Now in its ninth instalment, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is in full swing. The pivotal event of the festival is undoubtedly the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships, creating a competitive atmosphere with entrants from every Irish corner, and even those from abroad, vying for the award. The festivities continue until August 5th in Durrow, County Laois.
One of the key attractions of the festival is the scarecrow village, a gathering spot for attendees seeking a respite from the festivities. It is immortalised in numerous photos captured by Dara Mac Dónaill.
As captured in one of Mac Dónaill’s snapshots, Sive O’Sullivan is seen sharing a moment of camaraderie with fellow Kilkenny dwellers Nina Gordon, Ruth O’Sullivan and Faye Gordon. Additionally, the Scarecrow Festival provides a backdrop for children’s delight in meeting unicorns and dinosaurs in the Scarecrow Village. Memories are also created in the form of Heidi Brogan and Caitlin O’Brien, who hail from Carlow, revelling in some ice cream.
Ríona Cannon and Sarah Jayne Walsh also make an appearance in the series of photos, further cementing the diverse crowd that the festival draws in each year. Despite the variations in their backgrounds, it is clear that the Durrow Scarecrow Festival resonates with all, creating a sense of unity and enjoyment.