Flogging Molly headlined the Celtic Rock Stage and an Independent Irish Film Festival was held in the Dublin Community Theater. The Music Workshop Tent was added in the Cultural Area. The economic benefits of the Festival was measured at more than $4 million.

The 5K run was moved to Thursday night to be held in conjunction with the Dub Crawl in Historic Dublin. LEAHY, Saw Doctors, Gaelic Storm and Slainte Mhath were some of the musical headliners. An American Civil War Reenactment was held on-site, which highlighted the role Irish-Americans played in the Civil War.

The Festival radio jingle invited guests to “Come for the music and stay for the fun!” The Festival broke records in attendance and beverage sales. Advanced ticket sales tripled with the introduction of online sales. The first-ever Irish Academy of Culture and Tradition was held prior to the Festival. The Daughters of Erin Tea Tent was added and an Irish Travel exhibit was featured. The Celtic Canines exhibit offered a new presentation featuring the history and cultural significance of Irish breeds. First-time entertainers included Ashley MacIsaac, Bad Haggis, Baka Beyond, Brace Yourself Bridget, The Cotters and Seamus Kennedy.

Festival grounds expanded 6 acres to the south. Whiskey Tastings were added and the Dublin Irish Festival Stout made its debut. Two high school seniors received the Festival’s inaugural scholarships. The Festival received Experience Columbus’s EXPY award for bringing international recognition to Central Ohio. A new logo was introduced and the Festival brought $5.7 million in economic benefit to Central Ohio.

The 20th anniversary was celebrated through the creation of a Historical Timeline, an Irish Garden Dedication and a performance by the Columbus Symphony alongside Seven Nations. The Festival regained the Guinness World Record for Largest Irish Jig with more than 10,000 dancers participating. The Festival hosted the first-ever Gaelic Football Championship and a hurling tournament. The Celtic Rock Club was introduced. The Festival received the coveted Silver Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).