Traidphicnic (that wonderful traditional music and family fun festival in An Spidéal, Co. Galway...) takes place on July 4th - 5th.... In advance of this we caught up with one of the main organisers, Bridge Barker, for a chat...
What makes you get up in the morning?
My rooster alarm clock setting on the mobile phone! Loudest it can go!
What's your business philosophy?
Well, I'm not representing a business, I'm here with my volunteer hat on as chairperson of Traidphicnic... so it would be 'Be resourceful, make the most out of what you have to achieve what you can and don't give up!'
What are your biggest challenges right now?
For a relatively new, but successful festival, this year we have come up against not being allocated funding from some state agencies (for being the afore-mentioned, along with budgetary constraints). The challenge of the moment is to achieve a maybe slightly unrealistic fundraising target, along with securing corporate sponsorship, keep all fingers crossed for upcoming grant decisions, the frustration of not being able to properly promote what we really think is a fabulous festival with the potential to be one of the best in the West of Ireland.
What makes your business unique?
When the idea of Traidphicnic came about it was very much about having a bilingually run festival that would give access to all, with a 'donate what you can' approach, family friendly for all the community and visitors from further a field.
How do you unwind?
Well, if I feel things are getting a little too much then there's no place better for me than next to the sea on one of our beautiful local beaches. Other than that I admit to loving a glass of red wine, playing the fiddle and getting to a session when I can.
What's so great about the 'West of Ireland?'
There is not enough space or time to answer this! I have to say, Galway City is a gem.... Connemara is breathtaking - so much to explore - I love when friends visit from the UK and when it gets around to day two you hear them take a deep breath out and relax... ahh! You can swim, walk, climb, cycle... and if you haven't tried coasteering I totally recommend it - especially when you encounter a seal, having been through the washing machine!
What's your favourite place in the West?
Trá Roisín na Maineach near Carna... so many happy times spent there and on adventures to Fínis Island... camping, cows, swimming in from the Island, Turquoise Sea, Connemara ponies, donkeys and picnics in the rain
If you could ask for more investment in any one area for the West, what would it be?
Well, the Wild Atlantic Way launched is already bringing more visitors. I recently spoke with some motorhome visitors from Wales who landed in An Spidéal. They had trouble in parking in Galway, just to access town. They were met with barriers into car parks and a sign telling them motorhomes not allowed to park... so they drove on. They can't access beaches etc... so, if there could be a system similar to AIRES, www.all-the-aires.com, that would be great.
Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?
Why wouldn't we be... don't believe in pessimism!
If you could let the world know about three other businesses in the West what would they be?
Mmmm, difficult one... I suppose the new group/company, Walking West/Súil Siar and Wild Atlantic Adventures... they deserve a shout out for being newbies and for having such a fantastic product to offer. Also: Breizon Teo Ros a Mhíl, Ceardlann an Spidéil - the Spiddal Craft Village and Café, celebrating 30 years this year - you can see crafters at work daily and enjoy the food at the Builín Blasta Café (a hidden gem on the Wild Atlantic Way)...
