We want your home for the 2018 Fleadh
PRIVATE HOMES FROM DROGHEDA TO BALBRIGGAN, SLANE, ARDEE AND DUNDALK ARE NEEDED TO HOUSE FAMILIES IN AUGUST 2018. IT CAN EARN YOU UP TO €1,000. HUBERT MURPHY REPORTS.
THE build up to the 2018 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann ramped up a notch last week when the call began for accommodation to host the thousands who will descend on the region for a week in August. While Drogheda will host the event from Sunday 12th to Sunday 19th August 2018, the need to house people for the week will hopefully see homeowners from North County Dublin, East Meath and North Louth give up their homes for the week - and earn up to €1,000 in the process.
Up to 500,000 people are expected for the event from all parts of the world and the organisers believe they’ll need up to 500 houses to meet demand.
The greatest need for the visiting musicians, singers and dancers, and their families is private rented accommodation. From very early Fleadhs in Listowel the local community have opened their doors to the visitors from near and far. This has grown to a major logistical challenge to provide the 400-500 houses or rooms in houses needed.
“In Drogheda and the surrounding area, we are confident that the locals will respond and take this chance to engage with the Fleadh”, commented Eddie Phelan, chair of the Accommodation committee, “and it is a great way to get involved and to earn some money in the process!”
In Ennis the 2017 Fleadh needed 400 houses and weekly rental varied from €750 to €950 depending on the size and location of the house, in addition many people rented out one or more rooms in their house to the visitors.
Lolo Robinson, Chairperson of Drogheda Comhaltas outlined the process, “people who are interested in renting their room or house register with the accommodation committee. After a quick assessment the property is included on a list on the Fleadh website and the visitor will either make direct contact with the owner from the list or make contact through the accommodation committee. We already have lots of queries from all over the world and are confident that Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann 2018 in Drogheda is going to be a fantastic event for our visitors and for the local community”.
The highest number to attend a Fleadh is 450,00 but it’s believed Drogheda has the potential to break this record in 2018.
“We expect a lot of day trippers from Dublin and Belfast, but we will also fill the hotels not only in the town but as far afield as North Dublin, Navan and Dundalk. There is a tradition of camping at the Fleadh and we will be setting up a fully serviced campground in Drogheda which
AFTER A QUICK ASSESSMENT, THE PROPERTYIS PLACED ON THE FLEADHWEBSITE AND PEOPLE MAKE CONTACT
will matchth or exceedd ththe excellentllt campingi facilities provided in Ennis for 2017,’ Eddie added.
People tend to stay in homes within a 45 minute drive and according to Lolo, the reports about those taking homes for the week are all good.
‘A lot of the time they are just for sleeping as they are out and about most of the time at the events,’ she stated.
Padraic Kierans from the committee wants the 2018 Fleadh to be a real eye-opener for people visiting the region and hopefully they’ll return in the future.
He says word is spreading about the Fleadh and people have embraced it.
To register your interest in letting out all or part of your property for the week of the Fleadh in August 2018 you can, contact the accommodation committee e-mail drogheda.acc2018@ gmail.com or download the form through the Fleadh Facebook page or Drogheda Comhaltas website or pick up a copy of the form in Drogheda’s shopping centres and participating shops.
The completed form can be returned by e-mail to drogheda.acc2018@gmail.com. by post to 13 Ashdale, Wheaton Hall, Drogheda or drop it into the reception of the Westcourt Hotel, West Street, Drogheda.
People can also ring 0877007322 for details.