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Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival
Taking place since 1993 this weekend of tradtional music, poetry, singing and set dancing is held in Castleisland in Co Kerry, in honour of local man Patrick O'Keefe, a celebrated fiddle player who died in the 1960s. Castleisland is in the Sliabh Luachra area, where a unique style of traditaional music exists which is not only wonderful to listen to but is great music for dancing.
There is a programme of organised events but the main focus of the weekend are the numerous sessions in pubs, hotels and anywhere else musicians gather. This is a very popular event with musicians who will be there in numbers, mostly just for the joy of meeting and playing with their peers, so visitors can expect to hear music of exceptional quality at these mostly informal sessions. It's a very friendly and sociable affair, with people moving from pub to pub taking in a little of what is on offer in each.
Local players will conduct classes for various instruments and for singers and there are ceilis every night. Saturday afternoon sees the very popular singing session make a return and on Sunday evening well known names in Irish Traditional music take to the stage for a grand concert.
Tours of the surrounding area, with local guides, will also be available.
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What else to do in Kerry?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our South Area Guide.
