Lineup for Europe’s only all-female circus festival, Daring Dames, has been announced

The only all-female circus festival in Europe, Daring Dames, is putting women circus artists on the centre stage. The best female circus artists from Ireland and beyond will be showcased over the weekend of March 3-5, 2023, with knockabout clowns, amazing acrobats, family-friendly performances, workshops, films, and discussions. Daring Dames, supported by Arts Council Ireland, takes place on Achill Island in County Mayo and is open to the public at no cost.

Festival Director Dea Birkett, a former circus performer who now runs Circus250, describes it as “a turning point for circus in Ireland.” There are numerous meanings of daring, not all of which involve muscle. These female performers demonstrate that creativity, warmth, and artistry are just as important as biceps when it comes to being brave. This is the circus of the future in many ways.’

The weekend of Daring Dames features both established shows and brand-new work from innovative and exciting female circus artists.

From the hilarious Out of the Blu circus show, which is coming all the way from Italy, to the startling Daring Dames Cabaret on Saturday night, which features Ireland’s top circus performers and musical acts and is hosted by octogenarian acrobat, buffoon, and YouTube sensation Beryl, Achill Island is famous for its starring role in the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin. Achill Island serves as the stunning backdrop for these extraordinary performances.