer free motor home parking to patrons for a maximum of 2 days.
All of this entertainment, along with the craft & product vendors, the food court, and the Children’s rides and entertainment, add up to a GREAT day or two of enjoyment for ALL ages.

                           See you at the festival,
                             Tom McGoldrick
                              Festival Director

Email: Festom@aol.com


Name:
Email:

Festival Home - Get Directions - Accommodations - Contact the Director