County Mayo to host Ireland's premier music event

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This summer sees the cream of Ireland's musical performers turn out to celebrate the World Fleadh festival. The annual celebration is a cultural treat for visitors looking to enjoy a host of acts by Irish artists.

Unusually, the event is held each year in a different location on the Emerald Isle and this year sees Castlebar, in County Mayo, hosting the spectacular festival, which may interest holidaymakers using Irish Car Rental Services for their road trips. Visitors have been experiencing the musical delights on offer at the show since it launched in 2006 in Kerry and the festival is now considered to be one of the country's largest celebrations of Irish and Celtic music.

This year the fun kicks off on July 31st and continues until August the 8th, with many people expected to turn up in the town. The event's organisers set up the celebrations to bring together Ireland's most talented musicians, who play a mixture of traditional and contemporary tracks that are likely to appeal to broad numbers of music fans.

A host of well-known and accomplished performers are booked to appear during the festival, including the reformed De Dannan act, whose line-up includes expert fiddler Frankie Gavin. The group have been credited with catapulting the careers of many famous Irish musicians, such as folk singers Mary Black and Dolores Keane.

Other acts performing at the show over the course of the week include the Saw Doctors, and Pogues front-man Shane MacGowan, in addition international performers, such as Randy Travis, will also be bringing their own brand of traditional music to the stage.

As well as enjoying Celtic music, visitors to the event can also enjoy a host of other activities that reflect Irish culture. For example, there is the opportunity to indulge in traditional dances over the course of the festival. Groups including the Johnny Reidy Ceili Band and the Copperplate Ceili Band provide a musical backdrop to dancing events. After visitors have enjoyed putting their own steps to the music they have the opportunity to join in with, or sit back and watch, the World Title Set Dancing Competition, which is held at the event.

The festival's packed programme ensures there is something for everyone. Children are especially catered for and bouncy castles, face painting and dance competitions have been arranged for younger visitors. There will also be an abundance of market stalls and food stands for those wishing to buy tasty snacks and souvenirs of their trips.

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