Visit Ardmore, Co. Waterford for A Weekend Of Family Fun

24-27 July 2008

The seaside village of Ardmore, Co Waterford will be the place to be on the last weekend in July (Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th July 2008) for the second Ardmore Pattern Festival. The village will host a fun-packed weekend of entertainment and activities for all the family. Amongst the activities planned are open-air concerts, fireworks, home-made fancy dress competition, sandcastle competition, street games, art activities, golf and soccer competitions, storytelling, kiddies discos and dance exhibitions.

This year's Pattern Festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year's. Activities will kick off on Pattern Day, Thursday 24th July with a walk down St. Declan's Way from Grange to Ardmore, a Procession through the village led by 'St. Declan' himself, followed by Mass in the local Church. The opening night of the Festival will feature an open-air concert with well-known West Waterford groups Sampson and Out the Gap, street entertainment and a Fire Spectacular. The evening's events will draw to a close with a fabulous fireworks display, sponsored by the Cliff House Hotel.

Friday and Saturday will see a large variety of events and activities taking place throughout the village to suit all ages. Among the activities will be a Kids' Treasure Hunt, Street Activities, 'Irish History Live' demonstration, football blitzes, pottery and art demonstrations, a duck race and Musical Delights from Bygone Days. There will be storytelling with Frances Kennedy and Eddie Lenihan, as well as 'comhrá agus ceol' with Maidhc Dainín ó Sé and a 'Siúlóid Stairiúil' around the village, both sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge. Renowned soprano Cara O'Sullivan will also be a special guest at a Choral Recital to be held in St. Paul's Church on Saturday afternoon in aid of Marymount Hospice.

Comedian Jon Kenny will be one of the star attractions of the Festival, presenting his show at An Tobar Lounge Bar on Saturday night - tickets at the door. Other highlights of the weekend are an Under 14 Busking Competition on Sunday afternoon, sponsored by meaningful travel company i-to-i, the Ardmore Gallery Craft Fair and the Finale open-air concert with 'Bog the Donkey' at the GAA pitch, sponsored by the Examiner. In addition to the daytime activities and entertainment, the local pubs will also provide musical entertainment throughout the Festival.

This is just a preview of what's in store in Ardmore on the last weekend in July. A full list of the activities will be available in advance of the fun-filled weekend. We'll be hoping that St. Declan will shine on us weather-wise to make it one to remember!

Further information:
John Supple (085) 8001433
Mary Jo Keevers (087) 2484632