The IRL Festival comes back for 10th year to honour Irish culture

The Irish Real Life (IRL) Festival has returned for its 10th year to celebrate Irish culture in Waterloo Region.

The festival first began in 2015 and is a not-for-profit that celebrates the history of Irish culture and Irish-Canadians.

“It’s a culture I would say of music and of poetry and storytelling,” said Sue Nally, founder and artistic director of the IRL Festival. “It’s a culture that can talk about the hard times but it also celebrates the good times.”

The festival kicked off on Saturday at the Rotunda Gallery in Kitchener City Hall. The sounds of a harp, violin and tap shoes filled the gallery, with performances by The Finnegan School of Irish Dance and other musical acts.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic attended and spoke about the importance of the event.

“[It’s] the things that bind us together. Taking the best of all of our cultures and making Canada the great country that it is,” said Vrbanovic. “Congratulations, as you celebrate the culture and rich history of Ireland with Waterloo Region residents and Irish Canadians.”

The festival will include events such as stand up comedians, art classes and Irish musical acts.

Nally said the event helps keep the culture of Ireland alive while over 5,000 kilometres away.

“I’d say there’s been a big resurgence around the world. There’s a lot of contemporary Irish culture. There’s a lot of music that stems from a traditional place but is evolving and is really speaking to a younger generation,” said Nally.

She also said that it helps show what Irish culture is outside of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“The pub scene is a thing in Ireland and it’s a way of community gathering,” said Nally. “It wasn’t a big party every time you went to a bar. It’s been a little misinterpreted. So, it’s important that we do this to show that there’s more to it.”

The IRL Festival runs from March 8 to 17.