Durrow Scarecrow Festival

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is an annual event held in the beautiful Georgian village of Durrow, County Laois, Ireland. The festival celebrates the art of scarecrow making and attracts thousands of visitors from near and far. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect during the festival, which runs from July 28th to August 5th, 2024. 1. Scarecrow Displays: Throughout the festival, the village streets and open spaces come alive with imaginative and creative scarecrow displays, most of which will be vying for the title of ‘Overall Winner’ in the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships, which is hosted by the event. It's a sight to behold as you wander through the village, discovering the creativity and ingenuity behind each unique scarecrow. 2. Scarecrow Village: The heart of the festival is the Scarecrow Village, where you'll find a central hub of activities and entertainment. This is the perfect place to bring the kids, enjoy live music, Jeca The Clown, Wobbly Circus, Scarecrow Displays, delicious food and beverages, and lots lots more! 3. Workshops and Demonstrations: The festival offers various workshops and demonstrations. Skilled craftsmen and women share their knowledge in crafts such as woodturning and rush making. There’s also workshops for kids - including Cookery Classes and Slime Workshops! 4. Family-Friendly Activities: The Durrow Scarecrow Festival caters to visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, including face painting, arts and crafts workshops, storytelling sessions, the Scarecrow Maze, bouncy castles, and Europe’s largest inflatable slide - The Miami Slide. There's always something exciting happening to keep the little ones entertained. 5. Live Performances: The festival features live music performances by local musicians and bands. You can groove to the tunes, soak in the lively atmosphere, and perhaps even join in on a traditional Irish dance. This year’s lineup of acts include The Finns, Drops Of Green, Brinda Irani and Ray Sullivan. 6. Scarecrow Treasure Hunt: Embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt as you search off the beaten track, for scarecrows scattered throughout the village. Solve riddles and clues to find them all and claim a prize. It's a great way to explore the festival while engaging in friendly competition. 7. Market Stalls: Artisans and vendors from near and far set up market stalls offering a variety of goods, including crafts, artwork, local produce, and unique souvenirs. Take the opportunity to browse and purchase some authentic hand made Irish products to commemorate your visit. Overall, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a vibrant and community-driven event that celebrates the spirit of creativity, community involvement, and fun.