This year’s festival, now in its third edition, promises something very different from all its precedents. It will be a celebration not only of the discipline of archery but also of its growing reach and resonance in Irish communities. Perhaps the most significant change to the festival is its open format: for the first time there will be no registration fee, no entry forms, just pure joy of archery games and celebrations. The event is therefore not just a tournament for experienced archers but rather an open threshold for those new to the sport and the general public.

Back in Portlaoise, and back more exactly to the gorgeous grounds of Fiorbhia Farm, the festival takes on a central setting that is practical and symbolic for many. Situated in the very heart of Ireland, Portlaoise boasts unmatched accessibility for participants and visitors from all over the island. For TIFAM’s producers, the logistical simplicity of staying close to their operational base means that energy can be spent enhancing the experience of the festival rather than struggling to transport equipment and personnel over longer distances.

That accessibility is outdone by the natural beauty, and versatility of Fiorbhia Farm itself. Its sprawling fields and varied terrain have long made it a favorite for participants, but plans this year are set to elevate its appeal even more. One of the highlights awaited by the archery community is the return of the clout shoot. A craft and an art of being an archer, this classic, and traditional competitive pursuit — where archers aim high in an arc to land arrows near a distant ground target, called a “clout,” marked by a central flag.

Scoring is based on how close the arrows land to the center, requiring skill in estimating distance, trajectory, and wind. Rooted in medieval military training, it blends historical homage with a challenging test of precision and judgment. Also thrilling, the chance once more to shoot over water — a rare and spectacular challenge that attracted the participants’ attention two years ago. These attributes not only enhance the competitive nature of the festival but also provide the uninitiated-both on the water and around the viewing area with a treat for the eyes.

Eliminating registration and participation fees is an exciting new direction for the festival, reframing its mission and expanding its audience. As a sport, archery has bred exclusivity with a tendency of presenting itself like an endeavor for individuals with elite funds, time, and access to resources. By decentralising its qualifying points and embracing an open format, the TIFAM All-Ireland Archery Festival aims to break down these barriers and provide an inclusive, relaxed environment for anyone and everyone with archery on the brain. Whether you are an experienced archer or someone that has never shot an arrow before, the festival will be an inviting experience, an opportunity for learning, engaging and inspiring.

This openness is driven by a greater desire: to encourage the sport of archery to people who would otherwise never come across it. Though competitive tournaments further the spirit of competition which is a keystone of the overall event, the festival’s true heart marks its best effort to unify the archery community at large with the general public. The design of Fiorbhia Farm lends itself well to this task, with plenty of room for spectators to watch events, take part in beginner workshops, and make your first play under the watchful eye of experienced instructors. The natural beauty of the farm — its gentle fields, shaded groves and soothing water features — is the perfect setting for a day of exploration and togetherness.

Coming back to Portlaoise is not only a logistical choice but it also indicates our intent to continue to support our long-term relationship with this lively local community.

Fiorbhia Farm felt like an ideal fit, both for its location at the center of town and its welcoming spirit, and the hope is, moving forward, the farm will become synonymous with the festival. Importantly, having a regular and consistent home base grounds the festival with time to develop its identity, relationships and traditions.

Its attunement to its heartland is joined by the strength of its partnerships, and its open format and accessible location. In anticipation of this year’s event, TIFAM is working closely with local officials and community groups to guarantee that the festival not only operates well but also makes a positive, long-term contribution to the area. These partnerships are critical in everything from securing grants and logistical support, to spreading the word about the event to the local population. TIFAM enables its partnership and expertise working alongside these stakeholders by reaffirming the festival as inclusive to all and a shared endeavor amongst all members of the Portlaoise community, not just the archers.

Once again, volunteers will drive the festival. Putting together a festival of this scale takes devotion, collaboration and umpteen hours of hard work and this year’s festival is no different.

TIFAM is also reaching out to all those who have a love for archery, community, and inclusion to step up and lend their time and talents. The festival makes use of volunteers — about ten a day — for everything from setting up equipment and keeping it functioning, to guiding participants and keeping the machinery of the event running smoothly. As a token of appreciation for their invaluable efforts, volunteers will also receive certificates of volunteer work—a small acknowledgment of the role they played in promoting archery sport.

It offers a volunteer programme that is open to all who are able to help out, and its application process is simple. From Monday, 13 January 2025, potential volunteers will be able to complete a simple form on the festival website here:

https://tifam.ie/taiaf2025/. Participants are supporting a non-profit organisation as well as becoming a part of a larger movement to make archery in Ireland more inclusive, accessible, and celebrated. It’s also a chance to help with something worthwhile while experiencing an inside-look at one of the nation’s most anticipated archery weekends.

You can feel the excitement build as the festival date nears. The TIFAM All-Ireland Archery Festival is more than an event; it is a living, breathing testament, a character study of sport’s power to unite, inspire and transform. The open-ended nature of this year’s edition, coupled with a refreshed perspective making building up access to the festival itself a priority, sets the stage for a watershed moment not just for the festival, but also quite possibly for archery in Ireland. It is an open call to join in the sense of celebration, in community and shared discovery, of not only practicing a time-honored skill, but we can assume perhaps most importantly, the connections learned from that experience.

For archers, volunteers or curious visitors, the festival offers something very special: a chance to join in on a story that only you help shape. In its accessibility, its variety and its drive to support the sport, the TIFAM All-Ireland Archery Festival embodies the best a community event can be. It is not merely a collection of individuals, but a mosaic of dreams, skills, and aspirations, bound together with a common thread—that this lot, against all barriers of experience, income, and social standing would like to bask in the warmth of the growing and great circle of archery.

This article is part of our free content space, where everyone can find something interesting for themselves. If you like what you read and want to support us, please consider purchasing an online membership.