Emigration has always played a major part of Ireland’s story and for generations now Irish people have left their homeland to set up new lives and make their mark across the globe. 70 Million people with Irish roots are now scattered across the globe and The Gathering , a spectacular year-long celebration of all things Irish, aims to bring many of those people home to Ireland to reunite throughout 2013.
One of the flagship events which is organised by Earagail Arts Festival as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations will be The Homecoming staged under canvas on the spectacular site at Carrickfinn in County Donegal on Saturday, July 13th.
Four of the area’s best-known acts will come together for a major celebration of the music, language and cultural heritage of the stunningly-beautiful north-west corner of Ireland: Clannad, Altan, Fidil and The Henry Girls.
Clannad
Clannad’s Moya, Ciarán and Pól Brennan grew up in the secluded parish of Gweedore, Donegal, performing from an early age in their father’s bar, Leo’s Tavern. Accompanied by their uncles Padraig and Noel Duggan they released their debut album as Clannad in 1973. Since then, with sixteen more albums, they have gone on to achieve international stardom, captivating audiences all over the globe with their unique voice and melodic harmonies. Their music has provided the soundtrack to many blockbuster movies such the unforgettable Theme From Harry’s Game:
Altan
Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo and Seattle with their exquisitely-produced, award-winning recordings. Their music ranges dynamically from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs all the way to the most stirring jigs and reels. The seeds of the band lie in the music and fun of gatherings and sessions in kitchens and pubs in Donegal where virtuoso music was heard in an atmosphere of respect and intimacy – it is here that the band’s heart lies, whether they are performing on TV in Australia or jamming with Ricky Skaggs on the west coast of the United States.
Fidil
Fidil have been praised as the most dynamic young trio to emerge from the Co Donegal tradition in recent years. Reviewing their latest release, The Old Wheel of Fortune, Songlines magazine described it as “one of the finest albums to emerge from Ireland in the last decade.”
The Henry Girls
The Henry Girls have been winning much praise around the world, following tours in Germany, Italy, the UK and USA, The Irish Times describing them as “a joy”.
The HomeComing Event Details
www.thegatheringireland.com / www.donegalgathering.com,
Tickets priced €35.50 (5 for €150) available in person or by calling the festival box office at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny (Tel: +353 (0) 74 9120777) or via the website www.eaf.ie (Booking fees apply).
Ticket, accommodation and travel packages available via:
JMG Travel +353 (0) 74 9135201 jmgtravel@eircom.net AND
Donegal Airport +353 (0) 74 9548284 flybreaks@donegalairport.ie
The Earagail Arts Festival features many other great featival events from 21st June to 21st July 2013 including Sam Lee, Martin Carthy, Jackie Oates, Julie Murphy, Eddi Reader, Mick O’Brien and many more, visit here for full details: www.eaf.ie