Altan Coming to NTIF!

At the very last minute, literally at the end of January, we managed to secure the biggest name in Irish Folk music, Altan. Somewhere  between California and Kentucky on their Spring US tour they will stop by in Dallas to be part of NTIF 2008. I guess they just could not resist the temptation to sample a well poured Guinness with a Bushmills chaser and some of the Tipp's Shepherds Pie!

Altan have been great friends of NTIF for many years, and we are honored to have them on our stages yet again. They will be performing one full ninety minute set on Sunday evening. A special product sales booth will be open for 30 minutes after the set ends selling Atan product only.

No Irish traditional band in the last dozen years has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan.

Opening Hours

There has been some confusion on our opening hours, and unfortunately the press has picked up some erroneous information. In addition, with the sudden opportunity to have ALTAN play on Sunday night, we have adjusted our hours a little. Here are the hours that we will be open to the public.

In addition, in accordance with the requirements of our alcohol sales license, we will end all sales of beer and wine at least one hour before the gates close.

         NOTE: Early-Bird admission FREE on Friday before 7:00 pm!

Welcome

Hello, and welcome to the North Texas Irish Festival 2008, our 26th event. Mark your calendar now for the first weekend in March, which this year will actually start on the evening of Friday, February 29th in Fair Park, Dallas.

Schedule

The full schedule of all music, dance and storytelling is now available.

Host Hotel - Full!

Our host hotel, the Radisson is now full. Our overflow hotel, the La Quinta is now accepting reservations - but hurry for the best rooms and rates.

Remember - We're 95% under cover

Texas weather is notorious for one thing - it will change! But NTIF is prepared for that by using some of the largest buildings in Fair Park, plus one of the largest tents ever created. So, no mater what the weather, we will be prepared to host the best Irish Festival in the country.

NTIF Welcomes Bennigan's Sponsorship

The Southwest Celtic Music Association is pleased to introduce Bennigan's as the presenting sponsor for the 2008 NTIF.

Like the North Texas Irish Festival, Bennigan's Grill & Tavern has been a local tradition for years. Headquartered in Plano with 20 restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Bennigan's offers guests a diverse food and drink menu with an Irish flavor in a classic pub setting. From Irish faire like the Kilkenny Chicken Salad and Turkey O'Toole to the famous Monte Cristo sandwich and the coldest Guinness in town, Bennigan's not only brings guests a lively dining experience, but also brings out the Irish in each of us.

What's With The Green Thing?

This years theme is "Green, not just for Ireland any more". Our message here is simple ... save the planet. Do whatever you can to preserve the natural resources we have. We will be using bio-degradable beverage containers, recycled paper products, paper and cloth tote bags and various other earth-friendly products at this years festival.

Green Dallas

As part of the new Green Dallas Initiative, the City will be providing, and emptying, "Blue" recycle binds throughout the festival area. Please pitch in to help keep Dallas green.