Irish Festival in Dubai concludes

The inaugural Irish Festival in Dubai has just ended and yet the celebratory spirit amongst the Irish and UAE residents can still be strongly felt. A week-long festival may sound adequate enough to celebrate all things Irish and yet already one can hear rumours in anticipation of the next Irish Festival, though it's still a year away.

The week's highlights included the "Irish Music Cruise" on Dubai Creek where festival goers decided that the perfect way to unwind was over a sumptuous dinner amid the sophisticated ambience aboard the Bateaux Dubai whilst listening to world-class Irish pianist, Mícheál O'Súilleabháin.

Irish night at the Dubai International Racing Carnival was another great success with over 400 stylish guests and music provided by the popular Irish entertainer, Jason Fallon. Famous Irish jockey, Johnny Murtagh hosted the event and thrilled everyone by winning two races.

Friday night was equally popular with Bernard O' Shea and Barry Murphy delivering the laughs for the Irish Comedy night at the Rainbow Room while live music concerts took place next door at the Irish Village. Some 1400 people enjoyed the creative music of Duke Special. Frankie Gavin, and his band Hibernian Rhapsody followed inspiring many to perform an Irish jig or two!

The festival ended in style as the "Ireland in Dubai" concert held on Saturday, wowed the crowd inside the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre where the Irish musical performers in town for the festival came together for a grand finale, accompanied by the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philipp Maier.

Before the concert kicked off, Tourism Ireland hosted a pre-concert reception at the 1897 bar in the Kempinski hotel. Guests mingled with the entertainers whilst indulging in Moet and Irish favourite, Black Velvet. The friendly and professional staff of the Kempinski never let up in passing round their creative Irish finger food menu including delicious oysters, smoked salmon, lamb stew and shepherds pie.

Amongst the top Irish musicians performing was the founder of the Irish World Music Centre at the University of Limerick and talented pianist, Mícheál O'Súilleabháin who played a number of his own fascinating pieces. His performance alone with his unique piano-playing style and mesmerising melodies brought the house down.

Frankie Gavin and the Hibernian Rhapsody delighted with traditional fiddle playing accompanied by Irish dancers, whilst the soulful and delicate voice of the beautiful Michelle Lally singing some emotional ballads left some of us with tears of nostalgia. But the talented duo, accordion-playing Seamus Begley and guitar-playing Jim Murray also made sure that no member of the audience was not having a good time by playing a couple of beloved and lively Irish tunes.

The concert was made even more memorable with the amazing singing prowess of both world-famous Irish tenor, Anthony Kearns and the contemporary multi-talented singer/pianist/ songwriter, Duke Special. Another special moment was the haunting "Ireland in Dubai" played and composed by the Festival Director Eric Cunningham on the low whistle.

After the concert, guests and entertainers made their way to the Irish Village, where impromptu music performances ensued, "Sessions" as they are known in Ireland. Seamus Beagley and Jim Murray played some well known traditional Irish songs that had everyone participating in Irish dance. Then Anthony Kearns, the Irish Tenor grabbed the microphone and standing in the middle of the Irish village sang beautifully, "O Sole Mio". It was amazing. Then two local Irish girls picked up the guitar and sang the Cranberries song "Zombie" Then it was back to Seamus and Jim for more! A truly fitting Irish ending to what had been a great first Irish festival in Dubai.

Tourism Ireland sponsored the week long festival, and had a presence at each event. Sponsoring the event forms a key part of Tourism Ireland's strategy for 2008 in raising awareness of the Island of Ireland and delivering their key message that Ireland is a land rich in beautiful scenery, inspiring culture and exciting sporting activities.

Aiveen Ryan, Key Account Manager for Tourism Ireland, GCC says "Ireland is a nation where our traditions of music, song, dance and local sport remain an inherent part of our culture and what makes Irish people what they are. When visitors come to Ireland, the feedback we receive from our research is that meeting and interacting with the people of Ireland is a highlight of the holiday experience. By sponsoring the Irish festival in Dubai, we hope that people will get to experience this unique culture and be inspired to visit the island of Ireland for themselves. The week was a resounding success, the quality of entertainment spectacular, and the feedback we have received so far extremely positive. By all accounts, some "craic" was had by all! We would hope therefore to build on this and see the festival become an annual event as it is the best opportunity for us to showcase Ireland and its charms."