Kilmallock Medieval Festival will see the County Limerick town celebrate its origins with a colourful spectacle featuring music, theatre, markets and battle re-enactments between August 22 and 24.

One of the most important towns in Munster in Medieval times, Kilmallock will acknowledge its heritage later this month with a host of events guaranteed to entertain young and old alike. Kilmallock boasts a fine example of a medieval streetscape. The impressive ruins of the Dominican Priory, the Collegiate Church and Kings Castle are three of the town's finest tourist attractions.

From Friday August 22 to Sunday August 24 this walled town, which has much of its Medieval-built heritage still in existence, will draw visitors from all over Ireland, the UK and Europe. Kilmallock will come alive with over 200 battle re-enactment participants camping in the town for the weekend. Groups will re-enact battles from Roman, Norman and Medieval times as part of the festival while wearing the military garb of the period.

On Friday John Bradley –a senior lecturer in the Department of History at NUI Maynooth – will give the inaugural Mannix Joyce Lecture at 8pm in Friars' Gate Theatre.

On Saturday a medieval market will be held in Emmet Street. A range of crafts will be available for sale from stalls including arts, jewellery, wood-carvings, candles and mosaics. Stallholders will dress in costumes from that period and street entertainers will be on hand to help create an authentic medieval vibe to the festival.

Later on Saturday, The Furey's and Davey Arthur will take to the stage at Bulgaden Castle as part of the festivities. The group who formed in 1978 are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever recorded on these shores and their string-of-hits include: 'When You Were Sweet Sixteen', 'The Green Fields of France', 'Red Rose Café', 'The Old Man', 'Steal Away', 'Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway', 'Clare To Here', and 'Leaving Nancy'. Their folk-based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents. Tickets cost €26 and are available through Friars' Gate Theatre at 063-98727. On Sunday August 24 multi-award-winning theatre company Teaspach present Brian Merriman's 'The Midnight Court in the beautiful ground of the Dominican Priory in Kilmallock at 11pm. 'The Midnight Court', directed by Ciarda Tobin, is a rip-roaring tale which tackles the battle of the sexes, and allows both to have their say in the magical midnight court held by the Queen of the Fairies. With a strong case against both sexes it's a tough call, but finally judgement is given! 'The Midnight Court' has an all-star cast including Myles Breen, Sonya O'Donoghue, Aidan Crowe, Roisin Connolly and Patricia Kelly.

For further details or to obtain tickets for any of the concerts during Kilmallock Medieval Festival 2008 contact Friars' Gate Theatre booking office on 063-98727 or log onto www.friarsgate.ie. The festival runs in Kilmallock, County Limerick from August 22 to 24 next.

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