Museum comes alive with music, dance and the arts

MUSIC, dance and the arts have always been a very important part of country life in Ireland and it’s no wonder they play a significant role at Féile na Tuaithe. As with everything at Féile, which takes place at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, it’s all about visitors engaging with the performances, doing workshops or following trails. That’s what makes it such fun for families.

The joyful sound of music spilling out from the Entertainment Village on the front lawn always gathers a crowd.

Saturday showcases sean nós dancing with the incredible talent of Liam Scanlon from Glenhest. Liam has performed all over the world, from the USA to Russia, with groups such as Altan and Ragús.

Also on Saturday are the wonderful Castlebar Concert Band who are always hugely popular with audiences.

Sunday begins with children’s favourite the Whistleblast Quartet with the intriguing title of ‘Snow White and the Seven Short Stories’.

Saturday’s lineup concludes with The Murphy Sisters while Sunday’s finale is none other than the Clew Bay Pipe Band (both profiled below).

Sometimes the lines between art and craft are very blurred and that is certainly the case with many exhibitors. Bushcraft with Mac Tire Bushcraft and fly tying with Colm McClean are wonderful examples of craft meeting art; skilled fingers creating items which are both functional and very beautiful. Making May flowers with the museum’s educational team is a traditional celebration of the early summer and something everyone can join.

The knitting and crochet circle are meeting on Sunday to introduce their own talents with yarn – once an essential part of household chores.

Little visitors love the challenge of a trail to follow and what setting could be better than the beautiful grounds of the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life? Last year’s delightful Fairy Trail is a hard act to follow, but this year’s Mythical Meanderings Woodland Trail is really very special. Make sure to pick up the trail guide at the information area.

 

Award-winning Murphy Sisters at Féile

FÉILE na Tuaithe is delighted to welcome back The Murphy Sisters, who were so popular last year. The three Claremorris sisters were recipients of Mayo County Council’s Recording Assistance Awards and they will perform on Saturday, May 21, in the Entertainment Village.

Their inimitable sound comes from a strong background in traditional Irish music, fused with folk and country. All are accomplished singers while Sarah Jane plays banjo and piano, Katie Alice performs on the guitar and fiddle and Rachel Rose brings two instruments - concertina and tin whistle - to the mix.

 

The Clew Bay Pipe Band

DRAWING Féile to a close on Sunday in the Entertainment Village is The Clew Bay Pipe Band whose rousing choruses always lift the roof and get the toes tapping. They have appeared several times on TV - with songstress Imelda May and on RTÉ’s Up For The Match and The Late Late Show. Founded by two sons of Achill, Des Cafferky and Peter Carney, the 40-strong band is a combination of both adults and children.

 

On Sight Art Trail

APPROPRIATELY, 1916 is the theme for the On Sight art trail programme launching at Féile this year.

The trails sees wonderful new artworks sited in the beautiful museum grounds at Turlough Park. Thirteen artists, including arts squad artists and independent artists, have created an engaging series of works inspired by elements of 1916.

Visitors to Féile are invited to explore the museum grounds and discover the new art works on the trail. It will remain in place for three months, until the end of August.

The artists this year are: Aisling Flynn, Aidan Crotty, Brendan Timlin, Bríd Kivneen, Christina Peterson, Christine Kelly, Conor O’Grady, David Lloyd, David McInerney, Henri Hedou, Joanna Hopkins, Katie Moore and Saw Tun.

On Sight is a collaborative project between Mayo Artsquad, Mayo County Council Arts Office and the museum (http://www.museum.ie/Country-Life/Country-Life-Projects/On-Sight).

 

Thanks

Thanks to sponsors and partners: Mayo County Council, Local Enterprise Offices (Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, Donegal), Lookwest.ie, Bord Bia, Teagasc, Music Generation, Mayo Artsquad, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, The Connaught Telegraph, MidWest Radio, Spear Design and Cashin Print.