Éigse Carlow Arts Festival was founded in 1979 by six members; Fr. Caoimhín Ó Néill, Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, Deirdre Brennan, Bríde de Róiste, Séamus Mac Páirc and Séamus Murphy. The founding members chose the word Éigse for the festival name, the plural of ‘Éigeas’ which is the Irish for poetry gathering. They chose this word because they wanted the festival to have a strong focus on poetry and the Irish language whilst still including those who could not speak Irish. It was planned as a bi-lingual festival with a simple programme of events; an art exhibition featuring the Barrow Valley Artists and Idrone Painters Group in the Town Hall, local history lectures, poetry, walks in Carlow and Céilí na nÓg. There was a great response to the festival and the founder members recognised that this event was a celebration of Carlow and would foster great pride in the area. What was once a local endeavor and a simple weekend event in April 1979 grew to become Ireland’s fourth largest Arts festival and a credit to both the founders and the region.

Éigse Carlow Arts Festival 2010

The 2010 festival will display a vibrant programme of events spanning ten days and nights. Featuring a dynamic and diverse range of entertainment and arts, the 2010 Éigse festival will transform Carlow into the cultural hub of the South East. In celebration of its thirty first year, the Éigse Carlow Arts Festival team secured a number of high profile and internationally recognised artists / acts. The festival has something for every member of the family to enjoy, Éigse is an extravaganza with broad appeal. Come and be part of Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, promoting cultural diversity, community spirit and establishing Carlow as a centre of artistic excellence.

2010 Festival Team

• Director: Tara Connaghan
• Administrator: Lisa Nolan
• Visual Arts Curator: Paddy McGovern
• Festival Assistants: Pamela Sunderland, Brenda Whelan, Debbie Weller, Jenny Walsh
• Production Manager: Marie O'Byrne
• PR, Marketing and Sponsorship: Buckeridge PR & Event Management
• Graphic Design: IT Carlow
• Accountants: Harney Nolan

Éigse welcomes all volunteers and if you wish to become involved this year we would love to hear from you on 059 9140491 Read More...