Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 11:59AM 
If you are headed to the Dublin, Ireland area in late August hop on the DART and get yourself the beautiful coastal town of Dun Laoghaire. The Festival of World Cultures will be held August 29th and 30th, and is considered Ireland’s largest intercultural celebration.
The weekend is filled with music and concerts featuring artists from around the world. The Global Market emphasizes fair trade goods and crafts from Ireland to Morocco. Workshops will teach you how to do everything from making South African Soap to dancing Indian Bollywood or performing Brazilian Capoeira. Take a walk out to the pier and look at the pavement art then head over to see the sand art masterpieces.
The food is hot and ready with vendors serving Indian, Polish, Mexican and Spanish cuisine, and these only scratch the surface of what is available. Vegan and vegetarian food vendors also offer everything from fresh salads to baked goods.
There is no charge to browse around the festival, but many of the workshops and special concerts do charge a fee. Most are about 6 Euros and up depending what is involved and how popular the performer. However, there is plenty to see and experience even if you choose not to spend a dime.
If the food is what you are after go early in the weekend. Starting on Sunday afternoon many vendors begin to run out and close up shop so you may miss out on the dish you have your eye on. I never did get to have my pierogies.
The 2009 schedule will be announced on Monday July 13th providing all the details you’ll need to plan your visit. Allow yourself plenty of time as the DART is overflowing and the food and craft tents are often shoulder to shoulder. A walk along the coastline serves as a nice break from the packed in crowds and is one of the highlights of visiting Dun Laoghaire.
Oh, and it’s pronounced “dun leary” just to save you my embarrassment.
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Lori Rice is a Galavanting Travel News & Reviews correspondent and features contributor, she keeps two blogs at Blondie in Braziland Fake Food Free. You can also follow Lori on twitter.
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