Wexford Trad & Folk Trail at the Heritage Park
Slí Cheoil Cois Sláine
There will be music in the air at the first ever Wexford Trad & Folk Trail at the Irish National Heritage Park this Sunday. Craobh Loch Garman has programmed an innovative family-friendly musical event which is sure to captivate minds and hearts through music, song and dance. The eclectic mix of music and song on the Trad & Folk Trail will feature some of the best performers in Wexford. While offering a rare chance to enjoy a feast of song and dance in an historic setting, the occasion will also provide a platform for the next generation of emerging musicians.
Sites scattered through the 40 acre park, including the early Christian wooden ringfort and the pre-historic stone circle, will host over 20 performances by household names such as Wexford Folk Orchestra, The Man Whom, Corner Boy’s Mick D’Arcy, Basciville, The Wild Turkeys, Wexford Pipers Club and many more.
Music-lovers can expect fruitful collaborations from some of the county’s top trad, folk and contemporary musicians. Indeed, the wealth of performers taking part in this summer treat is a testament to the vibrancy of live music in Wexford today.
The stellar line-up also includes Danecastle Music Group; Pádraig Sinnott & Never Heard of Them; Corner Boy (acoustic); Wexford Sea Shanty Singers; Zeff’s Open Mic Session; On The Spot; Craobh Loch Garman; The Reville Family; Wexford Traditional Singers; Ann Marie Clancy-Corcoran, Alice Wickham McIntyre and James McIntyre; Ceoltóirí Munna; sean nós dancers Ciara O'Grady and Seána Redmond; Callum Orr; Cuckoo’s Nest; poet Máire Ní Bhriain; Lilly and Willow Brodie Hayes. Music Generation Wexford presents a music workshop for children under the experienced and much respected singer and tutor, Rachel Uí Fhaoláin. The day's programme ends with a not to be missed Grand Finale at 5pm.
Apart from the music trail visitors can, of course, still appreciate the wonders of the Heritage Park across 40 acres of magical woodland along the River Slaney estuary, taking a journey through Pre-Historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasion. One can explore historic buildings and settlements to see how Ireland’s earliest settlers lived, worked and fought. A highlight of the day will be the Birds of Prey show.
PAY LESS! While normal admission rates apply, the Wexford Resident’s Reward Card, available on request to those living in Wexford from the Heritage Park, entitles a family of two adults and three children to a reduced admission fee of E10 for the event, and E5 for individual adults. See www.irishheritage.ie. If you don't already have a card you can pick one up on the day.
PARKING As the carpark is expected to be full from early in the day, visitors are asked to use the FREE Park & Ride service. Buses will operate between the carpark at Wexford Co. Council's premises in Carricklawn and the Heritage Park from 12.45pm until 6.45pm. Journey time should be less than 10 minutes.