Dublin, Ohio's Irish Festival a Hit

Dublin, Ohio -- This year marked the 21^st annual Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. The festival took place from Friday, August 1 to Sunday August 3 and was a spectacle to behold. The happy atmosphere and the buzz of energy throughout the crowd make this festival an experience to be had. If you are coming to shop or if you would just like to see what all the noise is about the Dublin Irish Festival holds something for everyone, from the youngest lads and lassies to the more experienced lovers of all things Irish.

For the children there is the Wendy's Wee Folk Area, where children can enjoy face painting and crafts as well as Gaelic games and rock climbing in an effort to kiss the Blarney Stone. Children can also enjoy bounce castles, Irish Contests and performers. All of these activities are centered around one of the playgrounds at Dublin Coffman Park. And for teens this year there was an area set up just to keep teens entertained.

Adults will find themselves occupied for hours just shopping through the miles of shops set up. Most of the shops boast selling authentic Irish merchandise, ranging from small trinkets to wooden and ceramic crafts to clothing. One such booth sold food items found in Ireland. And nearly every booth sells some kind of jewelry, mostly silver. Shoppers will also have plenty of options when it comes time to eat, with dozens of local restaurants setting up shop and selling smaller versions of their best. Food options include fish and chips, cinnamon roasted nuts, and Irish stew with lamb. There are several drink stands selling either soda, water, beer or wine coolers. You can also find a few specialty drinks such as cappuccinos and virgin daiquiris.

The Dublin Irish Festival boasts more than great food and fun shopping. There is a wide variety of performances that can be seen throughout the weekend. Last year Flogging Molly was to be seen at no extra cost other than the price of admission to the festival. Demonstrations on Irish instruments, theatrical performances involving Irish fairy folk, traditional and contemporary Irish music, and Irish step performances make this festival too much for one day.

Luckily, there are weekend ticket packages available so that you can take your time and take it all in. And if you are looking to get a jump on the activities on Sunday but also want to attend church you are in luck! There are several church services offered on Sunday morning, including one in Irish. So for anyone who is part Irish or simply loves all things Irish, mark it down on your calendar right now for next year's festival, July 31^st through August 2^nd.