Greater Danbury Irish Festival Planned This Fall at Ives Center

DANBURY, CT — Twenty-one years ago, an Irishman had a dream— to bring an Irish music and culture festival to Danbury. More than two decades later, his dream continues to be a reality as thousands come from all over the state, and some from across the pond, to partake in the rich culture of the weekend's festivities.

The brainchild of Gerry Curran, former President of the Danbury Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Festival began with the help of Sharon Higgins. The two convinced the men and women of the Danbury Ancient Order of Hibernains to support their project and work together to establish the Irish Festival which began in 1995. The mission of the project was not only to share Irish culture with the region, but to raise funds to create a place where Irish tradition can be carried out in a Center welcome to the Irish people of the Danbury area.

In 2009, Curran's second dream became a reality when the Greater Danbury Irish Center opened on Lake Avenue. The Irish Festival made its debut in Rogers Park but has since relocated to the Ives Center on Danbury's west side. In 2011, the luck o' the Irish wasn't with organizers as bad weather and financial difficulties caused planners to downsize the event and hold it for several years at the Lake Avenue Irish Center.

It's back again this year at the Ives Center, bigger and better than years past with live Irish music, Irish dance, cultural activities in the cultural tent, Irish food and beer and a children's area with games, music and tons of fun.

The Greater Danbury Irish Festival will be held at the Ives Concert Park, 48 Lake Avenue, Danbury on Friday, September 16, Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, 2016. Admission price is $12 per day and $25 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are free.

Saturday Special – enter before 1 p.m. for half off admission

Hours:

• Friday – 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturday – 11 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• Sunday – 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.

For more information, click here, email danburyirishfestival@gmail.com or call the club at 203-739-0010.