Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival is more than a fest. It’s a summer institution that transcends ethnicity and attracts generations of Clevelanders.
The three-day bash — today through Sunday at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds — rolls out a slew of attractions, from pipe bands to dancers to art, history, food, drinks and, yes, those lovable Irish dogs.
Story by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Larry Hamel-Lambert, The Plain Dealer
The Dogs of Ireland exhibition, a perennial favorite, runs 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The 37th annual installment also features a beer garden and the Temple Bar & Museum, Dublin-style entertainment area that features live music and performers.
The fest will also feature children's events and workshops - as in, learn how to play a tin whistle -- along with beer and food tastings, vendors selling Irish crafts and goods, Irish plays, art exhibits, competitions and a Sunday mass.
Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer
In recent years, new additions such as the “history boards” chronicle Irish immigration to and life in Cleveland and the families that were part of it. It’s part of the “Temple Bar & Museum,” which features storytellers and jam sessions and provides an area where attendees can hang out and have a drink.
While there has been a decline in numbers coming here from Ireland, more than 10 percent of America’s population claims some Irish ancestry. (More than 3.5 million came in the latter half of the 19th century after the Irish famine of the 1840s. There were two more waves in the first half of the 20th century.)
Peggy Turbett / The Plain Dealer
The biggest draw at the festival is its celebration of all-things Irish, but the music is a big part of it. The bash boasts the deepest musical roster in the festival circuit. This year’s entertainment includes 20 acts, including Gaelic Storm.
Tracy Boulian/The Plain Dealer
The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds are located at 164 Eastland Road, Berea. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday. (There is a Sunday mass on the grounds that starts at 11:30 a.m.)
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