Oireachtas na Gaeilge Cheanada 2012

There is an Irish language and cultural festival happening in Kingston Ontario this coming week from July 6th to 8th. Here is some info from the event's website:

Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada is a weekend filled with traditional Irish music, singing, dance, story telling, and friendship. It is a celebration of the Irish language (Gaelic) and the traditional culture of that language.

The Oireachtas takes place Friday, 6 July, to Sunday, 8 July, at Gaeltacht Thuaisceart an Oileáin Úir. The Gaeltacht is located near the settlements of Tamworth and Erinsville in the rolling hills along the Salmon River, just north of Lake Ontario. The Days Inn in Kingston is the venu for accommodation, business meetings, club na féile, banquet, and awards presentations. Kingston is a 30 minute drive from the Gaeltacht.

A group rates of $105/night has been negotiated at the Days Inn, which is an extremely attractive price during peak season. Our block of rooms will only be held until 15 June. Please book early, and be sure to indicate that you are reserving for the “Irish Language Celebration (Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada)”.

On Friday, annual general meetings of Cumann na Gaeltachta and Comharchumann Sealbhóirí na Gaeltachta will take place at the Days Inn between 11:00 and 14:00. The meetings are open to the public. Potential investors are especially welcome.

Later Friday afternoon, 15:00 - 17:00, displays of music, song and dance will take place at the Murney Tower Pavillion along the waterfront in downtown Kingston. Returning to the Days Inn, the evening will include a supper, guest speaker, book launch and stage play.

Saturday morning, bus transportation is provided to the Gaeltacht. Opening ceremonies will begin at the Gaeltacht at 10:00 a.m. The competitions will be held under tents, as an open air festival, in the beautiful Gaeltacht surroundings. Presentation of awards will take place at the Days Inn at 6:30 p.m. followed by a banquet, céilí, and club na féile.

A concluding brunch will take place on Sunday morning. People may wish to remain in Kingston for a day of sightseeing. Kingston is one of Canada’s oldest, and most Irish of cities. The “Celtic Cross Tour” is highly recommended.

This festival is a great idea and I bet is going to be awesome. You can find out more from the website.

Sláinte!

Laurel