Ah Summer, the perfect time for socialising and enjoying the magnificent sunshine! Not only that, summer is a fantastic time for getting out and experiencing real live music, and summer in Ireland is no different (albeit with a little bit more rain than usual).
Ireland’s summer season brings in a huge amount of festivals and events for those wishing to experience our Traditional Music in person. These events are known for where locals and visitors alike can experience the country’s rich musical culture. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the main events you should consider attending this summer:
Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí
When: 10-12 May
Where: Douglas, Cork
The Cork Fleadh Cheoil is a weekend festival filled with ceili dancing, music sessions, street entertainment, and competitions in music, singing, dancing, and storytelling. The top two competitors will represent Cork in the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, in July.
Fleadh Cheoil Maigh Eo
When: 10-12 May
Where: Westport, Mayo
For those seeking an authentic experience, the Mayo Fleadh offers a traditional feast of Irish music and culture.
Nasc Folk & Trad Festival
When: 20-21 May
Where: Marlay Park, Dublin
Féile Nasc is an outdoor folk and traditional music festival celebrating the connection between language, culture, and music in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Baltimore Fiddle Fair
When: 9-23 May
Where: Baltimore, Cork
The Baltimore Fiddle Fair is a standout event, offering four days and nights of exceptional music in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.
Féile Binn Éadair
When: 24-26 May
Where: Howth, Dublin
Féile Binn Éadair is a charming traditional music festival set in the scenic seaside town of Howth.
Fleadh Nua
When: 25 May – 3 June
Where: Ennis, Clare
Fleadh Nua brings a wealth of traditional music and culture to Ennis, featuring a diverse range of events.
Skerries Trad Music Weekend
When: 7-9 June
Where: Skerries, Dublin
The Skerries Trad Music Weekend offers a variety of music sessions and cultural events in a picturesque seaside setting.
Trad Phicnic
When: First week of July
Where: Spiddal, Galway
Traid Phicnic is a community-led event where music sessions fill the pubs and local musicians perform on the main stage in Spiddal Craft Village.
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy
When: 6-14 July
Where: Miltown Malbay, Clare
The Willie Clancy Summer School is a longstanding celebration of traditional music, attracting musicians and enthusiasts from around the world.
Earagail Arts Festival
When: 13-28 July
Where: Wild Atlantic Way
The Earagail Arts Festival showcases the best of Donegal’s culture, art, and traditional music along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way.
South Sligo Summer School
When: 14-20 July
Where: Tubbercurry, Sligo
South Sligo Summer School offers a week-long exploration of traditional Irish music and culture, featuring workshops, concerts, and sessions.
Joe Mooney Summer School
When: 15-22 July
Where: Drumshanbo, Leitrim
The Joe Mooney Summer School is a beloved festival filled with traditional Irish music, song, and dance.
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan
When: 15-22 July
Where: Tralee, Kerry
The largest provincial Fleadh in Ireland, Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan offers a diverse program of competitions, concerts, workshops, and street entertainment.
Belfast TradFest (Summer)
When: 21-28 July
Where: Belfast
Belfast TradFest celebrates world-class traditional music, pub sessions, and a thriving summer school, all set in Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music.
Fiddler’s Green Festival
When: 24-28 July
Where: Rostrevor, Down
The Fiddler’s Green Festival in Rostrevor features a unique blend of traditional music and cultural events in a stunning coastal setting.
Lúnasa
When: 26 July
Where: Naul, Dublin
Lúnasa is a vibrant traditional music festival hosted at the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, celebrating the best of Irish music and culture.
Mayo Manchester Tradfest
When: 1-7 August
Where: Mayo
The Mayo Manchester Tradfest is a unique cross-cultural event celebrating Irish music and culture.
Fleadh Cheoil
When: 4-11 August
Where: Wexford Town
Fleadh Cheoil is a week-long event showcasing traditional Irish music through concerts, competitions, singing, walking tours, and FleadhTV broadcasts.
Feakle Festival
When: 7-13 August
Where: Feakle, Clare
The Feakle Festival, now in its 37th year, offers a variety of traditional music events in an internationally recognized festival.
Masters of Tradition
When: 21-26 August
Where: Bantry, Cork
Masters of Tradition, headlined by Martin Hayes, celebrates Irish traditional music at its finest, showcasing exceptional performances.
Ballyshannon Folk Festival
When: 1 – 4 August
Where: Ballyshannon, Donegal
Ballyshannon Folk Festival is an exploration of folk music in the historic town of Ballyshannon.
International Irish Music Events and Festivals:
These Irish music events aren’t purely exclusive to Ireland. In fact, thanks to Irish music’s popularity worldwise, there are many events happening in various different countries. Here are a few of the events we’ve managed to find this summer:
USA
May Second Friday Ceili Mor
When: May 10th
Where: Salem, Oregon, USA
Hosted by the Two Rivers Ceili Band, this event features traditional Irish tunes for dancing and listening, with a trio of callers teaching and calling Ceili and Set dances. It’s a family-friendly event where no prior dance experience is required.
Philadelphia Fleadh
When: May 11th
Where: Philadelphia Mills, Pennsylvania
This vibrant Irish-American festival includes live Celtic Rock bands, traditional music sessions, dance performances, and an Irish Dance Competition. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages.
Gulf Coast Cruinniú
When: May 30th – June 2nd
Where: University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas
Minnesota Irish Music Weekend
When: June 6th – 9th
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
This festival pairs traditional Irish musicians and teachers with learners of all ages. It includes workshops, lectures, and concerts, providing insights into the deep roots of traditional Irish music.
New Jersey Irish Festival
When: June 9th
Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, New Jersey
Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance
When: June 23rd – 29th
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine
Corvallis Celtic Festival
When: June 25th – 28th
Where: Corvallis, Oregon
Téada
When: July 31st
Where: Somerville, Massachusetts
Milwaukee Irish Fest
When: August 15th – 18th
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
One of the largest Irish festivals in the world, celebrating Irish music, culture, and family activities.
Spain
Ortigosa Del Monte Irish Session
When: May 11th
Where: Ortigosa Del Monte, Segovia
Organized by locals, this session includes a community hike, lunch, and an afternoon of music sessions, welcoming musicians of all ages and levels.
Britain
Gŵyl Uilleann Glanyfferi / Ferryside Uilleann Pipes Festival
When: May 17th – 19th
Where: Ferryside, Carmarthenshire, Wales
This festival features master classes and performances centered on the uilleann pipes, including music listening classes and historical quizzes on pipes and pipemakers. The weekend includes a gala concert, a piper’s chair, and an optional beach walk.
All Britain Fleadh
When: June 29th – 30th
Where: Saint Helens, Merseyside, England
A competition where winners from various regions compete for a chance to perform at the All-Ireland Fleadh, celebrating the best of British and Irish traditional music.
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These festivals not only celebrate Irish music but also foster a deeper connection with Irish culture, drawing participants and spectators from around the world. Whether you are already a seasoned musician or a curious newcomer, these events promise rich musical experiences in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Looking for More Info?
If you’re curious to see any more events that you don’t see listed here, be sure to check out places such as thesession.org or theirishroadtrip.com for more! If you’re looking to start playing Irish music yourself, then be sure to drop by our website at mcneelamusic.com for a wide range of traditional Irish instruments and accessories!