THE WORLD FLEADH 2008

Irish and Celtic Music Festival Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 31st July – 4th August 2008

Do you want to dance a jig underneath the pale moonlight? Have the craic at a céilí? Host a hooley in a hot air balloon? Go to a great Irish gig? Challenge the champs in a busking competition or even compete for a World Title in Set Dancing or Sean Nós? Come to Portlaoise over the August Bank Holiday weekend for a bumper blend of entertainment from morning through ‘til night at The World Fleadh!



Musical highlights of the 2008 programme include Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Damien Dempsey, Jack L, Shane McGowan, Tommy Fleming, The Hothouse Flowers, The Wolfe Tones, Frankie Gavin, Dessie O’Halloran, Lúnasa, Seamus Begley & Jim Murray, Gráda, Máirtín O Connor, Seán Keane and the Kilfenora Céilí band amongst others. With more acts to be announced, see www.theworldfleadh.com for more information and updates.


The World Fleadh has made family and street entertainment a priority for this year’s festival, with its food market & craft fair, photography and art exhibitions, Bird’s ‘Euroshow’ Amusements, and the Kiddies Korner with face painting, bouncing castles, slides, performers, balloon modelling, street theatre, art competitions, stunt riders and much, much more. Watch out for the aerobatics in the sky, hot air balloon rides, street music sessions, busking competitions, on street football and basketball tournaments. There will be something around every corner in Portlaoise!


"I am delighted that The World Fleadh will be returning to Portlaoise following the successful way the people of Portlaoise hosted the 2007 event! The line up for 2008 features the most sought after Irish acts and includes events such as Ireland's Largest Session Trail in addition to many terrific scheduled fringe events. Fantastic musicians such as Sharon Shannon and Mundy will be playing, whose current-topping success with the song 'Galway Girl' shows the ever-strong appetite for Irish & Celtic music, while Shane McGowan & Tommy Fleming each have their own massive fan base in Ireland and will be giving unique performances at The World Fleadh. With the programme now in place, we look forward to welcoming old friends and new faces to Portlaoise over the August Bank Holiday weekend!"
Festival Director, Eric Cunningham


“Last year’s event proved to be a resounding success. This is a tremendous undertaking, which will be very rewarding to the economic growth and promotion of the county. It will also underpin and promote County Laois which is fast becoming recognised as the premier events destination in Ireland.”
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor John Moran


For more details and ticketing information please visit www.theworldfleadh.com