Have you heard of Tedfest?
Allow us to explain… It’s an annual celebration of the cult sitcom Father Ted. It’s a little bit like a fan convention … but not…
How does it differ from the typical fan convention?
Fan conventions tend to be slick events held in plush convention halls. They draw thousands of fans of characters from books, graphic novels, TV shows and movies. Oh, and they often feature the creators of those characters and/or the actors who brought them to life on screen.
In many ways, Tedfest is the opposite.
First off, around only 250 people attend. Second, run by fans for the fans, the event doesn’t involve or feature any of the actors who starred in the show or the writers and producers behind it. And, finally, the whole thing is carried off with a distinctly low-key, easy-going and amateurish flair.
That sounds apt
Agreed! It’s all exactly the way it should be.
So, why should I be interested?
Put simply, the craic. The three-day event is all about participation. And that’s where Tedfest outdoes all those other fan fests.
The idea is to bring to life many of the show’s most famous scenes through organised and spontaneous events.
Things like Ted’s Got Talent, the Priest’s Dance Off, the Lovely Girls Pageant, the Craggy Cup and Matchmaking with Nellie see participants capture the spirit of Craggy Island and channel their inner Father Ted Crilly.
Oh, and of course practically everyone dresses up like Ted, Dougal, Jack or Mrs Doyle.
For those reasons, Tedfest will only really appeal to two types of people: seriously dedicated fans of the show and travellers looking for a taste of Ireland’s legendary craic.
Where’s it held?
The island of Inis Mór, which is just off the coast of Galway. Aran Island Ferries run two to three trips between Galway and Inis Mór each day.
Is Inis Mór the real Craggy Island?
In a word, no. The show was mostly filmed in County Clare on the mainland. The most famous location, Parochial House (Ted’s home) can be found at Glenquin, on the Boston road from Kilnaboy.
When’s it take place?
Late February (21-24 this year).
What’s the weather like?
It’s an island off the west coast of Ireland in February. Do you really need to ask?
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…#
(Featured image of the two gents enacting the “Kick Bishop Brennan” episode is courtesy of 2thin2swim)
