A free festival will take place in the Co Kildare town of Naas during the Ryder Cup, it was confirmed today, as fears mount over rip-off prices during the event.
Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue
There will be free open air concerts and other events taking place in Naas from September 21st to 24th as the golf gets under way in nearby K Club in Straffan.
Allianz Ireland, official insurer to the Ryder Cup, confirmed the free events were planned after Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue yesterday appealed to businesses to use their common sense when charging visitors during the week.
A Rhythm of the Dance extravaganza, followed by a Ceile, has been organised for September 21st, while folk music band the Fureys and Davey Arthur will take place on September 22 ndon the purpose-built stage in the town.
Mr O'Donoghue's warning on prices followed US Ambassador James Kenny's statement that any attempts to rip off US golf fans travelling to Ireland for the event would cause long-term damage to the tourism industry.
"I support the recent calls by the Irish Hotels Federation, the American Ambassador and others for the exercise of restraint in pricing over this period," Mr O'Donoghue said. "Short-term gain should not mar this opportunity for Ireland to shine both to visitors and viewers from around the world."