ACCOMMODATION providers
in Letterkenny are set for a boost with nearly all
beds booked out for the Oireachtas festival.
Tourism groups say bed nights are now scarce in
Letterkenny town centre from Thursday, November 1,
until Sunday, November 4, due to the huge crowds
expected for the Irish language extravaganza.
The festival will see more than 10,000 people
descend on the town for a weekend of music, dancing
and storytelling. There will be top sean-nós
dancing, sean-nós singing and storytelling
competitions. The festival will take place in
various venues in Letterkenny, including the Mount
Errigal Hotel, the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny
Institute of Technology and the Aura Centre.
Oireachtas na Gaeilge director, Liam Ó Maolaodha,
said he was delighted that interest in the festival
is still growing.
“The Oireachtas festival is going from strength to
strength each year and the challenge now is to find
towns with enough places to accommodate the huge
crowd the festival gathers,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be back in Letterkenny again as
the town is ideal for all the competitions and
events that are held during the Oireachtas
festival.” he added.
One of the highlights of the weekend is the ‘Steip’
sean-nós dancing competition which will be broadcast
live on TG4.
Other highlights include the Corn Uí Riada sean-nós
singing competition held in memory of Sean Ó Riada
where champions and challengers will sing their
hearts out in a variety of regional styles to win
this most prestigious title. All major organisations
in the Irish language sector will attend the
festival including Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na
Gaeltachta and Conradh na Gaeilge. |
