Andy Irvine Returns To Ballydehob Maritime Festival

The Ballydehob Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival is 6 years old and is celebrating in style!

Since its inception the festival's programme has grown in standard and variety, and the West Cork village continues to host a string of extraordinary musicians and eclectic events. This year the festival organisers launch the most ambitious programme to date, which will secure Ballydehob's place on Ireland's music festival calendar.   

The 2017 festival will run over 4 days, Friday June 16 through to Monday June 19. The festival features 3 international headliner acts. Andy Irvine returns to the festival after last year's sold-out concert, while John Spillane appears at the festival for the first time. Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly will also perform over the course of the weekend, and there will be over 30 performances throughout the village from international artists.

There will also be an Artisan Food & Craft Market, and the weekend will consist of Maritime Themed Events, Maritime Song Sessions, Maritime Food Tasting Stalls and a Maritime Talk about the C S Alabama, all leading up to a swinging Shanty Party on the Sunday night. For the Shanty Party, pirate costume is encouraged but not compulsory, with a prize for best dressed pirate.

Festival organiser Dick Miles says, "The festival is run entirely by volunteers, a collection of music lovers and festival buffs who share a vision to promote the arts and bring people to the remarkable and unique corner of the world that is Ballydehob, West Cork. I am very excited by the prospect of the high quality performers that we have been lucky enough to attract to the festival."

Most events are free. Tickets for Andy Irvine are €16, available from Ballydehob Post Office and www.fastnetmaritime.com. .