Word Of The South
Team Hot Press and its culture-hungry travel squadron are on the road again. Next stop; the wonderful South-West.
Celina Murphy, 27 Aug 2012
Birthplace of some of Ireland’s most iconic historical characters, from Brian Ború to Daniel O’Connell to Thomas Crean, the South-Western counties of Clare, Limerick and Kerry have a reputation for producing three things; explorers, politicians and damn fine musicians.
Although closely associated with traditional music, the West has produced some incredible electronic, rock and contemporary artists of late, including Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Daithí and, of course, those incorrigible scallywags The Rubberbandits.
Speaking of lovely Limerick, Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan has just announced that it will be the first Irish National City of Culture, coming into effect in 2014. We’re certain their decision was influenced by a recent growth spurt in Limerick’s music scene, helped along by the arrival of XLR-Radio, a new online music station based on Thomas St., The Blind Pig, a new rock venue in Foxes Bow, and A Love Supreme, a new music collective that organises gigs in the city, along with a monthly podcast. And then there’s Bourke’s, another rocking establishment on Catherine Street whose recent visitors include Jape and Pugwash.
Elsewhere in the South-West, throw in festivals like Dingle’s magical Other Voices, some of Ireland’s best surf, a smattering of medieval castles and a handful of adventure-ready islands, and you get a buzzing holiday destination to suit all tastes and preferences. Here are just a couple of hotspots we can whole-heartedly recommend for those taking themselves to the coast this summer...
EVENTS
Valentia Island King Scallop Festival
Knightstown, Valentia Island, Kerry
July 14 & 15
Now in its third year, the Valentia Island King Scallop Festival is one of Ireland’s most unique outdoor celebrations, a showcase of both the mouth-watering King Scallop, which is sourced locally, and Valentia Island as a lively cultural hub. You’ll find this charming island situated on the Iveragh Peninsula in South-West Kerry, just off the main Ring of Kerry route, making it one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Diversity is the key ingredient of the festival’s success; highlights for 2012 include on-street cooking demonstrations, a junior triathlon, cricket match, craft fair, angling competition, blessing of the local fishing boats and live street music. A haven for foodies, the festival regularly attracts chefs from Valentia, Portmagee, Caherciveen and Dublin, who flock to the Kerry island to show off their culinary skills.
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