Summer in Ireland is in full throttle and there are yet more festivals and events of note happening up and down the country this weekend and weeks to come as summer festivals and shows kick into gear.
Of the many interesting festival to note happening this weekend Irish America Day in New Ross in County Wexford may be one to watch as this is a unique festival that brings America and its national holiday to Irish attention. Whilst Ireland’s national holiday St Patrick’s Day is recognised in full across the pond in America, here in Ireland the 4th |of July Independence Day is usually overlooked. Not so it seems in the town of New Ross is a fitting town to host such an event that celebrates Americas as opposed to Ireland’s traditions, for it is otherwise known as the ancestral home of former American president John F Kennedy, his Irish ancestors having originated there before leaving for America in the 19th century and to celebrate its rich connection to American history the town is holding a special 4th July weekend that honours its strong ties to America.
Now in its third year running Irish America day is a family centred festival that celebrates and cements Irish American relations with a series of America themed events happening throughout the weekend. The festival brings many American customs, traditions and manner of celebrations to Ireland including the reading of the ‘Declaration of Independence’ by the ‘Town Crier’ at The Tholsel at noon.
Ireland will get a taste of American life over the weekend as events and celebrations galore bring the good old US of A to the Wexford Town and its surrounds. From noon to 6pm there will be an Arts and Crafts, a Picnic on the Quayside and live entertainment along the Quay. Todays celebrations will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Barrow at 10:30am and will feature a fantastic line up of local bands performing at the JFK Memorial Statue. However the festival runs all weekend so there is much for visitors to Wexford to take in with a vibrant Quayside market set to run all weekend thanks to Wexford Food Family food producers.
Hook Lighthouse will host the Waterford Wolves American Football Club, as well as holding all day barbecues and many family friendly events. Whilst the Dunbrody Famine Ship will host a series of Boston Tea Party Re-enactments and American Tea Parties at participating businesses across New Ross.
On Saturday New Ross will host the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships in the Town Park which will be followed by a Pipe Band parade through the town at 6pm. Visitors can take in some Al Fresco Dining at South Street and checkout the action at the Dunbrody Strongman Competition taking place at the town park in the afternoon.
On Sunday there will be a variety of buskers and musicians lining the town’s streets, and a pirate Festival day taking place at Hook Lighthouse. There will also be an Al Fresco dining with members of the Wexford Food Family on the Quayside along with many Arts and Crafts.
Noting the rich heritage and links through centuries of immigration and generations of countrymen that bring both of our nations together.