Folly Fest returns to Ballinagh

Folly Fest returns to Ballinagh this year and is set to showcase the talent of multiple local artists.

While named after the historical Fleming’s Folly landmark, overlooking the town, the festival will take place on Ballinagh's Main Street, avoiding the logistical nightmare that would be hiking equipment up the hill. A folly for sure.

The festival is set to return to this year after hitting the pause button since 2023.

“With the rise of music festival events across Cavan and Ireland in recent years, we wanted to bring Folly Fest this year as a mini music festival just to support and showcase local musicians,” explains Mags McGrath from the Ballinagh Community Enterprise Association.

Festival organisers will place a stage in front of the Market House in the town, while there will be plenty of room to sing and dance along.

“It's all live music and it will be a bit of craic and dancing,” Mags predicts.

“We'll see how it goes and hopefully we can bring back a bigger one in the future,” she told the Celt.

“Everyone loves music but I think showcasing and supporting local musicians is very important. There's not a lot to do in Ballinagh, you have to go to Cavan and other bigger towns. Having something there to give people a fun night in their community and something different is important.”

Tonnóg is a band comprising two friends, Aaron and Fergus from Ballinagh, with their guitar and banjo. They bring a mix of Irish, American, and modern folk music to life.

“They are where Nashville meets Cavan with their country folk ballads and that kind of stuff,” describes Mags.

Instru-mental, whom Mags found on Instagram while looking for musicians to play, will also play at the event.

Ultan O'Reilly and Adam Larkin from Mullahoran and Ballymachugh make up the duo.

“I think they are ones to watch out for in Cavan in my opinion, they are really good,” she encourages.

Meanwhile, local man Séamus Mc Phillips will bring a traditional music session to the festival. “Anyone who likes any sort of live music and dancing, and community events, it's definitely something that you should come and check out. Whether you're from Ballinagh or a bit further afield and you're looking for something different, I would say pop in.”

In her own experience, whether you are local or not, “you could get talking to somebody for hours” in Ballinagh. “It could be the best night of your life,” the Dublin native says.

“I'm living here for seven years now. Everyone says hello here on the streets and I might not even know them or I would know them to see.”