Irish eyes are definitely smiling in Fremantle this weekend, with the four-day “Kidogo Irish Festival” filling beautiful Bathers Beach with music, culture and family-friendly events.

It kicks off on Friday March 13 (if you’ve picked up an early Herald) with Kelp Bar opening at 4pm, followed by a celebration of Irish poetry at 6pm and a sing-a-long with Johnny Bravo, Cormac Healy and friends at 7.30pm. Everyone’s invited to bring instruments, and you don’t have to have a drop of Gaelic in you to join in.

On Saturday from noon there’s children’s stories of old from Ireland with Ann Atkinson, music and a “Sunset Ceili” for Irish dance fans on the Kelp deck. Sunday has the Irish Brunch Beach House Party from 11am, followed by children’s stories, readings from the Fenians, and an open mike. 

Tuesday promises something special, being St Patrick’s Day and all, started from 4pm with painting Irish landscapes (with all materials supplied), readings from the Fenians, a celebration of Irish poetry and music, and everything draws to a warm close with a wonderful all-in sing-a-long led by local musicians.

Kidogo’s famous sunset beach-bar, ‘Kelp Bar’ will be open each day .

Kidogo Irish Festival director Joanna Robertson said: “This festival will be an extraordinary celebration of Irish culture.  The Festival is open to everyone; young and old, Irish and non-Irish: everyone is welcome to join us and enjoy some Irish hospitality in a beautiful stone heritage building with stunning views and acoustics perched on the glistening water’s edge at Bathers Beach in Fremantle.

“This festival is a small low-risk community event, however, please stay home if you are sick”.

All events are free to attend. Check Kidogo FB for details.

Kidogo Irish Festival
March 13, 14, 15 and 17
Kidogo Arthouse
Bathers Beach, off Mews Rd,
Fremantle