Fleadh fever is sweeping across Ennis as thousands come to the town to enjoy one of the busiest days of the festival.
There’s been some showers this morning, but it hasn’t succeeded in dampening spirits, or keeping music fans away from the event of the year.
There’s been a large crowd of Fleadh-goers here in Ennis town centre since early this morning with music on the streets, and at the various venues throughout town too.
This weekend is the highpoint of the Fleadh, both in terms of turnout and the number of concerts, séisiúns and competitions, which kicked off yesterday and continue into tomorrow night.
Many are simply soaking up the atmosphere, or looking to add to it.
Traffic is heavy and building
After last year’s last weekend washout, many eyes have been trained on the skies this morning.
It’s been a mild, overcast with some showers, but they’re expected to make only occasional unwanted intrusion throughout the afternoon.
Good news then, on what could be the busiest of the nine days of Fleadh 2017.
Throughout the nine days of the Fleadh, up to 400,000 people are expected in Ennis, including some dignitaries.
A number of international ambassadors, and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald attended The Legacy Colloquium at Hotel Woodstock last evening, where she told those assembled of her aunt Aggie White, a noted fiddle player.
Today will go long into tonight, with a host of concerts and sessions throughout the town.
Sharon Shannon and her Sacred Earth Band are the headliners in the Shannon Aerodome, Ed Sheeran’s friends Beoga are in town while Out the Gap from East Clare and the Clarecastle/Ballyea Seisiún Group are among those in action on the Gig Rig.
There’ll be music on the streets, in the pubs and elsewhere too as the Fleadh Down in Ennis continues.
