Féile an Fhómhair is back with an amazing programme of events!
Following a break of three years due to the pandemic Féile an Fhómhair, Carlow’s popular bilingual Autumn Festival, returns this autumn with an amazing programme of events.
Organised by Glór Cheatharlach and running from 30 September to 7 October, the festival celebrates all things environmental and autumnal ‘as Gaeilge agus as Béarla’. There’s music and dance, film and storytelling, a book launch and an art competition, a designated Irish day, Pop Up Gaeltachtaí and lots of opportunities to speak Irish in everyday settings.
Dancing and Walking Weekend
Carlow is the place to be for the opening weekend. Dancing enthusiasts will enjoy a feast of set dancing at the ‘Follow Me Up to Carlow’ Set Dancing Weekend in the Seven Oaks Hotel from Friday to Sunday with workshops all day each day and a Céilí Mór each night to such well known outfits as the Abbey, the Brian Boru and the John Reidy Céilí Bands. Beginners as well as seasoned dancers are all welcome to the event which is organised by set dancer Syl Bell. However, if set dancing is not your thing there’s the chance to learn a few steps of the traditional style Sean-Nós at the free workshop which will be given by champion dancer Irene Cunningham on Saturday at 12.30pm.
Walkers, both seasoned and those not so experienced, will enjoy the popular Autumn Walking Weekend in association with Carlow Tourism which is also taking place during Féile an Fhómhair with a whole raft of talks and walks and hikes taking place over three days. There are events to suit varying levels of ability but the leisurely Sunday Walk along the Barrow Track from Milford to Carlow on Sunday, 2 October is the one for those new to the walking scene. There’s no charge and a free bus is being laid on departing from the Liberty Tree at 2pm to the start point. No charge but seats must be pre-booked on 087 2857048 or info@carlowtourism.com
Events galore for young people
Young people are invited to take part in some of the many events being planned for them as part of the féile an fhómhair programme. For primary and post primary students there are bilingual table quizzes, an autumn art competition, sean-nós dance classes and exclusive screenings of the critically acclaimed, award winning and Oscar nominated film ‘An Cailín Ciúin’. The tiny tots will be treated to Am Scéalaíochta/Storytime with Mairéad Uí Mhadoc on Saturday morning at 11am in Carlow Junior Library.
‘Róise & Frank’, a book launch and Lá na Gaeilge:
Recently released film ‘Róise & Frank’ will be screened nightly from Monday to Friday at 7.30pm in the IMC at Fairgreen. This full-length film ‘as Gaeilge’ which is receiving rave reviews follows the story of grief stricken Róise who lost her hurling loving husband Frank two years ago. Her son, Alan, worries about her but the arrival of a mysterious dog seems to bring happiness to her life once more. Róise soon comes to believe that the dog is in fact Frank reincarnated. He has come back to be with her again and to coach the local hurling team! Not be missed, ‘Róise & Frank’ is subtitled and suitable for all the family. Tickets €5.50.
Wednesday, 5 October is being designated ‘Lá Mór na Gaeilge i gCeatharlach’ when everyone is encouraged to speak Irish for a Day. Bain triail as at home, in the car, at school, at work, shopping and at play. Together let’s make it Gaeilge le Chéile for a day.
A very special event will be held on Thursday, 6 October at 7.30pm in Waterlilies Café when ‘Ar Chnoc is ar Shliabh agus Aistí Eile’, a collection of essays by local writer Siobhán Ní Shíthigh/Coen based on her experiences in Carlow as well as in her native West Kerry Gaeltacht will be launched. Published by Coiscéim, the book will be launched by Proinsias Ó Drisceoil MA & PhD in Modern Irish.
This year’s Féile an Fhómhair festival really has an amazing range of events, the majority of which are free, and the organisers are delighted to be able to welcome audiences and participants back.
The full festival programme is available from Glór Cheatharlach on facebook.com/glor.cheatharlach while printed copies of the brochure can be picked at Carlow Library, Carlow Tourism, Lamberts Coffee House and Waterlilies Cafe. Bí páirteach agus bain taitneamh as Féile an Fhómhair.
Enquiries to 087 2857048, 085 1340047 or email emma@glorcheatharlach.ie
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Bríde de Róiste 087 2857048 Emma Uí Bhroin 085 1340047