SURFING FESTIVAL
IT is the fifth year of Shore Shots and Ireland’s only Irish Surfing festival has moved west again to the home of surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The festival was moved to Sligo from the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin where it was held before and will celebrate the crossover of film and surf in Ireland.
Over the weekend of April 22 and 23 there will be international artists, MTV video makers, pro- surfers, movies, tech showcasing the latest and most dramatic movies made about surfing as well as footage of surfers who dedicate their lives to the cold- water lifestyle.
Music video and film- making fans are in for a rare treat with a chance to hear about the art of music video filmmaking from Brendan Canty, the director of the promo for ‘ Take Me To Church’, one of Hozier’s breakthrough hits along with Dorothy Cross, Ireland’s most famous international artist who will talk about her life, works and love of the sea.
You can also come along and tackle one of those monster Cliffs of Moher waves, courtesy of a VR headset and enjoy a chilled chat with the acclaimed street artist James Earley, Ire- land’s answer to Banksy.
These are some of the highlights of Ireland’s annual Surf Festival, celebrating the very best of Ireland’s surfing culture, adventure, film, video, street art, tech and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Festival Director Aidan Ellis explained why they made the move from Dublin to Sligo: “We moved the festival so that we could really showcase all the adventures and creativity that Ireland has to offer. We’ve got an amazing venue at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way so it’s a perfect starting point for anyone looking to escape the city with a road trip or surf mission to the north west of Ireland.
“Sligo is such an exciting place to be right now with so many people moving their work here to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way lifestyle. It’s got music, arts, technology and creativity all in one place but you can also jump out for a surf or hike just five minutes from your door.”
A special guest this year is Red Bull Athlete and big wave surfer Andrew Cotton who has spent the past four years trying to find a 100- ft wave and break the world record.
Other guests include surfer and environmentalist Easkey Britton, French pro surfer William Aliotti, pro- surfer Ollie O’Flaherty and adventure photographer Lucia Griggi.
But you don’t need to be a surfer to attend; the festival will this year celebrate all that is best about the Wild Atlantic Way with opportunities to take yoga classes, sample great local food, learn kayaking and go on specially organised hikes and enjoy interviews at The Model Sligo, the festival’s 2017 base.
Tickets for the weekend are € 40 and include access to all films, talks, music and interviews with an additional charge for Easkey Britton.
Shore Shots is this year partnered by LookWest. ie and sponsored by Tullamore D. E. W.
The world- famous distillery will be staging its D. E. W & a Brew sipping experience on a curated bar trail all over Sligo on April 22 and 23. For more information: www. shoreshots. ie.