Kilkenny people gear up for Durrow Scarecrow Festival this July

Thousands of people from Kilkenny and surrounding counties will flock to Co. Laois later this month for the annual Durrow Scarecrow Festival. 

The event, first held in 2012, takes place from July 30th to August 7th and will play host to hundreds of scarecrows, all vying for the prestigious All-Ireland title.

From comical entries featuring personalities like Donald Trump and the three Tenors to a vibrant Scarecrow Village boasting bouncy castles, face painting, craft workshops, live entertainment, and a local food and crafts market, the festival offers something for everyone.

This year the festival unveils its most anticipated attraction yet as ‘40 Scarecrow Mammies’ are set to make their debut. These new additions will adorn the village of Durrow, showcasing a range of emotions from anger to kindness, including the feared "disappointed stare" that is sure to leave an impression.

Volunteerism will be at the heart of the festival with Ukrainian and Croatian nationals joining local volunteers to work behind the scenes in areas like painting and assembling scarecrows.

This year’s event will not only welcome Ukrainian people but showcase their talents with women from the country instrumental in creating the ‘Scarecrow Mammies’. 

Using old duvets, those involved crafted intricate housecoats, allowing them to practice their sewing skills and an opportunity to learn English. 

Evelyn Clancy, Chairperson of Durrow Development Forum & Festival Organiser thanked volunteers who have assisted in the past few years and claimed the festival will continue to benefit the community.

“Every penny earned from the festival is reinvested into its future. Currently, the festival aims to secure €400,000 in match funding to transform the Civil Defence and ICA Hall into a state-of-the-art community hall, providing a lasting legacy for the village of Durrow.” she said.