Carlow was always a quiet town and Éigse, its arts festival, similarly low key. Silent art in galleries, rather than raucous theatre on the streets. But in the 29 years since the first Éigse, both the town and the festival have changed, invigorated by new arrivals, whether commuters or noisy theatricals.

"The festival has a strong resonance with the native Carlow people, but I'd like it to also reach out to that new demographic and engage with them," says new director Marina Rafter.

Formerly with International Dance Festival Ireland (IDFI), Rafter has a wide-ranging programme from Liam O'Flynn in the cathedral to Dermot Bolger in the Parish Centre to Irish Modern Dance Theatre in Shaws shop window. And, of course, the visual arts programme, curated by Francis McKee, director of the CCA in Glasgow. This is the linchpin of the festival and it has developed a national and international reputation that Rafter is determined to maintain.

"Obviously it's a very strong element of the festival, but it is not the most participatory of art forms," she says, highlighting the need to get art out to the people on the streets. With an arts festival almost every weekend during the summer months there is a danger of festival-fatigue.

"I think there is a lack of buzz around festivals in general in Ireland. When you go to Montpellier during the dance festival and walk out of the train station you know you are in the middle of a festival. That's what the town is for that week, and it is something you don't get here. Not that I alone am going to overcome that, but it is something that I'd like to address." But she's not just looking for more flags on lampposts. Residencies are to become a vital part of the festival, and the sense of Carlow being a home for the artists and their work, albeit for a week, rather than a one-night stand. The programme has a full range of visual and live art with workshops and local groups. Outdoor events include the Dulsori drummers from Korea in the Town Park and Fairytale Road street spectacle, while the children's programme will feature Them with Tales, and for babies aged 12 to 18 months the amazing Oogly Boogly.

Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, June 8th - 17th. www.eigsecarlow.ie