Glenarm Castle and Village are proud to announce the return of the P&O Ferries DALRIADA FESTIVAL in partnership with UTV, back bigger and better than before and with a more exciting and extensive programme of events on offer for 2012.
Comprising of events that highlight the historic sporting, music and food cultures of both Ireland and Scotland, the Dalriada Festival reflects our shared heritage which extends back in time to the ancient kingdom of Dal Riada and beyond.
Located in Glenarm, an area of outstanding natural beauty and the first (or last) of the world famous Nine Glens of Antrim, the most spectacular backdrop for this weekend of events is guaranteed. The historic Glenarm Castle Estate and its beautiful Walled Garden will take centre stage, with Glenarm Village hosting live music and events outside the walls at the beachfront, marina, pubs and Carnlough.
FRIDAY 13TH JULY: 9am – 6pm (Glenarm Castle)
GLENARM CASTLE HIGHLAND GAMES, ‘SCOTLAND v IRELAND’ Day 1
One of the main highlights of the Dalriada Festival, Glenarm Castle will once again play host to a world class Highland Games. This year, and for the first time ever, the competition will see Scotland take on Ireland in what is sure to be a true Battle of Celtic Giants.
In addition to the Highland Games there will be fine foods, chef demonstrations, a cook-off competition, arts and crafts in the Walled Garden, vintage displays, children’s entertainment and displays, live music in our Fringe Stage and much more.
SATURDAY 14TH JULY: 9am – 6pm (Glenarm Castle)
GLENARM HIGHLAND GAMES, ‘SCOTLAND v IRELAND’ Day 2
Day 2 of the Highland Games Competition will continue with competitors pulling out all the stops to secure the winning title and Dalriada trophy.
Again there will be fine foods, chef demonstrations, a cook-off competition, arts and crafts in the Walled Garden, vintage display, children’s entertainment and displays, live music in our Fringe Stage and much more.
SATURDAY 14TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Castle)
INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR, ‘RONAN KEATING’ Live in Concert with SPECIAL GUEST SHARON CORR
The main feature of the Dalriada Festival, INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR, RONAN KEATING, will be headlining our main concert inside a 3000 capacity big top. The concert will also feature Special Guest Sharon Corr.
Boasting a lifetime of impressive professional achievements including; dueting with Elton John at Madison Square Garden, singing for the Pope, hosting everything from Miss World, Eurovision Song Contest and MTV Europe Awards and acting as a judge on X Factor in Australia (where in the first year his mentored act, Atilyan Childs, won), recording with Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), writing an autobiography, travelling the world, guiding Westlife to stardom, winning a prestigious BMI European Song Writing Award, winning an Ivor Novello Award, being appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and too many hits, gigs and awards to keep count, Ronan’s prolific, varied and highly successful career shows no sign of slowing. 2011 saw Ronan add a new string to his bow as he debuted his acting skills in his first full length film, taking the male lead in a romantic musical comedy due for release in 2012. Ronan’s music career of course, started with Boyzone back in the early nineties. 2008 saw Ronan rejoining his band mates, after nearly a decade apart, for what was a spectacular comeback. After a sell-out 29-date tour, a Top 5 comeback single and a Number 1 Greatest Hits album, Boyzone re-affirmed their place in the pop charts and cemented this with another huge arena tour of the UK & Ireland.
This show is not to be missed, against the spectacular backdrop of Glenarm Castle. TICKETS for Ronan will be available this February.
SUNDAY 15TH JULY: 4pm (Carnlough Beach)
HORSE HUNT CHASE
The DALRIADA FESTIVAL Hunt Chase will be a real spectacle not to be missed. Taking place along Carnlough Beach, and according to tides, a course will be erected by which horses will be required to jump over obstacles known as hurdles and fences. The course will include a short route into the shallow waters of the sea then back along the sandy beach.
SUNDAY 15TH JULY: 6pm (Glenarm Castle)
GOSPEL CONCERT
After the success of last year’s Gospel Concert, which featured award winning artist DAVID PHELPS from the Gaither Vocal Band, we are pleased to announce another fantastic Concert this year, taking place in our 3000 capacity big top. This year’s toe-tapping line up is sure to have you going away feeling on top of the world. Full line up to be released in March 2012.
MONDAY 16TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Sports Field)
IT’S A KNOCKOUT: ‘Battle of the Glens’
Coordinated by Impact Promotions this fun event is sure to cause a stir within the locals, as a mixed bag of competitors joins forces to win the Battle of the Glens Trophy. From slippery, messy and wet games to skill, endurance and utter strength this event is not to missed. Spectators will also be given the opportunity to take part should they feel enthused to help out any of the losing teams.
TUESDAY 17TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Sports Field)
VETERAN’S FOOTBALL MATCH
You are never too old for a kick about! This event will see Glenarm Rovers Football Club take on a team of past players in Glenarm Sports Field. Come along and watch the veterans prove to the younger players that they’ve still got it!!
TUESDAY 17TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Village Hall)
FESTIVAL WALK
Glenarm Buildings Preservation Trust extends a warm welcome for you to join them on their Festival Walk which will take in Glenarm Village and the surrounding area. This will be an informative evening, taking in the sights and history of the local area, whilst enjoying a catch-up with friends and the locals.
Walkers should assemble at the tourist office on the Bridge, Glenarm at 7.00pm sharp. Refreshments will be served after the walk at Glenarm Village Hall.
WEDNESDAY 18TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Beachfront)
SPRINT TRIATHLON & KIDS DUATHLON
After a fantastic competition last year the Dalriada SPRINT TRIATHLON will return again this year, coordinated and managed by TRIATHLON IRELAND (the national governing body for the sport of Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Ireland). Open to both amateurs and professionals this event will take in some of the most stunning locations within the local area from Glenarm Bay and the scenic Glenarm Glen to the wonderful Glenarm Castle Estate. We encourage everyone to take part in this energetic and exciting event, the first of its kind to take place along the Antrim Coast and Glens, and indeed a major highlight of the festival. In addition to this there will also be a KIDS DUATHLON which will give the young and aspiring athlete the opportunity to spread their wings and experience the adrenaline fuelled buzz of a competition. To register visit www.triathlonireland.com or go to www.dalriadafestival.co.uk for more information.
THURSDAY 19TH JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Forest)
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
Coordinated by Pioneer Group, this adrenaline pumped event will take place in Glenarm Forest with its hill climbs, rugged off road trails, river crossings and breathtaking scenery.
Visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk for registration and more information.
FRIDAY 20TH JULY: 7pm (opposite Carnlough Beach)
SHINTY COMPETITION ‘Scotland V The Glens’
Following a successful Shinty Competition last year, this year will see the event move to an open field location in Carnlough, opposite the beach. In showcasing Scottish culture, our neighbours from Scotland will visit us once again and take on a Dalriada team made up of players from clubs within the Glens of Antrim.
SATURDAY 21st JULY: 11am (Glenarm Marina)
IRELAND / SCOTLAND ROWING REGATTA
Coordinated by Antrim Coast Rowing Association, comprising three local clubs: Glenarm, Cairndhu and Carnlough, the Dalriada Rowing Regatta will be a major event of the week long festivities, with traditional rowing boats creating a wonderful spectacle in Glenarm Bay. With teams from Scotland and England travelling across, in addition to participants from all over Ireland, this is sure to be a competitive race as each team battles to secure the winning title.
SATURDAY 21st JULY: 7pm (Glenarm Village & Marina)
FANCY DRESS PARADE, VINTAGE RALLY, LIVE MUSIC and FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
The final event of the festival programme, this event will bring to a close this year’s Dalriada Festival. Kicking off at Altmore Street with a Fancy Dress Parade and Vintage Rally participants will make their way towards Glenarm Marina for a BBQ and Live Music followed by a Fireworks Extravaganza. In addition to floats and other displays, we encourage both the young and old to take part in what is sure to be a fun filled family event. Make sure and DRESS TO IMPRESS for some great prizes. A range of children’s entertainment will also be available.
Visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk for more information on all events.
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