'A Taste of Roscrea' 2015

Following the tremendous success of “A Taste of Roscrea” Christmas market over the past three years, preparations are well underway and excitement is building up for a host of attractions for all the family.

This year’s event kicks off again in the beautiful Damer Castle grounds on Thursday December 3rd. The four-day festival will showcase all the best the region has to offer with local enterprise to the fore. There will be exhibitors of
food, craft, timber turning, C h r i st m a s g i f t s a n d wreaths taking over the grounds for the weekend. Some old favourites will be returning like Santa Claus, free Santa train and a new addition of Winter Wonderland and pony &
cart rides.

The free event will also see 15 schools involved in carol singing to add to the Christmas spirit in the Castle Grounds. On Thursday December 3rd the festival will be opened by Denis Leamy (former Irish and Munster rugby player) and Fran Curry (Tipp fm).
This year’s event hopes to attract a record number of visitors and there will be in excess of 40 exhibitors on the grounds over the four days to display their wares. Local schools will be the main beneficiaries of this year’s festival. There will be a fashion show in aid of the Sacred Heart Primary School on Thursday
night, followed by a concert in aid of St Cronan’s NS, Rosemount, on Friday
night and concluding with a variety show on Saturday night for Clonmore NS. Tickets available from the schools.

Speaking at the launch of the event, local Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Smith and Chairperson of a Taste of Roscrea, spoke of the importance of supporting
small enterprises and initiatives that create jobs.
“This event has something for all the family. It will encourage people to shop local and take advantage of the fantastic products we have on our doorstep. It will bring people into the town, provide a great boost to local businesses and show that community spirit in Roscrea is alive and well. Every year we have been fortunate to attract sponsors and I would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the main sponsors, Rossderra Meats, Musgraves and Aldi. We have worked very closely with the Office of Public Works and their continued support of this project will ensure that in years to come this festival will become the main attraction in the Midlands region,” Cllr Smith said.
For more information on the Taste of Roscrea, you can log on to Facebook: www.facebook.com/tasteofroscrea