Gowran Park is preparing to go country this summer.

The famous race venue will host the first ever Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Sunday 20 August. Mike Denver visited Gowran in recent days to promote the big event, which is being coordinated by Young Ireland’s GAA Club.

A giant dance floor, easy parking and a 10-minute drive from the motorway all combine to give the Gowran event many advantages. Onsite bars and restaurants and catering for crowds at the venue all add up to what should be a most enjoyable day in the company of many top names from the country music circuit.

Among the acts confirmed for the Kilkenny Country music Festival are Mike Denver, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney, Mick Flavin, Trudi Lalor, Adrian Ryan, Aidan Quinn, Keelan, Honky Tonk Angels, and The Conquerors, who are the backing band for the day.

Tickets are on sale now online. See www.kilkennycountry musicfestival.ie for details, including local outlets selling tickets. You can also check out Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Facebook.