A few weeks ago we went to Ireland and it was one of the best trips of our lives. The people were great, everything was beautiful, and the food (contrary to popular belief) was amazing. We started in Dublin, then traveled to an ancient castle, flew some hawks, checked out Killarney, walked along the Cliffs of Mohr, visited the House of Waterford, and even were given an official certificate from Guinness saying that we are certified to pour the perfect pint, and so many more things we can’t even list here. As our vacation drew to a close, we didn’t want to leave…no, not one bit. Perhaps one of the most surreal moments happened when we were visiting the Dublin Writers Museum and a parade made its way past us. We followed the Irish Independence Day parade around block after block, feeling a connection with all the people of Ireland as they remembered Easter 1916 when Ireland declared its independence from England. How was it possible that two people from across the globe could make such a strong connection with a group of people they had never met before? It just speaks to our need and love of freedom, wherever we are.
The parade through Dublin, remembering Easter 1916
And, it’s with that beautiful spirit and enduring pride that the Fairfield County Irish Festival takes place for its 25th year at Fairfield University. You can stop by June 14 (6-11 pm), 15 (noon-11 pm), or 16 (noon-8 pm)…a perfect place to take your dad for Father’s Day…just saying. Don’t forget about dad!
When you arrive, you’ll need to pay admission which is pretty affordable: $12 for adults, students $10, or buy a three day pass for just $20. Kids under 16 are free with parents, too. Now, onto all the great things to expect:
Food
- Feile (Hospitality Tent)
- Condon’s Kitchen
- Key Travel Concepts
Events
- “How Many Shamrocks?” contest for kids on Sunday from 1-3
- Learn how to hurl on Sunday from 12:30-1:30
- Then, after there’s a hurling contest at the Sports Field with puck fada (long shot) or for accuracy. Just $1 to enter and all proceeds go to the 1916 Memorial fund.
- Play a round of Silver Anniversary Edition Irish Jeopardy on Saturday, 4:30 pm
- Raffles for $5,000; $2,500; $1,250; $750; or $500 for 5 per ticket. Drawing is 6/16 at 6 pm.
- Irish soda bread contest on Saturday, 5 pm
Music and Entertainment
Friday
| 6:00-6:10pm | Anthems |
| 6:15-8:00pm | Mighty Ploughboys |
| 8:00-8:30pm | Lenihan School Of Irish Dance |
| 8:30-9:00pm | Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band |
| 9:00-10:45pm | Jameson’s Revenge |
Saturday
| 12:00-12:10pm | Anthems |
| 12:30-1:45pm | Pearl River School of Irish Music |
| 1:45-2:15pm | Lenihan School Of Irish Dance |
| 2:30-4:30pm | John Whelan |
| 4:30-5:00pm | Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance |
| 5:15-5:45pm | Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band |
| 5:45-7:45pm | Highland Rovers Band |
| 7:45-8:15pm | Lenihan School Of Irish Dance |
| 8:30-10:45pm | Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul |
Sunday
| 12:00-12:10pm | Anthems |
| 12:15-1:15pm | Shamrouges |
| 1:30-3:15pm | Once Removed |
| 3:15-3:30pm | Scholarships and 25th Anniversary Celebration |
| 3:30-4:00pm | Lenihan School Of Irish Dance |
| 4:00-6:00pm | The Elders |
| 6:00pm | Raffle |
| 6:15-6:45pm | Alumni Dancers |
| 6:45-7:45pm | Festival All Stars |
Even more music and entertainment in the Cultural Tent, Pub Tent, and Children’s Tent.
Sports
Friday: 7:30-9 pm, Fairfield Prep vs Xavier Middletown
Saturday: 11:30-4 pm, Annual U8 Games
4-5:30 pm, New York Championship Football, St. Patrick’s CT vs Manhattan Gaels New York
5:30-7 pm, Senior Football Young Irelands, Philadelphia vs Tyrone Philly
Sunday: 12:30, Hurling clinic and hurling contest
2:30-3:30, Senior football game, St. Patrick’s vs. Philadelphia selection
3:30-5, The Donnelly Cup, St. Patrick’s U10s vs New York Celtics
OmNomCT 
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