It’s the only festival where the €150 four-day ticket includes a cup
of tea on arrival, but there are catering problems this year.The annual Father Ted festival on Inis Mór kicked off yesterday with festival-goers scattered across the island after the Aran Islands Hotel, where many had booked, was closed because of financial difficulties.
More than 40 people booked into the hotel for the seventh annual Tedfest were left without their intended accommodation.
Festival organisers heard the news earlier this week and set about making alternative arrangements for the visitors.
Chief organiser Peter Phillips said things were working out.
“A number of places that weren’t going to open are now opening and some people decided to go camping.”
Some revellers will get the most authentic Father Ted experience, as the island’s Celtic priest Dara Molloy is allowing 12 festival-goers to stay in the island’s spiritual accommodation.
“I don’t normally make accommodation available for the festival, as it’s a spiritual centre for those who want to meditate,” he said. “We are asking those who stay there to honour the centre’s spiritual ethos.”
Some beds were also found at the smaller Pier Hotel.
Mr Phillips said any ticket-holders unable to come to the island because of the hotel closure would be entitled to a ticket to next year’s festival.
The festival runs until Sunday.
It includes some of the TV show’s most popular moments, such as King of the Sheep, Ted’s Got Talent and a re-enactment of the battle scene from The Passion of Saint Tibulus.