Leitrim town launches festival to celebrate 400th anniversary

on 21/06/2012 16:37:36

Carrick-on-Shannon in county Leitrim has launched a 12-month festival for 2013 to mark the 400th anniversary since King James I granted it a town charter.

The Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar was at the launch of the festival programme which will be held in tandem with 'The Gathering' initiative.

Mr Varadkar said: "I'm delighted to launch this event to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Carrick-on-Shannon.

"Festivals like this will play a crucial role in the run-up to the Gathering Ireland 2013, the year-long event taking place across Ireland throughout next year."

The 400th anniversary celebrations begin in February 2013 when Carrick Rowing Club, the oldest rowing club in Ireland - 177 years old in 2013 - will be hosting the 'Head of the Shannon' in February.

Sinead McDermott of Leitrim Tourism said: "The marina capital of Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon boasts an impressive array of tourist facilities focused around the river Shannon. Over the last ten years tourism, business and community groups have worked together to redevelop the town so that the river Shannon is now the centre point of Carrick on Shannon's Tourism offering."

A festival brochure and website were unveiled, www.carrickonshannon400.ie, with details of arts, music and sport events for the year.