Festival Activities

Cultural Village

The Cultural Village is a bit of Ireland at the south end of the grounds. You can find everything from traditional Irish sports to the Irish language. Some of the best Irish crafts people and writers can be found in the Cultural Village of Milwaukee Irish Fest, and you will also able to experience the Irish theater and find your ancestors in the Genealogy Tent.

The Cultural Village is broken down into many different areas. Each is unique to a different area of the Irish Culture and provides a learning experience for all that visit the tents.

Harp Stage

The Harp Stage is the place to hear the music of the harp, the only musical instrument to be the symbol of a country. The mix of music marries the ancient to the modern, in an often electric manner, with some of the best harpers in the world.

Hedge School

The Hedge School will offer a series of lectures by leading authorities in Irish history, literature, language, and culture.

Literary Corner

The Literary Corner features literature from Irish and Irish-American authors.

Gaeltacht

Steeped in tradition, brimming with talent, and sweetened with native speakers, the Gaeltacht line-up is sure to hit the spot. Performances by award-winning musicians, singers, dancers and actors will bring a smile to your face, music to your ears, and set your toes a tapping! Check out the Gaeltacht schedule!

Irish Language Workshop (Ceardlann na Gaeilge)

Irish language books, games, DVDs and CDs for adults and children for sale. Irish language films to view/buy, plus games to play and Irish speakers to help learners practice the language. Scholarship applications available. Some translating possible. Failte Romhat!!

Cultural Pavilion

The Cultural Exhibits Pavilion in 2012 will have a diverse number of displays. Among them are the Cuimhneamh an Chláir, the oral history project from County Clare, headed up by Tomas MacConmara; a display on John Barry, the County Wexford native who founded the United States Navy; the Irish Science Fiction and Fantasy writers, from Bram Stoker's Dracula to James White and Michael Carroll; Irish-American boxers, developed by the Ward Irish Music Archives; The Ulster Scots American Presidents, presented by the Ulster Scots Agency of Belfast; the Northern Ireland Bureau; and many other that are still being finalized. The Volta Theatre will feature a number of movies covering many of the festival's themes.

Genealogy

Expert genealogists from Ireland and the US will be here to answer your questions, how to trace your ancestors and why and how they came to America.

Ancestry.com gave away four (4) three month World deluxe memberships. The winners are:
Tom Lowney - Minnesota
Ed Rose - Milwaukee
Chuck Rucker - Waukesha
Dan Berg - Milwaukee

Meehan Boat House

The Meehan Boat House displays Currach's for fest goers to see. Learn about the history of Currach's and sign up to join the Irish Currach Club of Milwaukee.

Walton's

Please join us for the Celtic Groove School and learn hands-on how to play the bodhran. Bodhran lessons provided (no experience necessary). In addition, you can purchase bodhrans and other fine Irish instruments.

Hurling Club

Visit the hurling club tent in the Cultural Village to learn more about hurling, the Gaelic Athletic Association, and the Milwaukee Hurling Club. You can even give the sliotar a whack with a hurley in our hitting tube! Nearby the tent, see the craft of Hurley making by master craftsman, Philip Doyle Senior of Wexford. Mr. Doyle will explain the many aspects of making a good hurl, including the special wood that is needed.

Moore Street Market

The Moore Street Market is a must-see destination featuring some of the best artists from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Theatre Pavilion

The Theatre Pavilion offers some of the best Irish plays written by Irish playwrights and performed by Irish (and honorary Irish) players. The Theatre is rich in Irish theatre tradition and Irish Fest brings a nice assortment of Irish plays for all fest goers to enjoy.