Ohio's 'City with Irish Attitude'

August 6-8 marks the 23rd anniversary of The Dublin Irish Festival, one of the nation’s premier events of its kind. The three-day celebration has received international acclaim, including twice being named to the American Bus Association’s list of “Top 100 Events in North America” (2005 & 2009). Chicago’s Irish American News called it, “One of the biggest and best festivals in the country!”
Set on 27 rolling acres just north of Columbus, Ohio, the festival draws 100,000 visitors to the area each August. It features 120+ performances by 68 of the world’s top Irish bands and entertainers on seven stages, as well as Irish dance, genealogy, cultural exhibits, a Spoken Word Tent (featuring tales from the Emerald Isle), an Irish Marketplace with imported goods, a “Wee Folk” area featuring children’s entertainment and activities, genealogy information, Sunday masses in Gaelic and English, a 10th century Irish village, Celtic Canines and an astounding array of Irish food and spirits.  The 2010 musical line-up will feature top Irish entertainment acts including Gaelic Storm, Natalie McMaster, Solas, Scythian, Luka Bloom and Moya Brennan.   
Dublin offers visitors a choice of 15 hotels and more than 2,000 hotel rooms, in a safe, suburban setting that is easily accessible from the Columbus outer belt. Dublin is home to Jack Nicklaus’s championship golf course, Muirfield Village Golf Club, and is located just five miles from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The event begins at 4 p.m. Friday evening and runs through 9 p.m. Sunday evening. Parking is free with shuttle service offered to and from the Festival from several nearby lots. The event attracts an audience of families, young adults and groups, as well as those with an interest in Irish heritage.

For visitor information, call the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-245-8387 or visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com or the festival web site: www.dublinirishfestival.org for advance tickets.