Guinness was added to the beverage menu to the delight of Festival guests. More than 200 kids participated in the first-ever Kids’ Highland Games. Sheep herding and the Celtic Canines continued to be crowd favorites. We Banjo 3 performed for the first time. The Festival recorded $8.3 million in economic benefits, which was a 48% increase since the previous Economic Impact Study in 2006.

Festival grounds were expanded by 9 acres and a new bridge was dedicated in honor of the Festival’s founders. Black 47, the first Celtic Rock band to perform at the Festival, returned on their Farewell Tour and the legendary Sharon Shannon performed for the first time. Facebook fans topped 32,000 and Twitter followers increased by 67%. The City of Dublin was recognized as one of the best cities in the world for events by the International Festival and Events Association.

The Festival was one of five events selected by the National Hockey League to be featured at an exclusive VIP celebration for the 2015 All-Star Game. The Festival earned 17 awards from the International Festival and Events Association. The Celtic Cooking demonstrations debuted and celebrated the culinary traditions of Ireland. For the first time, boxing was featured. Richard Thompson returned to the Festival to headline Sunday night. Guests put their hurling, Gaelic football and Irish road bowling skills to the test at Cúl Camp.

The Festival commemorated the 1916 Easter Rising, an insurrection of Irish Republicans against British rule, and was honored to host the Consul General of Ireland, Orla McBreen. New bands this year included Socks in the Frying Pan and Cassie and Maggie MacDonald. The Vikings and Brian Boru’s Ireland expanded to offer new displays. The Irish Author’s area added more authors and presentations of their works. Snapchat was popular with guests, with nearly 4,000 people using the DIF filter. The world’s largest potato on wheels, The Big Idaho Potato Truck, traveled across the country and made its only Ohio stop at the Festival. Tipping the scales at 12,130 pounds, this 28-foot spud delighted guests all weekend long.

The Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary and John Whelan wrote and composed a commemorative song. The Festival welcomed the NHL’s Centennial Fan Arena and the most revered trophy in sports, The Stanley Cup. The Dublin Harp, a new permanent work of public art, and a Dedication Walkway were installed. Dublin, Ireland’s, Lord Mayor Michael MacDonncha signed a Friendship City Agreement with Dublin, Ohio’s, Mayor Greg Peterson. The International Highland Games Federation All-American Stones of Strength Series was a new attraction this year.