Annual Festival of Arts in Dunlavin being launched this evening

Being launched today is the 36th Dunlavin Festival of Arts featuring the talents of local artists and artisans, whilst also presenting great family fun, live music and entertainment.

Art exhibitions open from 6.30pm today with Jessica Harrington officially launching the exhibitions at the 36th Festival of Arts at 7.30pm, followed by live music by Dorly O’ Sullivan and Phil Callery in Market House.

Later in the Imaal Hall, there’s the Set Dance Céilí.

Novelty events include the Dog Show which will be hosted on Sunday, at 2pm. Categories include: Waggiest Tail, Best Rescue, Best Child Handler, Best Veteran,(dog over 10 years ), Best Trick and Obedience Exercise. Entry €2 and all proceeds go to Wicklow Rapid Response. Get the mutt preened and pampered, it’s always a popular event.

Set Dance Céilí

The annual Maureen Dennis Set Dance Céilí will be hosted in the Imaal Hall on Friday, June 15 at 9.30pm. The late Maureen was known acorss the breadth of Ireland amongst set dancing elite and is remembered fondly. Admission €10 with all proceeds in aid of St Bridgid's Hospice, the Curragh.

A Bloomsday Musical Tea Party will take place on June 16 at 6.30pm in the Market House. Music will be provided by DARA quartet and tickets are available at €10.

A popular event in the Festival’s schedule is Sunday’s Annual Craft Fair. Venue: the Imaal Hall on Sunday, June 17. Limited places left – contact Emma Lucy at 086 345 4079 if you’d like to sell your wares or home produce.

Saturday, June 16: Farmers Market at the Schoolhouse Yard from 11am; 12 noon all exhibitions open. Kiddies will love the Puppet Show in the Imaal Hall at 2.30pm, second show 3.15pm.

At 4pm, Camphill Theatre Group at Murtagh’s Shop whilst the Bloomsday Tea Party will be hosted at the Market House from 6.30pm whilst bingo commences in the hall at 9pm.

Sunday, June 17 is the busiest day of the festival with all exhibitions open from 12 noon.

With a family fun day on the Green, events include a dance workshops, artisans and stall holders on the street, a Drumming Workshop at 2pm on the Green, the Dog Show on Cow Green, the Family Fun Day and Cartoon Character Show commencing at 2pm, on Dunlavin Green

12 noon – 5pm BBQ at Jonathan Swift School but you can expect live music from 3pm and lots of entertainment throughout the afternoon – even Yoga at 3pm! There will be further dance and drumming workshops and an over 50s ‘Walking Soccer’ on the Astro Turf in the playground at 6pm.

Live Music throughout the Festival in local pubs – from 10pm onwards. Do be sure to drop over to Dunlavin for an amazing display of art supplied by leading West Wicklow and Co Kildare artists. See the full listing of exhibitors and venues below.