Eight things not to miss at Clare's Doolin FolkFest this weekend
The inaugural festival took place back in 2013, with inspiration from their neighbours in Lisdoonvarna, and locals deemed it such a resounding success that it has continued since (lockdown excluded).
This year's festival is expected to be even bigger and better than previous festival's, with well-known and highly regarded acts like John Francis Flynn, Lemoncello, Fionn Regan, Gemma Hayes, Muireann Bradley, and the Riptide Movement included on the line-up.
As well as the music, there will be wellness sessions run by Sauna Suaimhneas, amazing food by Hotel Doolin, and more.
If you're heading down to Doolin this weekend, here's what The Irish Independent has deemed a 'not to miss':
John Francis Flynn
If you get the chance to see John Francis Flynn live, you do not pass it up.
The multi-instrumentalist and singer's work blends the worlds of Irish traditional music and contemporary folk, with his sophomore album Look Over the Wall, See the Sky amassing overwhelming critical acclaim.
His live shows are a powerful celebration of his trad and folk roots, leaving you thoroughly satisfied but wanting more.
The musician is scheduled to perform at 7.30pm on Sunday on the Barn Stage – don't miss it!
Anything Sauna Suaimhneas
You have not known heaven until you take a break from the hustle and bustle of a festival for some well-deserved self-care.
The Sauna Suaimhneas rejuvenating set up will be on site at Doolin FolkFest for Saturday and Sunday.
Wellness sessions over the two days include:
Whether you just want to take in the restorative qualities of a sauna or feel some movement is more up your alley, any of these session can be booked through the Sauna Suaimhneas website.
Lemoncello
Described as 'a vital voice in the thriving alternative folk scene in Ireland', Lemoncello is a folk duo comprised of songwriter Laura Quirke and cellist Claire Kinsella.
The pair, who started playing together while studying in Maynooth, have received wide praise since they first started releasing music in 201, and have been nominated in many categories across the RTÉ Folk Awards.
The duo play Doolin FolkFest on Friday at 7.30pm.
Layered harmony and raw vocals are emphasised throughout their live sets, of which they have performed many – touring with the likes of Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill, Cormac Begley, and Fionn Regan.
Fionn Regan
Speaking of Fionn Regan, the Bray musician plays Doolin FolkFest on Saturday at 9.00pm.
Beginning his musical career in the early 2000s, the folk musician has a wealth of experience in his musical collection. And that will be evident in his Doolin FolkFest set as it is in any of his live performances.
Regan has received nominations for the Choice Music Prize in Ireland, the Mercury Prize in the United Kingdom and the Shortlist Music Prize in the United States – and has even been referred to as "his generation's answer to Bob Dylan" by Lucinda Williams.
Long story short – don't miss him.
Muireann Bradley
Donegal musician Muireann Bradley has become well known as a blues prodigy, at only 18-years-old. The singer and guitarist rose to fame through YouTube, with an appearance on Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny to ring in 2024 shooting her into household recognition status.
Bradley plays Doolin FolkFest on Saturday at 7.15pm, and boy, are you in for a treat!
Laura Duff
Hailing from Limerick's vibrant music scene, Laura Duff is set to dazzle crowds at Doolin FolkFest from 5.00pm on Sunday.
The musician's introspective and powerful lyrics, accompanied by emotive instrumentalism has been honed over her past decade of work, all culminating in the recent release of her debut album, Sea Legs.
Duff and her band have had a busy few years opening for incredible artists such as Lisa O'Neill and Arab Strap, as well as touring her own work and being selected to perform at Ireland Music Week.
Get down to watch her at Doolin FolkFest so you can claim you knew her before she was famous when she inevitably ends up headlining major festivals.
The Davies Brothers
Eoin and Brian Davies are identical twin singer-songwriters from County Clare who perform under the band name 'The Davies Brothers'.
The pair have a unique way of layering harmonies and building both vocals and instruments that could reduce you to tears. Their raw lyricism and exceptional live performances make this pair one to watch.
The duo takes to the Garden Stage at 4.30pm on Saturday.
Elephant Sessions
Finally, Elephant Sessions will perform on Sunday night at 11.30pm.
The electronic, dance, and folk group from the Highlands of Scotland are a unique experience to say the least. Fusing trad, funk, electronica, dance, and folk into a progressive, bold sound has seen the band play Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluefest, and Celtic Connections.
Dancing the night away is promised at one of their gigs, and with the group having won 'Live Act of the Year' at 2018's BBC Scots Trad Music Awards, you even have the official guarantee of a great gig.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Parents who force son, 9, to do squats when he's naughty defend themselves & call it a ‘corrective parenting moment'
Scroll down to learn more about the different styles of parenting TOUGH LOVE Parents who force son, 9, to do squats when he's naughty defend themselves & call it a 'corrective parenting moment' A COUPLE who came under fire for making their nine-year-old son do push-ups and squats as punishment have defended their parenting technique. Dustin, 35, and Katie Maletich, 32, from Oregon, went viral on TikTok after they shared a video showing how they handled their son Tommy misbehaving. 2 A video on TikTok showed Dustin telling their nine-year-old son to do 20 push-ups and 60 squats after he told his mum to 'chill' Credit: TikTok/@raisingmaletich 2 Tommy apologized to his mother and the video ended with Dustin telling him, 'I love you,' before the father and son shared a hug Credit: TikTok/@raisingmaletich Recorded on an at-home camera, Tommy was seen arguing with his mother over wanting to use her phone. Katie told him to stop and he replied: ''OK, chill''. The remark, however, left Dustin unamused. ''Did you just tell your mum to chill?'' a shocked Dustin asked the little boy. Without much hesitation, Dustin then demanded the youngster to start doing push-ups. The nine-year-old obliged, immediately getting down on all fours and and starting the exercise. He stopped after doing ten - but the dad still wasn't satisfied and told him to keep going. ''I can't do anymore,'' Tommy said - however, Dustin wasn't having any of it and kept pushing the nine-year-old to ''go, go'' 20 push-ups later, Tommy was exhausted - but his dad then broke the news that he'd also have to do squats. The nine-year-old did a whopping 60 squats before his dad finally told him he could stop. Irish comedian Emma Doran on the differences between her childhood and that of her kids ''Do we tell mum to 'chill out'? Absolutely not,'' Dustin told him after he was done. 'I wouldn't let anybody else talk to her like that so you don't get to talk to her like that.'' Tommy then apologised to mum Katie and the viral video ended with Dustin telling him: ''I love you.'' Sharing the footage online under the username @raisingmaletich, Katie wrote in the caption: ''I will never stop being grateful to be raising kids with a real man who knows how to be a father, especially to his boys. Different parenting styles explained There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below: Authoritarian Parenting What some might describe as "regimental" or "strict" parenting. Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline. Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter. When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway". Permissive Parenting Often referred to as "soft parenting" or "yes mums/dads". Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem. They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids". Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures. Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions. With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge. They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments. Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention. They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing. Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs. Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently. ''This is masculinity,'' Katie wrote in the caption of the video, which has racked up more than 1.4 million views. But viewers were divided over parenting technique, with some applauding Dustin's method and others slamming the pair for making their son do physical activity as punishment. While chatting exclusively with the Daily Mail, Katie and Dustin defended their actions. ''This is not something exceptionally difficult for him because we all workout together as a family for fun several times a week and he is used to this sort of exertion,'' Dustin explained. '''You can tell right away when I ask him, 'What did you say?' that he knew he had messed up. ''He is such a great kid and is generally very remorseful when he knows that he made a mistake.'' Dustin applauded his son for apologising to Katie without being asked to and pointed out that the moment ''ended with love''. In Dustin's eyes, the physical exercise allows Tommy to ''refocus when he feels that he doesn't have control over his body and mind which always makes him more reception to healthy communication''. The couple said they never expected the video to get the reaction it did, and they viewed it as a ''tender parenting moment''. In the interview, Dustin said it meant something special to his partner because Katie grew up in a home ''where there was a lot of toxicity, emotionally reactive parenting, yelling and anger''. He said that when Katie saw the ''corrective parenting moment'' unfold between the two, it left her ''very emotional'' - and Katie allegedly felt ''inspired''. In response to the online backlash, Dustin reminded social media users that everyone parents in the way they ''see fit''. ''I think as long as you aren't doing anything to intentionally harm your child, I think you get to make that decision,'' he told the publication. As for their parenting method, Dustin explained they're trying to raise Tommy as a ''healthy, happy, resilient and respectful human''. Social media users left divided Online, the video has sparked a fierce debate, leaving many divided. One said: ''I don't really agree with physical exercise being used as a punishment but glad he was supportive of not letting them talk to you that way.'' Another chimed in: ''the fact he even said 'don't give up' & 'good one', encouraging him while also being a parent & disciplining him! literally a perfect example of what good parenting should look like in a situation like this!'' Someone else said: ''this is called tough love and holding children accountable for their actions. a lot of parents don't understand this. which is why we end up with kids running ragged.''
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
Oasis fans warned about ticket issues inside Croke Park
Oasis fans are arriving to Croke Park in droves for the band's second sold-out night in the capital. However, many of the Saturday night attendees have warned those following them about issues they experienced inside the stadium. The first show didn't go perfectly to plan for some fans, especially those with standing tickets on the pitch. Oasis fans Mamush Grispen and Robbe Hendrick from Belgium in Temple Bar for the concert. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/© A number of standing section ticketholders have said they were initially let in to Croke Park but weren't given a wristband, which are commonly used by stadiums to identify who is entitled to access into standing areas. They were reportedly then later stopped from entering the standing area because of not having a wristband. This caused delays for fans trying to get onto the pitch and secure a spot to watch the Gallagher brothers' first Irish show since 2009. Oasis fans Oonagh Linnane with Andy Nugent and Catherine Doyle at Stephens Green before the concert. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/© Video footage from the concert shows a large number of fans still streaming onto the pitch after Oasis had already started performing. There were further issues at the other end of the gig on Saturday night, with planned pyrotechnics for the finale not going off 'due to a technical issue'. However, it won't be much of a concern for the tens of thousands of fans descending upon Croke Park for the second sold-out show as fans ultimately reported an unbelievable experience on night one. Oasis drones over Croke Park. Pic: TikTok Footage has been circulating on social media since Oasis closed out the first gig and fans look set to be in for another night of pure entertainment. The brothers, joined by fellow band members Andy Bell, Gem Arche and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs played all their greatest hits and even paid tribute to Peggy Gallagher, the Mayo mammy of Liam and Noel. Speaking to the crowd on Saturday, Liam wondered if there was anyone from Peggy's native of Charlestown in Co Mayo. With the crowd erupting after Liam mentioned the town, the 52-year-old joked: 'There's only about five people there, you can't all be f*cking from there.' Social media has been rife with attendees of Saturday's gig wishing they could go again on Sunday, as they confirmed Sunday attendees were in for the 'best gig of your life.' One said: 'Anyone going tomorrow night, you'll see the best gig of your life. Just hit after hit. Incredible night.' Another shared: 'I turn 50 at midnight. This was the perfect farewell to the past.' 'Best night of my life,' a third person shared, 'That will never be topped.'
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Former Eurovision star gives impromptu performance at Cork Airport
"It is great to be back in Cork and to get such a warm welcome," he said. Cathal (74) represented Ireland at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest in Israel with his song, Happy Man. That helped launch his four decade career as a singer songwriter, storyteller and now author. He has been based in the US for over 30 years and has now penned his second novel, Athenry. "This book was very much a labour of love and I am so proud to be back in Ireland for its launch,' he said. "It is a story of love, loss, courage and hope around some of the most dramatic events in Irish history." An epic love story which is set at the time of the Great Famine and partly inspired by the song, Fields of Athenry, it will be launched later this month by Mercier Press. Cathal was so determined to have the book true to its era that he worked with Cork-based historian Michelle O'Mahony - author of a book about the Great Famine in Cork - to ensure its historical accuracy. Originally from the Douglas Road in Cork, Cathal is a nephew of the late Taoiseach and Cork GAA legend Jack Lynch. Writing is nothing new to the family with Cathal's first cousin, retired Colonel Dan Harvey, a respected military history author. To celebrate his arrival home, Cathal decided to deliver an impromptu performance at the arrivals hall of Cork Airport with a piano fortunately being at hand. Delighted passengers stalled leaving the airport terminal to enjoy the performance by the now-Pennsylvania based star. He was welcomed by Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Tony Fitzgerald - and was joined for his brief concert performance by Caitriona Twomey's Cork Penny Dinners-High Hopes choir. Amongst the tracks that had newly arrived passengers clapping along were The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee, Cork My Home, Galway Girl and Happy Man. Cathal is no stranger to Ireland, annually leading special tour groups from the US which explore Ireland's natural, architectural and musical heritage. The tour groups feature special concerts by Cathal featuring his music and Irish classics. It is his second trip back to his native county this summer after he returned last May to launch his new ballad, Cork My Home. The video to support the song was recorded in Fitzgerald Park and by Cork's iconic Shakey Bridge with support from Cork choirs and Cork Men's Shed groups. Cathal said it was important for people to follow their dreams. He had always wanted to author a book - and had his first book, Put Away Your Rosary Beads Ma, successfully published despite over 40 initial rejections. Athenry is the product of Cathal's focus on the Irish famine during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown when he exhaustively read about how the events of the 1840s transformed Ireland and underpinned the global Irish diaspora. Cathal also revealed it was his first time landing at Cork Airport since he married his wife, Kathleen.
