Ireland is a country of traditions and customs, many of which manifest themselves in the form of festivals and other cultural events. As a Dublin-based Dub, this writer is probably spoilt for choice when it comes to these kinds of hoolies and yet, as is so often the case, familiarity breeds a certain level of contempt. Maybe ‘contempt’ is too strong a word. Probably ‘jaded indifference’ is more apt.
However, we’re happy to confirm that this lamentable ennui has been scrubbed from our soul and all thanks for that must go to Emer and everyone else at Durrow Development Forum. An entirely volunteer-led event, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a wonderful thing to behold. Not only is Durrow itself a beautiful spot but the festival is quite unlike anything else around. Certainly, you’d find nothing like it in Dublin!
From the moment you cross into its townland, Durrow welcomes you with open, straw-filled arms. And it’s not just on dry land that you can find these scarecrows. There are also literal scarecrows, too, marshalling the sky above the new bridge. Take a peek over the edge of the old bridge into the River Erkina and you’d spot two likely lads/scarecrows in the middle of the wash, holding up a straw fish. If anywhere else in the country does anything quite like it, we’d be amazed.
It was into the middle of this wonderful festival that we landed, trailer in tow. We’ve done a few of these shows around the country this summer but, up until this point, have never spoken to quite as many people as we did in Durrow. Conveniently, we were located right outside the main entrance, thus affording us a captive audience! That advantage aside, everyone was very curious to learn about the reverse vending machines and the deposit return scheme. And, as always, everyone was
in favor of it and thought it a great idea.