The annual Doolin Folk Festival will occur on the 9th-11th of June, 2023. Three days, three stages of folk, from top Irish and international acts, taking place in Ireland’s biggest small hotel, Hotel Doolin.
The first Doolin Folk Festival took place in June 2013 and was a huge success. The festival takes place in the Barn of Hotel Doolin, one mile from the famous Lisdoonvarna Festival of the late 70s and early 80s.
Over the years, the Doolin Folk Festival has had it all, from Limerick rappers to Saharan Blues, from Clannad to King Kong Company, the festival takes the broadest definition of Folk Festival in that they believe that Folk Music is the music of the people. Folk music needs to be able to touch hearts, capture the spirit of the times, and comment on what is wrong with the world. As Frank Harte says, ‘those in power write the history, those who suffer, write the songs.
Set in the Brigadoon-like atmosphere of Doolin, Co. Clare, between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands, this mid-June festival has become a highlight of the summer festival season. Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 70s and 80s like Lisdoonvarna, Doolin is an intense musical journey. Tucked away in the magical atmosphere of West Clare, you’ll be whisked off on a musical journey through folk time, style and culture.
Festival organiser and Hotel Doolin Managing Director Dónal Minihane explains: “The festival is relatively new on the scene, but it feels like it has been going on forever. People can’t believe there wasn’t a festival here before. Doolin is synonymous with folk music in Ireland, and so many musicians and music lovers have a connection with the area; the festival feels so natural. The weekend is a celebration of Doolin and the music that has drawn and continues to draw people here from all corners of the world.”
The festival’s size means that tickets are limited, with each year selling out. Dónal Minihane says, “We’re not interested in being a big festival. That’s the beauty of The Doolin Folk Festival; the size allows us to create a unique atmosphere, presenting powerful music in an intimate setting and ensuring that audiences and musicians can feel at one and enjoy the communal spirit of such festivals.
The Doolin Folk Festival continues its musical diversity with a broad mixed programme of acclaimed artists catering to anyone’s taste. The combination of this, and Hotel Doolin’s hospitality, makes Doolin one of the most unique and intimate festivals in Ireland.
John Creedon: “This is a true ’boutique festival’ – small and super cool, where the music really matters.”
Philip King: “Out there on the edge of the country, Doolin allows both musicians and audiences to reconnect.”
Sharon Shannon: “I have been at thousands of festivals worldwide for the past 40 years, and Doolin is up there with the best. What makes a festival for me outside of the music, of course, is the ease of logistics and the hospitality, and Doolin was terrific at both. A real pleasure, and the festival deserves to run forever.”
