Fleming’s Bar has long been at the heart of life in Scartaglen, run by the Fleming family for generations but sadly closed its doors in 2019. In June of this year, the bar has been reopened under the new management of Kilcummin-based businessmen Donal O’Sullivan and Aidan Collins.
“We both believe in the value of rural pubs”, says Donal. “They are places where people get together with friends and neighbours that strengthens the bonds of community. With Fleming’s Bar open again, there are now 2 pubs in Scartaglen and we hope this will bring a renewed energy to life in the village and re-establish Fleming’s Bar as a hotspot for music.”
This bank holiday weekend Fleming’s Bar will be hosting a summer festival: “The Restart Music Festival” and there will be music to be heard on the streets of Scartaglen again as they revive the tradition of live music in the pub, as an array of acts play over 4 nights in their newly created outdoor beer garden.
“We’ll be showcasing talent from all over Kerry and beyond,” says Donal. “Years ago, that weekend was always the weekend of the Fleadh Cheoil, which was a highlight of the year in the village, but that died away and there hasn’t been one for a long time.”
“We think it’s time for us to have a festival again, so from the 4th to the 7th of August, we’ll be reviving that tradition and celebrate both traditional and modern Irish music, with a lineup of exciting and eclectic bands and musicians.”
These include on the opening night on Friday 4th, modern Irish trad band “The Rising” who bring a rocking blend of pop, folk & trad Irish music, followed by “Heart and Soul”, an energetic 5 piece band that cover everything from the classics through to current hits. On Saturday 5th, “The Foggy Dew” have confirmed that they will attend and Celtic Rock group “Erin’s Fury” will be reforming for a night to be remembered as they plan to have their first comeback gig at the Festival. Then on Sunday 6th well known accordion player Michael O’Brien (aka “Fastest Fingers”) & Friends will entertain the crowds, followed by local favourites Timmy O’Connor and Seán Hickey, known as “The Scart Ramblers”. The festival will finish up on Bank Holiday Monday with a show by “The Sunday Cure”.
All of these gigs to be held in the bar’s newly created Beer Garden. “It will be an outdoor event which will mean that we will be able to accommodate larger crowds than we would inside,” says Donal.
Admission to the Festival is €10 each day, or weekend passes are also available. These can be purchased at the bar or calling Aidan on 087 402 7506. For more information visit their Facebook page @flemingsbarscartaglin.
