Oktoberfest with a Gaelic twist comes to the RDS, 6th October
by Brian Bowe
It’s time to dust off your lederhosen and tune up your fiddle, because this year Oktoberfest will be a little different, with somewhat of a Gaelic twist.
One of the most well-known beer festivals in the world, Oktoberfest, originating in Munich, Germany, is celebrated each year with a healthy supply of Bavarian revelry. In fact, last year marked the festival’s return after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
Now, I’ve never been one for Oktoberfest, which first got underway here way back in 2008; it’s usually cold, which, when combined with a clattering of Bavarian beer, makes you even colder. However, this September will be different as Ireland will witness the birth of the spanking brand-new Oktoberfeis, an event which combines the German Oktoberfest with the best of Irish music, food and culture.
The festival is broken down into ten events that will be stretching across the country with the Dublin event being in the RDS Simmonscourt on Friday, 6th October.
Oktoberfeis promises an unforgettable celebration infused with traditional Irish food and entertainment, with many of the standout elements that are immediately recognisable from the German Oktoberfest. The event looks to be a unique celebration that will captivate locals and visitors alike, embracing the best of both worlds.
“This new festival idea was inspired by the legendary Munich Oktoberfest,” says founder Craig Reynolds, speaking at the launch of Oktoberfeis. “We will capture what is most loved about the iconic German festival while adding an authentic Irish twist throughout.
“Oktoberfeis will cater to everyone, from old school Irish trad fanatics, to mainstream festival goers who are just looking for a good night out. Everyone will have a great time, rest assured. All of the best of Ireland combined with what we love most about the German Oktoberfest, such as the long biergarten tables, Steins of Beer, and the best of Irish Music and entertainment.”
Across the nationwide events, visitors can expect some of the country’s most popular musicians, including Whistlin’ Donkeys, George Murphy & The Rising Sons, Rake the Ashes, and many more. Plus, attendees can enjoy Irish trad bands, DJs and dancers, authentic Irish food stalls, roving performers, and an eclectic mix of entertainment and competitions across the evening.
From biergarten tables to mouthwatering Irish cuisine, Oktoberfeis aims to unite locals and visitors in a harmonious cultural exchange. Whether you’re drinking Hofbräu or Guinness, this Gaelic twist on Oktoberfest is something you don’t want to miss. Prost and Sláinte!
Nationwide Festival Lineup
- Carrick on Shannon, The Landmark Hotel – Saturday, September 9
- Arklow, Arklow Bay Hotel – Saturday, September 16
- Castlebar, Royal Theatre – Saturday, September 16
- Omagh, Mellon Country Inn – Friday, September 22
- Letterkenny, The Clanree Hotel -Saturday, September 30
- Cork, Rochestown Park Hotel -Saturday, September 30
- Dublin, RDS Simmonscourt – Friday, October 6
- Newry, Canal Court Hotel – Saturday, October 7
- Killarney, Gleneagle INEC Arena -Saturday, October 14
- West Cork, Parkway Hotel – Saturday, October 21
Doors open at 6pm. Tickets for Oktoberfeis are now available for purchase at the festival’s official website: www.oktoberfeis.ie. Prices start from €25. To keep up to date with all the latest announcements, please visit www.oktoberfeis.ie.
