02-07-2025
What to expect from this weekend's Folly Festival
A packed programme of entertainment, food, culture and community celebration awaits at this year's Folly Festival.
Ireland's first gender-balance festival returns to Cullohill Castle in Co Laois this weekend.
On Friday, The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow, Lisa McHugh, Clodagh Lawlor and Cliona McDonald will be among the acts taking the stage. Lisa McHugh will be performing at the Folly Festival on Friday.
Saturday continues with Chasing Abbey, Ruaile Buaile, Barry Deegan, Aislinn Townsend and Cullohill Comhaltas.
Festival-goers can look forward to the invigorating Cullohill Mountain Walk, introduced by RTÉ's Tracks and Trails presenter and festival MC, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.
Starting at the castle and taking in stunning panoramic views, walkers will return for a well-earned 'Taste of Laois' breakfast and cookery demonstration. Chasing Abbey will take to the stage on Saturday.
Later in the day, nature lovers can join Wild Food Mary on a foraging walk along a scenic trail, learning about edible treasures found in the local countryside.
Back at the castle grounds, the Artisan Food and Craft Stalls will showcase the best of Laois cuisine, with local favourites such as Merry Mill organic oats, Omimos sauces, Sips by Tom cocktail syrups, and Sunshine juices.
A highlight of the weekend will be Ballymaloe chef Rory O'Connell's demo titled Coming Home, a nostalgic return to the village where he and his sister, Darina Allen, spent their formative years. His session will focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from Laois Taste. A highlight of the weekend will be Ballymaloe chef Rory O'Connell's demo titled Coming Home.
Continuing the culinary legacy, teenage chefs Scarlett and Tamsin Allen, granddaughters of Myrtle Allen, will demonstrate the art of jam and butter making.
There is also plenty of family fun with a lineup of children's entertainment at Nancy's Yard on Saturday.
Activities include face-painting, tractor rides, sandpit fun, magician shows, and live music by Cullohill Comhaltas.
Additional community features include a dog show, vintage car exhibition, local art displays, and the beloved Great Folly Bake Off. Doireann Ní Ghlacáin will be MC for the weekend.
Speaking about the Folly Festival, organiser John Scanlan said: 'This weekend promises to prove very special, not only are we celebrating the 600th anniversary of the iconic Cullohill Castle, we have an incredible line up to suit all musical tastes.'
'And we have announced today that Down The Line and Nív will join the great music lineup of The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow, Lisa McHugh, Clodagh Lawlor and Cliona McDonald on Friday night and Chasing Abbey, Ruaile Buaile, Barry Deegan, Aislinn Townsend and Cullohill Comhaltas on Saturday.'
'In addition to the musical lineup there is numerous alternative activities for everyone of all ages from food stalls and demos, to children's activities and much more. There is an extensive car park at the Folly which we ask all festival goers to avail of, to avoid congestion in the village.'
