World Fleadh gets underway in Portlaoise

Crowds are expected to start descending on Portlaoise today for the World Fleadh 2008.

Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Tommy Flemming, Brian Kennedy and Shane McGowan are among the big names performing over the weekend.

This year's festival is also focusing on family entertainment, with a pig race and inflatables.

Motorists are being warned to expect extra traffic in and around the town.