Adult Day Ticket
(non camping) €75.00
Teen Day Ticket (13-17 yrs)
(non camping) €40.00
Adult Day Ticket
(non camping) €75.00
Teen Day Ticket (13-17 yrs)
(non camping) €40.00
Adult Weekend Ticket
(non camping) €130.00
Teen Weekend Ticket (13-17 yrs)
(non camping) €65.00
Children 12 years of age and under are admitted free once accompanied by a person 18 years or over. There is a limit of 2 children per adult. Under 18′s must be accompanied by a person 18 years or over.
Main Stage
Named as “Ireland’s greatest living musician” in RTÉ’s People of the Year Awards, Christy Moore is the only artist to have two albums in the top 10 biggest selling albums list in Irish history, outselling the Beatles, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Adele, Oasis. Christy Moore – Live at the Point (1994) is number five and Christy Moore – The Collection 81-91 (1991) is at number eight. Christy Moore’s career has spanned over 45 years, he has released over 40 acclaimed live and studio albums as a solo artist, and as part of trad bands Planxty and Moving Hearts.
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club return, joined on stage for the first time this century, by Eliades Ochoa, the singer of Chan Chan in the original Buena Vista film and record. The show will also feature the divine vocal talents of Omara Portuondo the first lady of Cuban music. Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club has played together for over a quarter century. Their most influential style is the exuberant, polyrhythmic music known as son, which gave birth to both Mambo and Salsa. Their upbeat numbers are full of infectious tres and Cuban lute licks, multi-layered Afro Cuban rhythms, soaring vocal melodies, and brash, big band horn parts. These are complemented by deliciously slow bolero ballads and majestic danzones featuring the swell of strings, with vocals conveying messages of romance hidden behind arrestingly beautiful melodies.
The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, sung for two presidents in the White House and winners of five Grammy® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing. Longevity and major awards aside, The Blind Boys have earned praise for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favourites to contemporary spiritual material by acclaimed songwriters such as Curtis Mayfield, Ben Harper, Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits.
ABC has enjoyed a glittering career to date. Very definitely one of a number of groups who came along and kick-started the Eighties with their own brand of pop for a ‘new decade’. On it’s release in May 1982 their debut album ‘The Lexicon of Love’ crashed straight into the UK album charts at number one. Showcasing the hits songs ‘Tears Are Not Enough’, ‘ Poison Arrow’, ‘The Look Of Love’ and ‘All Of My Heart’. A groundbreaking collection of modern love songs. With a majestic production from the legendary Trevor Horn it remains a classic to this day. Voted by many as the best British album of the decade.
Coming from accomplished Musical pedigrees, The High Kings grew up in households soaked in the Irish Musical tradition and each member of the band witnessed first hand the power of well crafted Irish music on an audience. Taking some of the classic ballad repertoire from the past and mixing those songs with new and exciting modern songs in the folk idiom, The High Kings are embarking to become the hottest folk and ballad act of the new millennium. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden, renowned vocalists and musicians, have come together to create the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s.
Hailing from the delta blues mecca that is…Dublin. They are five friends who came together with a shared love of Rock N’ Roll music. A phenomenal live band, recent years has seen these smart blues-rockers play over 200 gigs including support slots with The Zutons, The View, Divine Comedy, Ida Maria, Peter Hook, Republic of Loose, BP Fallon and a rake of festivals including Indie-Pendence, Castlepalooza, Sea Sessions, KnockanStockan, Vantastival, Arthurs Day, Mannifest, Electric Picnic, a sold out show at The Roundhouse in London and headlining Whelans “One to Watch” festival. Their music has been used on everything from Bulmers ad campaigns to BBC’s comedy “Fresh”, Irish film “Stitches” and RTE’s “RAW”.
Marquee Stage
The Grand Parade are Ireland’s first supergroup. Formed by Gavin Glas, the band is a revolving door of some of the country’s finest songwriters and performers. The collective recently scored a number one hit with ‘Start Again’, which was the official anthem for Today FM’s ‘Shave or Dye’ campaign. With an album in the pipeline of original collaborative material, the band have teamed up with show producers Turning Pirate to make their official live debut at the Westport Festival.The Grand Paraders this time round will feature Gavin Glas and a band of Ireland’s finest musicians along with Declan O’Rourke, Gerry Fish, Mundy, Wallis Bird, Lisa Hannigan and more surprise special guests.
In the seven years that The Stunning were initially together, they toured relentlessly building up a following that would make them one of the most successful Irish bands ever. In 1990 their debut album ‘Paradise In The Picturehouse’ spent five weeks at number one and became one of the most-loved Irish albums of all time.
Best known internationally for supplying the theme to the American TV series ‘The Sopranos’ with their song ‘Woke Up This Morning’, Alabama 3 have carved a unique niche for themselves which transcends considerations of chart success and runs far deeper than the transitory fame of modern celebrity culture. They are undoubtedly the greatest American act the UK ever did produce, and their heady combination of techno and C&W, alongside a proclivity for rock ‘n’ roll decadence and an acute social conscience means that they are effectively a unique entity in modern music.
Formed in 2001 with the release of their first album, titled “A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC,” Hayseed Dixie are acknowledged as the creators of the musical genre “Rockgrass.” Having sold over 500,000 records worldwide, the band has successfully spread like a virus to every continent except Antarctica.
Since signing his record deal on his 21st Birthday, Gavin has been busy, selling out his first headline show at The Grand Social Dublin and then went onto opened for Ryan Sheridan at The Olympia. He supported Ingrid Michaelson at her sell out Irish & UK tour this month and he supported Nouvelle Vague on their Irish tour in August and he opened for Marina & the Diamonds at the Olympia Theatre. Gavin was also invited to perform at this years Worldwide Radio Summit in LA which ultimately led to him signing his record deal with Believe Recordings, Gavin now joins Believe’s growing roster including fellow Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow. His “Say Hello” EP was released on Nov 2nd and entered the Irish iTunes album chart at No.1 “Say Hello” continues to climb the Irish radio charts top 20 and his album will be released in 2013.
Julie Feeney is a winner of the Choice Music Prize for ‘Irish Album of the Year’ (Ireland’s equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize) for her self-produced debut album on which she played most of the instruments herself. Her second album ‘Pages’ was shortlisted for the Irish Album Of The Year prize and featured in ’101 Irish Albums You Must Hear Before You Die’ by Liberties Press. ‘Clocks’ her third album was also shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize. Clocks went straight into the Independent Irish Album Charts at No. 1 and was voted ‘Best Album’ 2012 in The Irish Times ‘Album of the Year’ category for The Ticket Awards as voted by The Irish Times readers.
Formed in 2009 in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, New Sunset Hotel’s first single garnered a No. 10 position in the Irish Charts with their independently released debut single – ‘The Bitter End’. In 2011/12 the band focused on recording their debut album with the addition of a new bassist Joey Kenny to the original members John Murray (Vocals/Keys), Mark Calvey (Guitar) and Ian McDonnell (Drums). It is 2013 and their latest offering is the guitar-cool-key laden Single ‘Future Of Mankind’ set to be released on March 8th. Taken from upcoming ‘New Sunset Hotel EP’, which will be released in May.
ROISIN DUBH STAGE
Le Galaxie’s joyous, ceiling-melting live shows paved the blazing neon trail to the critically acclaimed debut album, 2011′s Laserdisc Nights 2, voted Entertainment.ie’s #1 Irish album of the year. Meshing pounding techno rhythms, shimmering cyber-synths and cascading dream-streams of sonic guitar-wizardry, the 4-piece have stamped their ‘grid vs. guitars’ live dance frenzy on Ireland, UK, France, Sweden and Germany. The Irish Times on their now legendary show at 2012′s Electric Picnic: ‘Over the past two years, Le Galaxie have transformed themselves into a juggernaut of a party band, jack knifing into crowds who are only too happy to take the hit. Without question, one of the best sets of the weekend.
Blissfully nerdy in his approach, Daithí uses loopstations, kaoss Pads, synthesizers and drum machines to create a unique and exceptional sound all centered around one instrument: the Fiddle. Some people call it post trad, others say it’s Indie traditional electro math rock looped with a twist, whatever the genre the end result is energetic, loud and a damn good time. He has played all the major Irish festivals and supported artists as diverse as DJ Shadow, Beardyman & The Coronas. Two singles from his debut album should be out by the summer featuring some very exciting guest vocalists.
Tieranniesaur’s self titled, Choice Music Prize nominated debut album was written and recorded at home by husband and wife Annie and Padraig. The album has received gushing praise since its release in July 2011 and has topped critics’ and readers’ end of year poles alike. The blogerati have been untypically effusive of both the album (which was album of the week in the Irish Times) and the live show. Tieranniesaur is now a fearsome live band of seven and the extra hands have helped to secure a growing reputation for exciting live shows with an effervescent party atmosphere. Tieranniesaur played storming sets at the Electric Picnic (“Hot damn. The funkiest and most fun set at the Picnic.” – Nialler9, Best 15 Acts at EP) and in support of their heroes Tom-Tom Club. UK based indie mavens the NME have also enthused “currently crushing on the ace Tiernniesaur”.
Funeral Suits come from Dublin, Ireland and make rock music. Sometimes they make it dark, brooding, intense and monolithic. Sometimes they make it life affirming, surging and adrenalin charged. It’s beauty and beast combined in schizophrenic glory and it’s this duality which sets Funeral Suits apart. Their debut album ‘Lily Of The Valley’ has been produced by Stephen Street, best known for his work with Blur and The Smiths. Just released by leading Irish independent label Model Citizen, the album is a spellbinding showcase of shadows and light.
Sleep Thieves are a 3 piece electro-pop band from Dublin who write songs that are awash with lush synths, alternative beats and ethereal vocals. They have gathered a reputation for energetic performances, causing the Irish times to dub them “a force to be reckoned with live”. The 5 track EP “Islands” follows up on their critically acclaimed 2011 album Heartwaves which saw the band named “Global Artist of the Day” on Soundcloud in January of this year as well as being named in the Top 50 “Acts You Have To Hear in 2012” by Hotpress Magazine.
Elaine Mai is a solo artist who uses loops, laptop, vocals and guitar to create her own unique sound. 2012 saw her release her debut EP and play support to acts such as James Vincent McMorrow, Heathers and Marina and the Diamonds. Also featured on Le Galaxie’s ‘Love System’, which was nominated for Meteor Choice Song of the Year 2012, Elaine is currently in the process of recording her new EP, which will be coming out in the next few months.
The bands sound can only be described as diverse. With the songs coming from all band members their live set changes from stunning vocal harmony laced acoustic acapella folk to edgy electric alternative rock in a seamless progressive crescendo.”A band with huge international potential…..Superb musicians making a truly original and epic noise” – Niall Stokes, Hotpress Magazine.
The Depravations are a five-piece indie/ folk/ pop band based in Galway City on the west coast of Ireland.They released their debut album Onwards, Westwards in January 2013 and have since embarked on a nationwide tour to promote it, beginning with The Other Voices Music Trail in Derry.
Stephen takes great prides in both his high-energy live shows and quality studio performances. 2012 was a massive year for Stephen, which saw him touring extensively and recording an E.P, and releasing his debut single The Weatherman to critical acclaim. This promises to be the year for Stephen, watch this space.
COMEDY TENT
TBC
Hailing from Limerick city, it’s a little known fact to the wider world that Karl Spain is actually father to both Rubberbandits. Karl recently celebrated ten years in comedy. A notable milestone on his personal improvement timetable. Karl was also a league winner with Summerville Rovers Under-10s. plus he won a couple of “buachaill na seachtaine”s in primary school including two in third class. ”Destined to go far, see him now while you can”. – Three Weeks ”Had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand” – Metro ”Karl is a very good boy” – Maths teacher (first year)
Bernard’s television credits include RTE’s Republic of Telly, The Liffey Laugh, Naked Camera, Just for Laughs, Paramount “The World Stands Up” and The BBC’s Newcomer Awards. ”The depth of his freewheeling comic talent is obvious” The Sunday Times ”Left-field imaginative but not up its arse lovely comedy” Hot Press ”One for the future amazing routines from out of nowhere and beautiful crafted songs” The Irish Independent
Irish comedy legend, is best known as one third of Apres Match. Also the presenter of RTE’s Irish Pictorial Weekly, comic poet par excellence and occasionally a very efficient German called Gunther, thisIFTA nominated writer’s CV is one to envy. He was also host of “The End”, “Stand and Deliver”, one third of Mr Trellis, co-founder of the Comedy Cellar Club and co-creator of Soupy Norman. “The Comedy Don” The Irish Times. Whichever Barry Murphy you come to see, be assured his sheer originality and overwhelming talent guarantee that there is no other performer like him. ‘One of the high kings of Irish comedy’ Hot Press
Joe has appeared in the hit RTE comedy series,“Killinaskully” as the character “Timmy Higgins” and also featured in the stand up show “The Liffey Laugh” on RTE 2. He also recently won TV3’s “Celebrity Come Dine With Me” and consequently is now great friends with Miss World Rosanna Davidson. Joe is probably best known for his role as Father Damo in the “Father Ted” series.
CHEFS KITCHEN
Main Stage
Elvis Costello has followed his musical curiosity in a career spanning more than 30 years. He is perhaps best known for his performances with The Attractions, The Imposters and for concert appearances with pianist Steve Nieve. In 2003, he began a song writing partnership with his wife, the jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall, resulting in six songs included in her highly successful album ‘The Girl In The Other Room’. During his career Costello has received several prestigious honors, including two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting, a Dutch Edison Award with The Brodsky Quartet for ‘The Juliet Letters’, the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Award, a BAFTA for the music written with Richard Harvey for Alan Bleasdale’s television drama series ‘G.B.H.’ and a Grammy for “I Still Have That Other Girl” from his 1998 collaboration with Burt Bacharach, ‘Painted From Memory’.
Imelda began performing in clubs when she was 16 years old and had the honour of being occasionally barred from her own shows at Dublin’s Bruxelles club for being underage. After fifteen years of singing in other peoples bands Imelda finally took the plunge and set up her own band in 2006. The band recorded their previous album, “Love Tattoo” independently and only expected to sell a few hundred copies at gigs, but one Jools Holland performance later and the album had sold triple platinum in Ireland.
It’s 1973 in South London. Teenage friends Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook form the band that will see them dubbed ‘The New Lennon and McCartney’. Over 35 years later, with their legacy intact and as vital as it has ever been, Squeeze are still touring and reminding fans worldwide just why they have left such an indelible impression on the UK’s music scene. Their vast catalogue of hits include ‘Cool For Cats’, ‘Up The Junction’, ‘Tempted’, ‘Hourglass’, ‘Labelled With Love’, ‘Take Me I’m Yours’, ‘Pulling Mussels’ and many more.
New York born, Montreal raised singer-songwriter is a powerful, deeply original talent.Blessed with a hugely expressive voice and a captivating stage presence, Martha has matured artistically before the world’s eyes and ears. Daughter of revered folk legends Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, and sister of celebrated vocalist and composer Rufus Wainwright, Martha grew up on stages with her family and wrote original songs from the time she was a teen. Recording music that is both intimate and daring, Martha has since established herself as one of the most gutsy guitar slinging talents.
LAPD (Liam O’Flynn, Andy Irvine, Paddy Glackin, Donal Lunny) is the affectionate acronym attached to a quartet of Irish music legends who have recently graced us with their combined presence and beautiful music. They are three-quarters Planxty and the original Bothy Band fiddler, also collectively featuring past and present members of Moving Hearts, Sweeney’s Men, Mozaik, Patrick Street and numerous other ensembles of the past five plus decades of Irish music. In the 60s and 70s they were trailblazers and groundbreakers, and when you see them onstage in 2013, bar the odd grey hair, not a lot has changed.
Galway’s latest rock band–The Cabin Collective–got their music career off to a flying start last April with a thrilling appearance on The Late Late Show before they had played their first gig at the Taibhdhearc Theatre in the city of the Tribes. The Cabin Collective take their name from the Scandinavian style log cabin in rural Tuam where they rehearse. The nine piece band include four songwriters in their lineup: Leo Moran who wrote Clare Island and Same Oul’ Town for The Saw Doctors, Noelie McDonnell whose song credits include the hit tune ‘Nearly Four’, Waterboy founder Anthony Thistlethwaite who now lives in Gort, Co. Galway, and Keith Mullins whose new album, ‘May It Mean Something to Someone’ will be released this Summer. Completing the lineup in The Cabin Collective are some of the West of Ireland’s finest musicians including Dave Clancy on Pedal Steel, Eimhin Cradock on percussion, Larry Kelly on guitar, Michael Spud Coen on bass and Rickie O’ Neill on drums. The Cabin Collective will release their debut single, ‘Lines Are Fading’ – a Keith Mullins song– on Friday June 28.
Dublin roots band I Draw Slow have been drumming up enthusiastic reviews in Ireland since the release of their top 10 selling second album, Redhills. Irish national broadcaster RTE made Redhills album of the week and Redhills has been welcomed to the playlists of stations across the country. However, their impact abroad is redrawing the map for these Irish/Americana songwriters. They have been described in the UK press as “American top league equivalents” destined “to blow the opposition away”, drawing favourable comparisons with Gillian Welsh and Alison Krauss. The band has been invited to tour the UK, Germany, Denmark and Belgium in 2012 so catch them while you can…
Marquee Stage
Jack Lukeman is an Icon in Irish music. Considered one of its greatest voices and mavericks with several number 1 albums and countless sold out shows around Europe and the USA performing from Glastonbury to the Brooklyn philharmonic orchestra. Jack Duets is set to be a festival favourite. With a great time slot and an orchestra poised to reinvent a few old classics at this great festival in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland.
Ryan Sheridan’s fine debut long player ‘The Day You Live Forever’ entered the Irish national charts at # 2; enjoying one of the best opening week sales for any Irish artist in 2011. He was also a featured artist at the historic Concert for Obama on College Green in May. It’s an extraordinary Irish success story for the Monaghan solo artist who has travelled from playing on streets of Dublin to jockeying for the top slot with Adele and Lady Gaga in less than twelve months; and is a glowing testimony to Ryan’s own self belief, determination to succeed and years of perfecting his craft.
Pipe-Versity is the music show presented by The Clew Bay Pipe Band who are based in Westport, Co. Mayo. This unique show is a fusion that combines that of the Celtic bagpipe music with contemporary modern music. This charismatic show is not only about the distinctive explosive sound of the bagpipes, but also projects the expressive personality of Pipe-Versity as they collaborate with both rock and pop musicians. This wonderfully talented group exude noble inspirations under the musical directorship of Pipe Major Des Cafferkey and Pipe Sergeant Peter Carney. This dazzling diverse musicianship, which promises to provide emotional peaks at high audibility, is the unique sound of ‘Pipe-Versity’.
Dublin rock band the Riptide Movement are renowned for their phenomenal live shows, a regular feature on the live Irish music & festival scene, they have played sold out shows all over Ireland including Whelans, the Academy main room and the Olympia Theatre Dublin in November 2012, they have also toured extensively in the UK, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Russia and even India and have also supported many high profile acts including Bob Dylan in London & Bon Jovi in the RDS. The Riptide Movement released sophomore album ‘Keep on keepin’ on’ in 2012 to rave reviews from the critics, the album charted at number 6 in the official Irish albums chart and picked up ‘Best Irish album of 2012′ at the ERIC awards in January 2013. They’re currently working on their 3rd album scheduled for release in October 2013 and will be supporting The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park London Summer 2013.
ROISIN DUBH STAGE
Dublin-based DELORENTOS are currently being hailed as one of Ireland’s finest and most imaginative bands. Since 2007 Delorentos have released three critically acclaimed albums; 2007′s In Love With Detail, nominated for Best Album at both the Choice Music Prize and the Meteor Awards, 2009′s You Can Make Sound, which as well as hitting number 2 in the Irish charts won Entertainment.ie’s Album of the Year; and 2012′s Little Sparks. As well as their recording success, Delorentos have always been a touring band, and since 2007 have played extensively in Ireland, as well as the UK, Europe and North America.
In a very short space of time from their humble beginnings, SQUAREHEAD have risen to a place of prominence in the Irish music scene. Their debut single, the superb Fake Blood, was voted number one in Nialler 9′s songs of the year in 2010 – their second single, Midnight Enchilada, has become a much beloved alternative anthem. If you like garage, pop and surf, then Squarehead are the band for you! Their absolutely superb debut album, Yeah Nothing, is available now. It’s very very good indeed.
Kid Karate are vocalist/guitarist Kevin Breen and drummer Steven Gannon. Influenced by Death From Above 1979, LCD Soundsystem, Queens of the Stone Age, Lightning Bolt and Death Grips. The band’s musical aesthetic is based around Breen’s thunderous guitar-work and atypical howl, and Gannon’s primal drumming style. These elements combined enable the pair to create music that is catchy and intoxicating. Kid Karate make more noise than two people should.
Synthwave act Not Squares formed in 2008 in Belfast. They have recently toured in Japan with Miaou in Nov 2011. In the past they have played Reading, Leeds and Latitude festivals on BBC Introducing stages, recorded a BBC Radio 1 session at Maidavale Studios for Huw Stephens and have toured Ireland with Two Door Cinema Club, The Cast of Cheers and shared UK festival stages with Hercules and Love Affair, Gold Panda and TEED at Evolution and Glastonbury.
Energetic, brilliant, impulsive and joyfully exuberant are the hallmarks of Mojo GoGo’s music, legendary live stage shows and, sometimes wild, off stage antics. Mojo GoGo are the onstage antidote to pedal gazing, moody, self indulgent musical snobbery. Hard working, hard partying and unpredictable, the Donegal bands straightforward and forthright approach is winning them fans with every show they play. Described variously by many journalists making reference to other great bands, Mojo GoGo stand apart with a sound and style of their own which they label as STINDIE Rock and Roll (Stadium-Indie). This band is no copycat. It is its own undeniable and joyfully unpredictable force of nature. Mojo GoGo are the ones to watch in 2013.
2013 is already a busy year for So Cow. It started with a two-week tour of the US in March, including a visit to SXSW in Texas and two shows supporting fellow Tuam-music-folk The Saw Doctors. This year will also see the release of their third LP, The Long Con, produced by Greg Saunier of Deerhoof.
Dott are from Galway, Ireland and play shiney, harmony-driven garage pop. Their eagerly awaited debut EP “Button” was released on May 17th 2012 on the Popical Island Collective to critical acclaim. Dott recently made their US debut at New York’s favourite independent music venue the Cake Shop, New York. Songs from Button can be heard on BBC Radio, Today FM, 2FM, RTE RADIO 1, RnaG, 98FM and Phantom Radio.
Doghouse are a three piece acoustic ensemble, performing finger-picking blues, american folk and old time country tunes. Seamlessly blended with original compositions and clarified with refreshing reworks of classic Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Tom Waits to name a few. Comprising of Juliana Erkkonen (Fiddle), Peter Akerstrom (Guitar and Vocal) and Mark McConville (Vocal and Guitar).
COMEDY TENT
CHEFS KITCHEN
The Westport Festival of Music and Food 29-30 June 2013 is an annual 2-day family friendly festival, set amidst the picturesque 400-acre grounds of Westport House. The historic house and estate is located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most charming seaside towns which is renowned for its music, excellent food and warm welcome. Join us in Westport for a fantastic fun filled weekend of entertainment with music from international and Irish musical acts, comedy, amazing food village, quality on-site camping, beer tents and wine bars in a truly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
www.westporthouse.ie
Coming Soon
50min drive
1hr 10min drive
3hrs 15min drive
2hrs 30min drive
80km (49 miles) – 1hr 30min
104km (65 miles) – 1hr 30min
305km (190 miles) – 4 hrs 15min
Located on the lakeside lawn behind Westport House, we’re creating a little village dedicated to the ‘Best Food from the West’. An amazing array of food producers will be rocking up to produce the most exciting and vibrant foods this region has to offer. Other features will include a Pop Up Pub, Seated Area, Wine Bar and a Food Demonstration Tent.
The heart of the FOOD&WINE Magazine Village is the Chef’s Kitchen featuring live demos from Ireland’s top chefs. The line-up includes Derry Clarke, Richard Corrigan, Kevin Dundon, Oliver Dunne, Seamus Commons and Dylan McGrath. But they face a unique challenge as each chef has to come up with the perfect dish for one of their favourite musical inspirations…we’ll find out on the day if it’s a hit or a miss with their chosen artist. Hosted by Norah Casey, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Tony Fenton the Chef’s Kitchen will be a vibrant blend of music and food. Whether you’re a budding cook or a cordon bleu culinary expert you are guaranteed to learn something from the masters in action. Some lucky diners will be invited to join the Chef’s Table where they can dine on the gourmet feasts prepared by our chefs. They will also take part in their own challenge…a blind tasting with a difference. As the festival is raising awareness and funds for ChildVision, we’ve asked Westport’s top foodie haunts to come up with some unusual tastes to challenge the diners to a “dine in the dark” experience.
Around and About the Festival
An artisan high end foods stall called PADDY PAELLA in which Traditional Spanish Street Food is freshly cooked using all Irish produce blended together with Spanish recipes, flair and know how We source all our ingredients and produce locally from the town land in which the festival is on and we then cook the food fresh in a Spanish /Latin style at our stall on the days of the show which results in wholesome and tasty freshly cooked food All the fresh ingredients on the day would be sourced from the local hinterland of Mayo and Roscommon from producers we know and trust, thus promoting local produce a concept we really believe in.
Spicy chicken wings with a selection of delicious homemade dips and sauces.
Healthy foods such as Falafel Wraps, Beef Curry, Veggie Chilly, Nachos, Steak in Ciabatta and Homemade fresh lemon/ginger sodas all served from a vintage double decker bus.
Fresh seasonal fruit smothered in melted Belgium chocolate.
100% local Irish gourmet beef burgers, sold from a vintage airstream.
Sweet and savoury crepes using the best local produce.
Just Pasta offers a selection of home made pasta in different sauce including lasagna and oven baked macaroni.
Street Feast serves up pulled-pork slow roasted for six hours in a secret rub before slowly caramelizing in our smoker. Try it as a sandwich with slaw or carb free in a snack box with a side of beans.
We specialise in delicious thin crust wood fired pizzas but also offer dishes such as slow cook pulled pork sandwiches. Our wood fired oven is open so the customer can easy see their food being cooked. Each pizza is freshly rolled and prepared for each customer. They can choose toppings from a wide variety of local produce. The wood we use is from sustainable forests.
A pink mosaic tandoor oven cooks our curries fresh on site.
The Coffee Boutique is a mini gourmet coffee shop on wheels with a big personality. We use locally hand roasted beans and local freshly baked pastries. We love to dress our coffee van up depending on occasion, we have tables and chairs, fairy lights, flower garlands, lanterns and flower pots, as well as fake grass or picket fencing. We like to use fair-trade products where and when possible and also are keen to be green, cups lids and holders are all recyclable, we even compost the used coffee grinds.
Award winning Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine.
Freshly cooked risotto.
Homemade authentic American Corn Dogs.
Meat Cure – Smokehouse (snack shack) snacks. Southern Fried Pickle. Light crispy pale ale battered pickles, Southern Fried Onion Rings. Light crispy pale ale battered onion rings. Corn-on-the-cob Husk on sweated corn, finished on the grill and basted in butter. Mixed Beets – Twice fried beetroot, parsnip and sweet potato, sea salt and thyme. Potato Wedges – Twice fried maris piper potato, sea salt and thyme.
Confectionery French pick & mix, home made Nougat and lollipop, caramelised almonds cooked using a traditional French recipe.
Sweet and savoury crepes and waffles, all made from locally sourced ingredients.
Free range from own farm, spit roast pig, steak baguettes and lamb wraps.
A large selection of confectionery and top quality nuts, fudge and baklava.
We are a themed Breakfast and Coffee bar. We sell breakfasts from all round the world and we do it in style. We source local and organic where we can, we want to fill peoples bellies with amazing food.
Homemade Farmhouse ice cream.
Herbal Sausages/Burgers/Chicken Wraps.
Free range meat wrapped in a yummy pastry with ethinicaly sourced veggies.. NO Nastys like hydronated fats NO salt and definately no sheargar hahahha.. We like to please our customers with really good hearty food and hope that everyone leaves our stall feeling good.
Irish steak burgers and German smoked bratwurst
Coffee pastries donuts milk shakes and smoothies ice cream
We are a local craft business, specializing in upcycling. We love to use second hand materials to create new products that everyone will enjoy. These include: chessboards made from nuts and bolts, locally sourced bog wood, hand painted glass jar lanterns, cake stands and clocks, unwanted or discarded books designed into bags, and much more. Our main focus is on up cycled musical instruments inspired by great blues artists from Bo Diddley’s cigar box guitar to SeaSick Steve’s diddley bo. These unique creations can be played and loved by all ages and abilities, this will be demonstrated live throughout the day
homemade tacos, quesadilla, nachos, Mexican stews served with homemade salsas sauces and beans. Irish chicken and beef, free range Irish pork
Award winning Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine, which means “happy meeting place” in Thai, serves authentic cuisine at reasonable prices.
I sell Triple Certified (organic, fair trade and rainforest alliance) gourmet coffee from the back of my little French built van. The Izzo Italian coffee machine, together with great tasting and ethically sourced coffee beans makes for some of the most delicious tasting coffee around! I also sell organic and fairtrade certified teas and fair trade certified hot chocolate. I also sell some lovely cookies and snacks to accompany your drink. The van itself is eye catching and interesting to look at.
One of Irelands most exciting children’s theatre companies, will be creating a whole village of fun and imaginative activities for young festival goers. The Enchanted Oak Village will sprout up around the Old oak tree for a weekend of wonderment. Children can make their own wizard wand, plant a fairy garden, weave a dream catcher or create there own gnome hat. They can join a dance class, learn to juggle, play some music or take part in a play. There will be lots to watch too, puppet shows, story telling and theatre. Or they can simply play in the village, dig in the sand pit, jam on the Wall of sound, load a truck in the mini quarry, play in the fairy house, hang a wish on the wishing line or just listen to a story under the old oak tree. The weekend will end with a Kids Caberet so you have the chanceto not just watch but to perform at Westport Festival! Now that’s something to tell your friends.
It’ll test your head for heights – and your stomach.
A splash-tastic log flume water ride that guarantees to entertain.
Fun for the younger members of the family.
A short ride through the grounds and watch out for surprises around every corner.
Take the family out on beautiful Westport House lake on 8-foot high Swan Pedaloe boats. Note: All activities are free of charge.
Arts and crafts workshops.
Storytelling, puppetry and theatre.
Sit down, watch and wonder.
The sand pit, The mini truck mine, Dressing up tea party, Wall of sound percussion area, Fairy play house, Wishing tree, Mushroom seats, Oak tree installation.
Clown, Tea lady, Giant birds, Sports day games.
Tables and chairs where families can rest and take a little time to recharge.
Renowned stylist Dylan Bradshaw will be incorporating his pop up dry bar salon into this year’s Westport Festival. Using the revolutionary steam pods from L’Oreal, you’ll be able to refresh your hair, and create the ultimate festival look without shampooing! The express dry bar will have the talented db nail technicians on hand to tend to your talons and along with the professional db Face makeup team you will be festival fabulous in no time!
Would you like to capture a memory from your festival experience? If so, why not drop into our Photo Booth studio which will be operated by top Irish Photographer Barry McCall and his team.
We are committed to protecting the environment and will ensure that our festival has a minimum impact by preventing and segregating waste, consuming less water and energy and sourcing goods and materials sustainably. Festival Green Guide
This year we are really pleased to announce our first charity partner, Child Vision, the National Education Centre for Blind Children. This is the only educational facility in Ireland looking after the education and therapeutic needs of blind and partially sighted children throughout Ireland. They will be on site during the festival looking for your support but also offering you the chance to experience the buzz of the festival without your sense of sight by taking their Blindfold Challenge – are you up for it? Check them out on Facebook and at www.childvision.ie and find out about the amazing kids and this amazing place.
You cannot bring food or drink into the festival arena, but we have a great selection of food traders and bars onsite to satisfy every need. Baby food is however allowed into the arena.
You can email us at hello@westportfestival.com. We do receive a lot of applications but we will listen to all material sent to us. Please don’t bombard us with large files, as a couple of links to your music will suffice.
You can contact Kate at VSC Events – kate@vscevents.ie
You can bring a small personal camera but professional equipment is not allowed.
Unless staying on the campsite, there is no onsite parking. There will be designated car park facilities located on the approach roads into Westport town and details will be posted on our website closer to the event.
There are 2 entrances to the festival, Church Lane and the Quays Entrance. If you are staying in Westport town, or travelling from the Castlebar Rd then you should enter via Church Lane, which is in the centre of the town. If you are staying on the campsite, or travelling from Louisburgh direction then you must use the Quays Entrance.
Gates open 12:30pm and the festival will end at 11pm each night.
Ask security supervisor initially and then contact us at hello@westportfestival.com. After Monday July 1st all found property will be taken to Westport Garda Station.
This is an outdoor event so please dress appropriately & come prepared for Irish weather including practical footwear and sun block.
Alcohol, bottles, cans, glass containers. Pets, except for registered assistance dogs.
Your ticket will be exchanged for a wristband. You must wear this wristband at all times. Any wristbands that have been tampered with or removed shall be null and void. If you wish to exit you will be given a token/stamp. To re-enter you will need this and your wristband, which must still be on your wrist, untampered with. Weekend wristbands are valid for both days. The wristband is shower proof.
Yes it is but strict guidelines must be adhered to. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Teenagers (13-17 years) must be in possession of a teenager wristband. Anyone under 18 found in possession of alcohol or having consumed alcohol will be handed over the Gardai. Anyone buying alcohol for a minor will be removed from the Festival without refund.
There won’t be any cash machines on site but there are ATMs in the town centre.
Patrons are allowed to bring only one standard size folding deck chair to the festival. No chairs permitted and standing room only in front of the mixing desks. Do not leave chairs unattended.
Volunteers are an important part of making our festival such a special event. We are looking for highly motivated, energetic & enthusiastic volunteers, aged 18 years and over, to assist with festival operations, both for pre-festival setup and during festival operations. If you have a passion for working as part of a team in a dynamic, outdoor, festival environment, you are interested in music, and event management, then you should apply to volunteer at hello@westportfestival.com..
Special needs parking is provided beside the Campsite Management Offices. This is accessed through the ‘Golf Links’ Rd – this will be signposted. The run from this carpark to the festival site is along a flat road.
If you have any questions or concerns about safety please speak to the nearest security supervisor or to the staff in the Information tent which is located in front of Westport House by the river. Our security company is licensed by the Private Security Authority. All our security staff wear hi-vis numbered vests/jackets. If you have any queries please speak to a security supervisor. Please co-operate with security staff – they are there for your comfort and your safety. We have two First Aid Posts on site – one to the left of the Main Stage and one just across the bridge at the bottom of the Children’s Area. We have a doctor, nurses, paramedics and ambulances on site for your health & safety. There are gardai on duty throughout the venue and security can contact them if you wish. We have lifeguards on duty by the bridge. Please supervise your children at all times & do not allow them to climb on fences or bridges. Children separated from their companions will be brought to the nearest First Aid Post. Please ensure your children know where they are, in case they get separated from you. Please contact the nearest security, gardai, medic or volunteer if you have become separated from your child. Glass of any kind is not allowed on site. You are not allowed to light fires anywhere on site, including the campsite. Smoking is not allowed in any or the tents or marquees as per Anti Tobacco Legislation.
A new waste segregation bin system is being put in place by Mayo County Council for this year’s Festival. Facilities will be available for festival goers to separate food waste and recyclable items from normal landfill waste. There will be plenty of ‘Greening your Festival’ volunteers to help you help us green the festival!
Younger festival goers will also be able to join in the Greening Fun. A special children’s workshop will be available at the festival where the children can make puppets using waste materials!