In this week’s Spotlight, we take a look at one of the most creative Gatherings I have heard of so far – Welcoming Claire to Clare. We also highlight the Aylward Gathering taking place in Waterford this September, and there is a weekend of fun planned in Mallow this Easter. We would also like to share the official invitation to the Sullivan-O’Leary Gathering this June in Bantry.

Welcoming Claire to Clare

I love this idea! Get all the Claires in the world together in County Clare, throw in some tin whistles, and a couple attempts at World Records and you’ve got a celebration! The following comes from The Gathering website:

Our objective is to gather the most amount of people with the first name or surname Clare/Claire or Clair in County Clare on the 23rd June 2013. You don’t have to be from County Clare, you may not have even heard of County Clare but you will share a name that is synonymous with being ‘clear, bright and famous’ and you welcomed by Clare Ambassadors who will ensure you get to sample the very best that County Clare has to offer.

• Click here to follow on Twitter
• Click here to view Facebook page
• Click here to view listing on TheGatheringIreland.com

Aylward Gathering

Beautiful Waterford is the site of this gathering on the 4th-6th of September.  A quick search of the telephone directory (online, of course) tells me that Aylwards are scattered all over the United States – Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, California, Washington. There’s still plenty of time to plan your visit to Ireland and attend this Gathering! The following description is from TheGatheringIreland.com:

We are planning the Gathering of the Aylward family clan in Waterford, Ireland in September 2013. It is envisaged that Aylwards from all over Ireland, Britain, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and anywhere else in the world will converge on Waterford next September. The Aylwards have been synonymous with Waterford since the arrival of the Normans in 1171 and the Aylward name has left a trail of history in its wake. The gathering of the Aylward clan will include a historical tour of the Aylward landmarks around Waterford city and county, and a gala buffet dinner and music to mark this unique occasion of bringing as many Aylwards as possible together to celebrate our family name past and present. (from TheGatheringIreland.com)

• Click here to follow on Twitter
• Click here to visit official Aylward Gathering website 
• Click here to view listing on TheGatheringIreland.com

Racing Home for Easter

Better hurry and make your travel plans soon if you hope to get in on this festival. Mallow, County Cork is the place to be Easter weekend. There is something for everyone – music, races, fashion, food, family fun, “literary trail”, vintage cars, and much more! Read on for details from http://www.TheGatheringIreland.com…

Horsepower is very much the theme of this year’s newly extended 5 day Racing Home for Easter Festival in Mallow, with racing, food, fashion and fun making it the ideal time to come to the North Cork town.

Highlighting all that Mallow and the Blackwater Valley has to offer including 3 days of top class horse racing at Cork Racecourse Mallow, including Best Dressed on Easter Sunday, sport is at the heart of this event. Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of Mallow Castle grounds and entertain the family at the same time, with bouncing castles, bucking bronco juggling performances, a local music and dance showcase, culminating in a performance from the rocking Deuces Wild.

• Click here to follow on Twitter
• Click here to visit Facebook page 
• Click here to view listing on TheGatheringIreland.com

Sullivan-O’Leary Gathering

Here is a copy of the Official Gathering invitation. Please contact us if you need more information.

Planning a trip to Ireland to attend a Gathering? The Irish in America can help you plan your vacation AND find your roots. Click here for information on our Family History Tours.