Wouldn't you like to combine a wonderful vacation out west with a great Irish Cultural Event? Does it sound strange to think you might find it in Montana? According to the 2000 census, 20 percent of Montana's population is of Irish ancestry, and the city of Butte, Montana, has the highest percentage of any western city.

Montana's Irish Cultural Festival, An Ri Ra, will be in Butte, Montana, on August 8-9-10.

Please see the story below to see the outstanding music that has been scheduled for the festival:

REKNOWNED HEADLINER ACTS NAMED FOR EXPANDED MONTANA IRISH FESTIVAL

Lunasa, the Makems, Ken O'Malley and Kathleen Keane, the Trinity Irish Dance Troupe and the Micheal Collins Pipe Band all will appear at the expanded An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival, August 8-9-10 in Butte, Montana. The Montana Gaelic Cultural Society festival organizers announced the this internationally and nationally recognized list of performance in a preview of activities scheduled for this three-day celebration. Montana's own outstanding Irish music goups will perform as well, including Dublin Gulch, Lark Ascending, Finnegan Ridge, Swallowtail and Wilson and McKee.

Other activites will include language, history, genealogy, art and photo workshops and displays, as well as children's activities and an outdoor Irish mass. All of Montana's Gaelteacht extends a very warm welcome to you!

For further information, call 1-800-735-6814.