Daring Dames – Europe’s only all-female circus festival – is putting women circus artistes in the centre stage. Over the weekend of 3-5 March 2023, knockabout clowns, astounding acrobats, family-friendly performances, workshops, films, and discussions will showcase the very best female circus talent from throughout Ireland and beyond. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Achill Island, County Mayo, Daring Dames is entirely free to attend, supported by Arts Council Ireland.

‘It’s a turning point for circus in Ireland,’ says Festival Director Dea Birkett, a former circus performer who now runs circus creation and touring company Circus250. ‘Daring has many meanings, not all of which involve muscle. We can be brave in different ways, and these women performers show that artistry, warmth, and invention are as important as biceps. In many ways, this is the future of circus.’

Daring Dames weekend includes established shows alongside new and emerging work from exciting and upcoming women circus artists who break the mould.

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

For more information and the full festival lineup, go to https://circus250.com/shows/daring-dames-festival

Main image: Juanita, Ireland’s leading female clown