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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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Country Fest at Rathwood makes its return this summer
Following it's phenomenal success last summer, Country Fest at Rathwood returns to the Big Top in the unique surroundings of the Rathwood Forest on Saturday 15th June 2024. Country Music Super Star Derek Ryan and His Band are back to headline this years event in his home county along with a stellar line up of artists including Olivia Douglas, Stuart Moyles, Jack Keogh, Stacey Breen and Gavin Gribben. With two Irish Number One albums, sell-out shows at home and abroad and fistfuls of music awards to his name, Derek is truly one of the biggest names in Irish Country Music. It’s been a long road for the Garryhill, County Carlow born artist who first developed his life long love for music when his parents bought a drum kit one Christmas for a four-year-old Derek.
It was pop which first drew a blond haired, fresh faced 17-year-old teenage Derek into the music business. He followed in the chart busting footsteps of Irish boybands, Boyzone and Westlife – as part of new Celtic teen pop phenomenon, D-Side in 2001.
Dozens of artists including evergreen multi-million selling star, Daniel O’Donnell underlined the industry wide admiration for Derek’s songwriting talents by recording versions of God’s Plan. Since then, with a combination of terrific talent, admirable determination and a continuous desire to do better, Derek’s career has kept on reaching progressively greater heights.
Balancing huge demand from dancehalls and concert theatre audiences with his constant desire to create new music, Derek has released six best selling albums, He has won countless accolades including Entertainer Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best Live Performer. But he is perhaps proudest of the award winning recognition for his songwriting abilities at the Sunday World and Irish Country Music Awards.
With over over five hours of Country Music and Dancing on offer along with Bar and Food services and not forgetting the Big Top Dance Floor , it promises to be a festival not to be missed.
Tickets are €30 including booking fee and are available online at www.rathwood.com or www.deswilloughby.com or in person from Reception at Rathwood. Last years festival was a complete sell out so early booking is advised.
Gates Open 5pm. Music and Dancing 6pm - 11pm.
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