Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 will officially begin in Ennis today.
Around 400,000 people are expected to descend on the county town for the event, among them Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley who will officially open the Fleadh at an event in the Abbey Street Car Park.
He’s due on stage there from 2:30 today, but music begins at 1:30 and those wishing to attend are advised to turn-up early.
Deirdre O’Brien Vaughan and friends from The Old Ground Hotel Summer Show, Martin Hayes and the Tulla Céilí Band, Ceoltóirí Chnoc na Gaoithe from Tulla, West Clare group Draíochta and Joe Lineen and Friends will also perform on stage today.
It’s the first of nine days of music, competition, dance and craic in the internationally-renowned festival of Irish traditional music.
Tonight, Ennis itself will welcome the Fleadh with Clare County Council staging a fireworks display from 10:30.
