Doolin FolkFest to return for 11th year this June

Doolin Arts, a not-for-profit created by Hotel Doolin to support the arts in Co. Clare, has announced that Doolin FolkFest will return this June.

Taking place against the majestic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, and between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands, the event will run from June 14 to June 16, with thousands of people from all over the world expected to descend on Doolin, generating an estimated two million in economic impact for the region.

Although small, FolkFest is known to punch above its weight when it comes to its line-up of musicians.

This year is no different with Jack L, The Scratch and Eddi Reader in place as headliners, whilst an eclectic collection of more than 50 local and international traditional and folk acts including Aldoc, Síomha and Niamh Bury will support the diverse festival programme.

As Donal Minihane, the director of Doolin Arts explains, the FolkFest is a chance to promote all that is unique about Doolin and give back to the local community.

“Although we’re in our eleventh year, we’re still not interested in being a big, mainstream festival or making a profit," he said.

"Doolin FolkFest is about giving people who appreciate great music the opportunity to come together. It’s that unique communal experience, paired with the unrivalled setting of the village, that keeps people coming back.

"We’re incredibly proud that our festival contributes to the local economy, whilst also providing an important platform for local artists to share their talents," Donal continued.

"The arts form the lifeblood of many a rural community across Ireland. Co. Clare is well known for its rich musical heritage and year-on-year FolkFest brings this legacy to life."

 Not only does Doolin FolkFest, now in its eleventh year, showcase the positive impact of the arts, it’s also billed as a ‘festival without a footprint’, in that it’s one of a handful of carbon neutral festivals to be held on the island of Ireland.

The festival is held in the barn of Hotel Doolin, the first carbon neutral hotel in the country, and the winner of Green Medium Sized Business of the Year and The Green Tourism & Entertainment Award at this year’s Green Awards.

Over the course of Doolin FolkFest 2024, no single use items will be available, and the tickets sold will result in the planting of 500 native trees.

As Conor Byrne, the Festival’s artistic director explains, Doolin FolkFest brings together the best talent from across the country.

“Since we started the Folk Festival more than a decade ago, we’ve been intentional in what we want it to represent. If a small festival like ours can achieve carbon neutrality, and pay a fair rate to performers, then there is no reason the bigger festivals, with all their resources and profits can’t do the same," he said.

"We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Doolin this June, and we thank our supporters – performers and guests – for their continued support and for recognising the essence of what we want to do.”

Doolin FolkFest takes place June 14 – June 16 at Hotel Doolin.

Weekend tickets are priced at €149 plus booking fee and day tickets are €60 plus booking fee. For bookings and more information visit doolinarts.ie