FESTIVAL WATCH: Moynalty steam threshing festivaland What's on around Ireland
Moynalty steam threshing festival
YOU'D NEVER think that your car would, a century from now, be in an exhibition commemorating the outdated wonders of the 20th century.
Likewise it would probably have surprised the farmers who owned the first tractors to learn that they would one day become historical exhibits. The Moynalty Annual Steam Threshing Festival is a tribute to technology from the 19th century onwards that helped make cultivation easier, ie horse power, steam power and oil engines.
This year's festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Massey Ferguson tractor.
The event takes place this Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors. The main attraction is the harvesting and threshing of corn by horse, steam and tractor-powered machines.
The festival also features a funfair for children, a museum of agricultural and household tools, crafts and trade stalls, and vintage car displays. Details from: www.moynaltysteamthreshing.ie
What's on around Ireland
TODAY:The Carrick Water Music Festival, Carrick-on-Shannon, runs until August 17th with artists such as Breffni Players and Caroline Moreau. See www.carrickwatermusic.com.
The Beijing Olympicsbegin today and will be monopolising a TV screen near you until August 24th. The Life and Works of WB Yeats exhibition is at the National Library of Ireland in Dublin.
TOMORROW:The Kilkenny Arts Festivalcontinues with Stout & McKay performing in the parade tower in the castle at 1pm. Admission €13/€11.
Féile Omeath, Co Louth, continues with a pony drive, 2pm, at Omeath seafront car park.
Westport Music Festivalcontinues with Irish Rock on the Fairgreen, from 8.30-10.30pm. Details from: www.westportmusicfestival.com.
SUNDAY:The Ballinamore Family Festivalbegins in Co Leitrim, running until August 17th. Contact 071 9644949.
The annual Puck Fair, in Killorglin, Co Kerry, promises a large and varied line-up, and runs until the 12th. See www.puckfair.ie.
Geesala Festivalin Co Mayo runs until August 18th, with festival events for all ages on and off beach, and day and night entertainment.