Castlewellan, County Down, is set to host the annual Fleadh Amhrán agus Rince. As the title suggests, the emphasis here is on traditional singing and dancing. Over the years, this Ulster-based festival has attracted many of the connoisseurs of traditional singing and dancing.

There are usually two ceilidhs at the festival with live music for everyone to participate in. The first is on Saturday night in St Malachy's Club rooms and the second is on Sunday night in the town square (if it rains, this also moves into St Malachy'. The organising committee has also arranged workshops in various instruments with some of the best tutors to be had. There are also plenty of informal sessions in the pubs and plenty of craic at the gig rig.

In 2006 a family from Connemara performed seán-nos dancing, which literally means "old-style" but which is improvised rhythmic dance to traditional  music. Other events included dancing competitions, Irish language and singing competitions in St Malachy's High School. The original aim of the Fleadh Amhrán agus Rince was to provide a specialist emphasis on traditional singing and dancing, and this has certainly been achieved. The organising committee has helped to mould this event as an important focus for the song and dance tradition of our native culture.

Situated about 5 miles northwest of the seaside resort of Newcastle, Co. Down, Castlewellan lies 30 miles southeast of Belfast and 87 miles north of Dublin and its design is said to be based on a town in France. It is a beautiful market town with plenty of space for parking and tree lined streets.

Perched on a hillside nestled between the northern foothills of the Mourne, a region of outstanding natural beauty, the area abounds with wonderful scenery, mountains and meadows, forests, lakes, rivers and drumlins galore. The town is the home of the beautiful Castlewellan Forest Park with its castle, lake and many lovely walks. Here you will also find the famous Peace Maze - the largest permanent hedge maze in the world.

Source: http://www.fleadhamhranagusrince.com