Anne LuceyAlmost 60,000 people attended opening concerts and events at the SummerFest festival in Killarney, Co Kerry, at the weekend.
Despite high numbers there were few arrests and little trouble, according to the Garda.
Bryan Adams attracted a capacity crowd of 25,000 at the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. Up to 20,000 people came to see the Corrs and Sheryl Crowe.
The Corrs, with their traditional instruments, tin whistle and fiddle, as well as piano and drums, sang songs from Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones. A haunting rendition of No Frontiers by Jimmy McCarthy, was one of the most memorable at the concert.
An open-air French market with cheeses, French dishes, pastry baskets, soaps and lavender also drew huge crowds.
As part of the SummerFest classical programme next weekend, singer José Carreras will perform at the INEC, in Killarney.
There will be workshops, street entertainment and rock bands through the week.
SummerFest received a grant this year of €250,000 from Fáilte Ireland's festivals and cultural events programme.