Vegan festival takes place this weekend at Lisnavagh House, Co Carlow
Sharon Shannon performs at last year's Vegan festival in Lisnavagh House
FÉILE Vegan, ‘a joyous celebration of life’, takes place from Friday to Sunday, 14-16 August, at Lisnavagh House in Rathvilly.
Its director Darragh O’Connor said he was “very excited to bring it back” after receiving lovely feedback from the first festival last year.
For three days, attendees will have the chance to go to talks, join in workshops and listen to live music while also eating delicious vegan meals. “It is probably one of the best places for the vegan community to come together, but it’s also for anyone even slightly interested in plant-based food and alternative living,” explained Darragh.
The aim is to create “positive experiences” around the theme of veganism, rather than telling people how to live and “there’s no judgement for not being vegan enough,” he said.
You definitely don’t need to be vegan to attend.
Highlights this year include Randal Plunkett’s keynote address. Randal is the baron of Dunsany Estate in Co Meath and has been rewilding 750 acres, making it into a vegan-friendly space. Dr Joanne Kong, a nutritionist and author, will fly in from the USA to speak with food systems engineer Camila Perussello about their book and for a unique, intimate piano recital with spoken word.
Mobius Loop, a British folk band, and Clare Sands will perform music sets. There will also be a live painting show and wellness events.
“It’s a really down-to-earth festival; it’s intimate and accessible,” said Darragh.
With his background in creating independent festivals, he has tried to overlap the arts community in Ireland and internationally with the “lovely plant-based world”.
Féile Vegan is currently the only vegan festival in Ireland, with vegan food festivals in Dublin and Belfast closing after several runs. “There’s definitely a demand for something like this,” said Darragh. “We wanted to bring back that space.”
There is one final round of tickets being sold for the festival, with kids and dogs welcome.
“Hopefully, it’s going to be a regular thing in the calendar for everyone in Ireland,” said Darragh.
