By Derek Price.

Plans are underway for the return of the SPECIES Gothic and Industrial arts and culture festival to County Leitrim after a short absence.  

SPECIES is a yearly festival that takes place in the Iron Mountains in County Leitrim. The festival is organised and run by Ilíocht O’Brien and his wife Harriet at their mountain home, and it features a vast array of Irish talent from both sides of the border, and abroad. The festival venue site has a very striking appearance with psychedelic coloured spiritual (but fun) murals mixed with Halloween images dotted around the venue. The first SPECIES festival was held during the May bank holiday weekend in 2015. 

Now, over at An Dómhan Ilíocht, as Mr O’Brien calls it, they are busy preparing for the next Gothic and Industrial arts and culture gathering.  

On the subject of the SPECIES festival return, Ilíocht said: “We are taking a break from hosting festivals up here while we are working on upgrading the site. SPECIES will return when we are ready, and at that time we will advertise extensively, and hope to re-unite all the beautiful weirdos up here!” 

             Psychedelic looking mural on site at SPECIES (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

            The Great Hall band and DJ performing area at SPECIES. (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

A colourful wall mural at the venue. (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

Dublin duo Freak Control onstage. (above). (Photo: courtesy of Kilian McLiam) 

DJ Syrinx (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

Outdoor scenery at SPECIES. (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

There is a big selection of vendors at the festival, selling all types of wares like clothing, furniture throws, and various kinds of fun bric-a-brac and knick-knacks. (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

Cute cuddly items on sale at the stalls. (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

SPECIES revellers keep warm well into the night (above).  (Photo: Derek Price) 

A view from the camping area (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

Species spooky environment with appropriate mysterious figures (above). (Photo: Derek Price) 

Ilíocht,- the festival organiser, on the right, with a friend. (above). (Photo: Derek Price)