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13th Jun 2023

Oktoberfest is getting a very Irish makeover this year

Simon Kelly

Oktoberfeis

I’ll have a stein of Guinness, please.

This September, a brand new festival is coming to Ireland: Oktoberfeis.

Combining “the best of Bavarian revelry with the rich heritage of Irish traditions”, the new festival, taking place from September 9 to October 21, will bring the best of Irish culture to the party atmosphere of the German beer festival and mix it all together.

There will be 10 events happening across the country this year, all of which will include Irish trad bands, DJs and dancers, authentic Irish food stalls, roving performers and competitions across the evening.

The likes of the Whistlin’ Donkeys, George Murphy & The Rising Sons and Rake the Ashes will all be making an appearance across the dates as well.

 

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Founder Craig Reynolds said in a press release: “This new festival idea was inspired by the legendary Munich Oktoberfest. We will capture what is most loved about the iconic German festival while adding an authentic Irish twist throughout.

“Oktoberfeis will cater to everyone, from old school Irish trad fanatics, to mainstream festival goers who are just looking for a good night out. Everyone will have a great time, rest assured. All of the best of Ireland combined with what we love most about the German Oktoberfest, such as the long biergarten tables, Steins of Beer, and the best of Irish Music and entertainment.”

The dates for the festival this year are as follows:

  • Carrick on Shannon, The Landmark Hotel  – Sat, September 9

  • Arklow, Arklow Bay Hotel – Sat, September 16

  • Castlebar, Royal Theatre – Sat, September 16

  • Omagh, Mellon Country Inn – Fri, September 22

  • Letterkenny, The Clanree Hotel  – Sat, September 30

  • Cork, Rochestown Park Hotel – Sat, September 30

  • Dublin, RDS Simmonscourt – Fri, October 6

  • Newry, Canal Court Hotel – Sat, October 7

  • Killarney, Gleneagle INEC Arena – Sat, October 14

  • West Cork, Parkway Hotel – Sat, October 21

Tickets for Oktoberfeis are now available for purchase at the festival’s official website. Prices start from only €25.

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