By Dan Walsh at Wexford
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins is scheduled to officially open Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 at 3pm today (Sunday) on the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig on The Quay, marking the start of a week focused on Irish music and culture, with an estimated attendance of 700,000 visitors from various countries.
President Higgins performed similar duties a year ago. With his term of nearly 14 years concluding and a Presidential Election scheduled before the end of the year, this is expected to be among President Higgins’ final official responsibilities.
The Fleadh is predominantly about traditional music and an extensive brochure detailing a variety of events. It is all scheduled in the printed and online brochures.
Other opening day highlights include Mass celebrated by Bisop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, featuring Roisín Dempsey and others in the Church of the Annunciation, Clonard at 11.30am.
The Gig Rig kicks off at 1pm with the Ceoltórí na Sláine – Paddy Berry Suite. The Blessing of Instruments takes place in St. Iberius Church at 2pm.
Traffic management systems will be in place. They are similar to last year, well signed, but visitors to Wexford town should be aware of changes to traffic flow, one-way systems, no go streets etc.
It is important to be aware of the Shuttle Bus services running August 3rd-10th, inclusive.
Yellow – Park & Ride: Carcur Road
Blue – Park & Ride: Ardcavan
Purple – Park & Ride: Racecourse / Barntown
Brown – Park & Ride: Clonard Little
Orange – Park & Ride: IDA / Drinagh North
White – Campsite Shuttle
There are extra bus services in and out of festival.Wexford town from Bus Éireann Expressway and Iarnród Éireann has put on 50 extra rail services for the duration of the Fleadh.
Fleadh Cheoil 2024 traffic management was an outstanding success and so will 2025! With extra time and patience and following the signs it will work itself out without stress. Have a happy Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford town.. it will be in Belfast next year!
WexfordLocal.com 