Milwaukee Irish Fest Spotlights Isles of Ireland 

"This year's fest-goers will experience places in Ireland that few travelers ever see, as the isles‚ history, music, art, literature and education are thoughtfully integrated into nearly every part of the festival, said festival director Jane Anderson

It is said that there are as many Irish isles as there are days of the year; with the majority located just a few miles off the northern and northwestern coasts of the Irish mainland. Many no longer inhabited. Some of the better-known isles are Inisheer, Inishmaan and Inishmore, collectively known as the Aran Isands; 57-square mile Achill, Ireland’s largest and most western island; and 3-mile wide Tory, Ireland’s most northern isle. 

For thousands of years, the isles were isolated and governed as small nations, evolving only as bridges were built and residents deserted for the mainland. But even as the isles’ inhabitants were hit hard by fuel shortages, famine, foul weather and downturns in the fishing industry, their independent culture flourished. 

"In recent years, there has been resurgence in island life, thanks to reliable ferry service, an infusion of grant dollars, growing tourism interest and communication technology. Still, we’re left to wonder: What is left behind by ancient settlers? The Fest’s comprehensive exploration of island life will tap several years of networking and research to find the answer," said Brian Witt, the fest’s cultural exhibit coordinator 

One of the liveliest cultural exhibits at the Fest will be Ragús, a 45-minute traditional music, song and dance cabaret show that will bring the mythical culture of the Aran Islands to life. Ragús is named for the Irish word for desire. 

Theater Coordinator Kathy Radaj said, We're thrilled about the energy and caliber of Broadway-style Ragús, which has toured internationally and will remind many of Riverdance."

Because fishing was an important cornerstone of island life, the Saint Barbara, a Galway hooker built in Chicago by Connemara native Steve Mulkerrins, will be docked alongside the Fest, and the Milwaukee Currach Club will sponsor an exhibit on the history of the traditional fishing boat with the distinctive rust-colored sails. In the Cultural Pavilion, the islands‚ maritime history will be further explored in an exhibit about famed female pirate Grace O'Malley, who lived on Clare Island, County Mayo. 

The Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) stage will feature acclaimed melodeon player Johnny Ó Conghail, a native of Inis Bearchain, a mile-wide and nearly deserted island off Connemara. Gaeltacht coordinator Ina Kielley offered, "Many inhabitants of the isles only speak Gaelic because they are so isolated." 

Film buffs will appreciate daily screenings of Tango, a comedic film short depicting dueling families living on Inisheer and Inishmaan. 

In the Cultural Pavilion, one-time attractions include a broad overview of the islands organized by Comhdhail Oileain, the Island Federation of Ireland; paintings and crafts created by artisans in the Women‚s Inter-Island Network; knitting demonstrations by Aran knitter Una McDonagh; and quilts created by Cape Clear Island artisan Christine Sawyer. 

Hedge School speakers will include Michael de Mordha on the lore of the deserted Blasket Islands, Theresa McDonald on Achill archaeology, Lillis O‚Laoire on Island literature and Padraigin Clancy on Aran Islands folklore. 

Finally, for those who wish to remember the islands with a special souvenir, the wares of Vincent McCarron, a traditional basket maker from Inishmore, Aran Islands, will be on sale in the Moore St. Market.