El Feile Closing Piece: The 5th edition of EL FEILE was without a doubt our most successful to date in terms of increased profile, bigger audiences and quality entertainment across the programme with some real legendary performances. Dreams came true for local world music outfit Qui Hi Ha? who at the request of an impressed KíLA joined them onstage for a memorable encore to the delight of a packed Apolo. The DCWB had been making a name for themselves over the previous days as residents in the festival club but it really went off on Saturday night when Rossa and Ronan O'Snodaigh joined the boys for a late night performance that is now the stuff of EL FEILE legend. It was exactly what we hoped to capture with our festival club concept. The sun shone gloriously on a crowded Calle Numancia before the hilarious Andrew Maxwell did what he does best back at the festival club. The Garrett Wall Band brought the club to a close with their uplifting sound and showed the potential of their new album. Monday morning was something special as an eager but tired looking faithful gathered in the Fastnet for the very first Currach Launch to take place on the Med. A procession followed ´Man of Aran´ style, Mark Redden`s beautiful handmade Currach to Barceloneta beach for the official launch. Andrew Maxwell who had being holding court all morning was given the honour of maiden passenger with his enthusiasm producing a drenching as the Dublin man struggled with the finer arts of Currach mounting. The 3 oarsmen took the boat out and it sailed perfectly with a line forming to have a go next. It was a fitting final event to EL FEILE ´08, a feelgood collective of multinationals enjoying a wonderful piece of Celtic culture in a truly Barcelona setting and not a silly hat in sight! EL FEILE will continue to promote events throughout the year so keep an eye on the site for the latest news and we hope to be back for another festival in March ´09 We would like to once again thank Culture Ireland, Tourism Ireland, our sponsors, all our supporters and volunteers who made the festival possible again this year. None of it can happen without all this support. We are now seeking strong industry partners that can help us take EL FEILE to the next level. Anyone serious about playing an integral role in this exciting developing project then please get in contact. ** Added March 31st 2008: See a gallery of photos taken on the day the Currach was launched... **

Eng - Cat - Cast   CURRACH LAUNCH... March 31st 2008: Photos of Mark Redden's Currach-launch have been uploaded to the site, check them out... Read More >> AER LINGUS COMPETITION WINNER... Congratulations to Sandra of MS Barcelona who has won the free flights to Ireland competition with Aerlingus. Enjoy...