The Local Enterprise Office as part of Carlow County Council in partnership with Carlow Tourism has just completed a pilot programme which looks at the development of festivals for County Carlow.

Failte Ireland indicates that 40% of Irish adults attend a festival at some point during the year and with many staying in local accommodation while here, festivals generate in excess of 2 million accommodation bed-nights in Ireland from the domestic market alone.

From an international perspective, figures show that approximately 300,000 overseas holidaymakers attended a festival or cultural event each year and spend on average €900 each while in Ireland. This equates to more than a quarter of a billion Euro of tourism spend.

The pilot programme involved two parts delivered over a 6 month period. The first element was the provision of a programme which looked at the development of festivals delivered by AOIFE attended by over 30 participants.

Course participant Ger Walsh said “the course provided our group with a heightened awareness of what was involved in the development of a festival or event that will attract visitors and make a difference to the Carlow economy”

The importance of balance was highlighted by Head of Local Enterprise – Kieran Comerford. “It has been acknowledged that Carlow has a variety of quality events but needs a greater number and variety of festivals and events which attract outside visitors which will help create and sustain employment”.

The second part of the project was the Micro Development Groups to 5 groups to help new and existing festivals and events. These events include new events like the Carlow Dragon Boat Regatta which happens this June. “Our aim is to continue to support and evaluate our Tourism offering to attract visitors new and old to our beautiful County” said Eileen O’Rourke, CEO of Carlow Tourism . For further information on festivals and events happening in County Carlow contact Carlow Tourism on (059) 913 0411