29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Busking on the Beach' to add new dimension to popular Wexford music festival
On Sunday, July 20, sound waves of live music will be heard from the strand as the festival expands in its celebration of music from around the world. Talented guitarists from across Ireland and beyond, including musicians from Savannah, Georgia, will descend upon Duncannon Strand, bringing a wide range of genres to this unique setting beneath the historic Duncannon Fort.
The beach will come alive at 2.30 p.m. with guitar music spanning classical, blues, bluegrass, traditional, pop, rock, and country, performed at three designated locations: Roche's Green, the Bass Rock, and near the beach apartments. Adding to the lively atmosphere, the Duncannon Beach Market will offer handcrafted gifts, and visitors can enjoy the hospitality of the local pubs, cafes, and shop.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Bridín Murphy, Chair of the New Ross Guitar Festival, shared her support for the beach to be used as one of the festival locations. She said: 'I'm delighted with this new initiative for the guitar festival, continuing our policy of featuring performances around the towns and villages of the New Ross District.' Meanhwhile, Niall O'Muilleoir of echoed the sentiments of the Cathaoirleach and stated that the organisation is 'excited to be hosting the first-ever fringe event of the New Ross Guitar Festival with busking on our golden beach next to historic Duncannon Fort.'
'It's the perfect setting for the enjoyment of our community and visitors alike,' he added.
The collaboration and new location highlights Duncannon as a perfect setting for the New Ross Guitar Festival's first-ever busking event. Just a scenic 25-minute drive from New Ross, this charming village offers breath-taking views of the Waterford Estuary and a tranquil mile-long beach. The historic backdrop of Duncannon Fort, dating back to the 16th century, adds a rich cultural atmosphere to the occasion, making it an ideal spot for this lively celebration of music and community.
As the festival extends its spirit to Duncannon, hopes are high for fine weather to complement this lively outdoor event. The backdrop of the Waterford Estuary, with its wide sands, grassy dunes, and the imposing silhouette of Duncannon Fort, promises a stunning setting for this celebration of music and community.
The initiative, supported and sponsored by Wexford County Council, is still open to guitarists who are interested in joining the rota. They are invited to contact Festival Artistic Director, David Creevy at Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information about the full festival program and ticketing details, visit
