The idea of an Irish Festival that would appeal to all lovers of Irish music and arts originated during conversations between festival co-founders Matt Nelligan and Jim Shaughnessy in 1996.  Since it started, the Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival has grown in both attendance and in the number of entertainment attractions. In 2007, the festival launched a highly successful two day format. Today, Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival is one of the top five Irish festivals in the United States.

By 2009, Irish 2000 had continued to go to the point where it moved to the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. The new venue enables the Festival the opportunity for further expansion in the heart of Saratoga County. 

This Year’s Two-Day Line Up:

Friday, Sept. 17^th:

Mighty Ploughboys 5:00-5:45
Screaming Orphans 6:00-7:00
Gaelic Storm 7:15-8:30
Enter the Haggis 8:45-10:00
Flatfoot 56 10:15-11:15

Saturday, Sept. 18^th:

 Coors Light Stage

Mighty Ploughboys 11:45-12:30
Scythian 1:10-2:10
Young Dubs 2:50-3:50
Screaming Orphans 4:30-5:30
Flatfoot 56 6:10-7:10
Seven Nations 7:50-9:00
Great Big Sea 9:30-11:00

 Guinness Stage

The McKrells 11:30-12:30
Hair of the Dog 1:00-2:00
Lunasa 2:30-3:45
Barra MacNeils 4:15-5:30
Hair of the Dog 6:00-7:00
John McDermott 7:30-9:00

 PUB STAGE

Road to Galway 11:30-12:15
Frank Jaklitsch & Friends 12:45-1:45
Kevin McKrell 2:15-3:00
Causeway Giants 3:30-4:30
Fighting 86’s 5:00-6:00
Flynn 529 6:30-7:30
Ruffians 8:00-9:00

 DANCE STAGE SCHEDULE

Domino the Great 12:00
Set Dance Demonstration 12:50
Bairbre McCarthy & LAWSON 1:45 (Eric Everson & Hilary Schrauf)
Farrell School of Irish Dance 2:15
Damhsa Beatha (Ceili Intro) 2:45
Ioana Dance Troupe 3:45
Campbell School of Irish Dance 4:25
Boland School of Irish Dance 4:45
Bairbre McCarthy & LAWSON 5:15 (Eric Everson & Hilary Schrauf)
Domino the Great 6:00PIPE BAND SCHEDULE

Schenectady Pipe Band 12:35 – 12:45 (Traditional Stage)
Schenectady Pipe Band 5:35 – 5:45 (Traditional Stage)
Schenectady Pipe Band 7:15 – 7:25 (Contemporary Stage)

Photo Courtesy of Irish 2000