An Tóstal
An Tóstal (, meaning "The Gathering") was the name for a series of festivals held in Ireland in the 20th century. Inaugurated in 1953 as a celebration of Irish life, it continued on until 1958 when it died out in most centres except Drumshanbo.After seeing the 1951 Festival of Britain the President of Pan Am Airlines thought of the idea of an Irish version.
The original purpose of the festival was a celebration of Irish culture, with an emphasis upon drawing tourists into the country during the Easter off-season. It was marked by a series of regional parades, arts and sporting events. Many towns began a clean-up plan, thus starting off the National Tidy Town Awards, which is running still in Ireland. In 1953, a set of commemorative stamps designed by Limerick artist Fergus O'Ryan, were issued by the Irish Post Office. Provided by Wikipedia
![An Tóstal May 8th - 29th Pageant of St. Patrick Croke Park Dublin : Sunday, May 8th (Gala Performance) ; Saturday, May 14th ; Wednesday, May 18th ; Sunday, May 22nd ; Thursday, May 26th ; Sunday, May 29th. Admission Gala [:] 10/-, 7/6, 5/-, 3/-, 2/6 / Other Performances 8/-, 6/-, 5/-, 3/-, 2/6 / Children half-price / Clár - 6p](/IIIF/000270000/000265136/vtls000265136_001.jp2/full/100,/0/default.jpg)
