The 2019 Danbury Irish Festival is bigger and better than ever at its new location, 65 Sand Pit Rd., Danbury, taking place Friday through Sunday, Sept 20, 21, and 22, 2019. Headlining, and new to the festival is Shilelagh Law, New York’s thirstiest and most raucous Irish party band. Also new to the festival are the well-known Madz and the Ladz, traditional and rock’n’roll Irish music, led by an Irish vocalist extraordinaire. Morrighan's Flight, a traveling, classic Irish group from Massachusetts, is also new to the festival.
Returning favorites are The Mighty Ploughboys to rock Friday night with both well-known, historical songs and originals, including their radio hit Jenna McLean. The Highland Rovers, who have played with groups including the Wolfetones, Makem & Spain, the Saw Doctors, and the Young Dubliners will be back this year also, this time for two separate sets on Saturday.
Ticket info and full line up with links below.
Additional attractions to the non-stop music include the Irish dancers from three local Irish dance schools, vendors of Irish products, cultural activities, children's entertainment, Irish food and refreshments.
Inside, rain or shine, the main stage will provide continuous Irish music from sweetly sung traditional to roof-raising rock. Delicious, home-baked goods prepared by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will be available as well as traditional Irish food, including corned beef sandwiches. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks will also be available. Festival goers can peruse authentic, traditional Irish jewelry and apparel from close to a dozen vendors.
Outside, the Cultural Tent will give festival-goers an up-close experience of Irish traditional music, Gaelic language, history, dance, genealogy, film, theater, and literature and include live music performances. Workshops and displays include Women of the Easter Rising, Book of Kells, Irish crochet, Irish language and classes, Irish family histories, genealogy, Irish blessings, Irish literature, and history of the potato famine
Also outside will be the Children's Tent, open from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday Danny Diamond will do balloon twisting from 3-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Miss Angie from PopRox Productions will be face painting from 1-5 p.m. There will also be arts, crafts,games and more for children of all ages.
For ticket information visit the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center website. Tickets also available here (Eventbrite).
- Cunningham Brothers
- The Irish Rovers
- Madz & the Ladz
- Mighty Ploughboys
- Morrighan’s Flight
- Shilelagh Law
- Tipperary Knights
- Traveling Danburys
- Uncle Bill Whiskey & Friends
- Steve O’Tree & Friends
- GDICC All Stars
DANCERS
- Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance
- Doherty-Petri School of Irish Dance
- Thorne Academy of Irish Dance
- GDICC Ceili Dancers
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Friday September 20
6:30 GDIF All-stars
7:45 Mighty Ploughboys
Saturday September 21
12:00 – Traveling Danburys
1:00 – Thorne Academy of Irish Dance
1:45 – Steve O’Tree and Friends
2:45 -Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance
3:30 – Highland Rovers
4:15 – Tipperary Knights
5:15 -Madz and the Ladz
6:15 -Morrighan’s Flight
7:30 – Highland Rovers
8:45 – Tipperary Knights
Sunday September 22
12:00 – Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance
12:45 – Uncle Bill Whiskey and Friends
1:45 – Celtic Cross Pipe and Drum
2:30 – SHILELAGH LAW
3:45 – Cunningham Brothers
5:00 – GDIF All-stars