Home > What's On in Ireland > Traditional Music in 2007
Traditional Music in Ireland 2007 & 2008
Photo by rmcgerveyNo matter where you travel in Ireland there will be traditional music played. Mostly you will find it in pubs, and there will be at least one local pub particularly known for having good sessions - just ask a local and they will be able to direct you.
A pub traditional session can vary from an organised group of musicians booked by a venue to a spontaneous gathering of local musicians, playing in their favourite pub with anyone who wants to welcome to join in. There will not usually be a stage - musicians will simply gather around a table in part of the bar and play, it's all very casual. Now and then a little magic happens, the musicians connect particularly well, the playing is of especially high quality and the evening is set alight. The result is an unforgettable evening for all present.
In places that are particularly frequented by tourists there will be more organised traditional music sessions, sometimes in larger venues like hotels, castles or theatres and often accompanied by dancing, story-telling and other entertainment. While some of these are of very high quality, a few are quite poor, over priced and occasionally tacky, so do try to get recommendations before you book.
Lot's of special events and festivals are built around traditional music, and these are a selection of the best ones for visitors to look out for.
The World Fleadh
Date: July 31st - Aug 4th | Location: Laois
The World Fleadh is Ireland’s biggest Irish and Celtic music festival, taking place annualy in Portlaoise and known for its large scale marquee concerts and theatre performances...
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Éigse Eatharlaí
Date: July 25th - 27th | Location: Tipperary
Éigse Eatharlaí (pronounced Aig-sha Ah-her-lee) is a festival of Irish traditional music held annually in the gorgeous surroundings of the Glen of Aherlow in Co...
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Russell Memorial Weekend
Date: February 2009 | Location: Clare
If you are planning to attend this event we highly recommend booking your accommodation early and trying to get somewhere within walking distance of Doolin Village.For those with an...
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Temple Bar Trad
Date: January 2009 | Location: Dublin
This is the third year of Temple Bar Trad, a celebration of traditional music and culture which takes place in pubs and theatres and on the street in the Temple Bar area of Dublin....
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Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival
Date: Oct 24th-27th | Location: Kerry
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...
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Feile Frank McGann
Date: Oct 9th-12th | Location: Roscommon
Féile Frank Mc Gann was established in honour of one of Ireland's best loved traditional Irish musicians who sadly passed away in 2002. Frank Mc Gann was renowned not only...
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Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend
Date: 3rd - 5th October | Location: Sligo
Centered around Sligo town this weekend of singing workshops, informal singing sessions, audio and video presentations, scholarly talks and a field trip is dedicated to the art of...
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Tulla Traditional Music Festival
Date: 12th - 14th Sept | Location: Clare
Tulla in Co Clare has a long and venerable tradition of Irish music playing and this annual festival offers visitors four days packed with the best in Irish music, song and dance with...
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Feakle Traditional Music Festival
Date: 6th - 12th August | Location: Clare
Feakle has always been an area steeped in traditional music and is the home of the famed East Clare sytle. For the last 20 years this festival has been bringing some of ...
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Fleadh Cheoil 2008
Date: 17th - 25th Aug | Location: Offaly
Photo by Irish TypepadFleadh Cheoil began life as a competitive event, but has evolved to include concerts, céilis, parades, pageants and street sessions. It changes location...
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Willie Clancy Summer School
Date: July 5th - 13th | Location: Clare
The annual gathering in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, of all who play, listen to and love Irish Traditional Music, this is an unmissable event if you have any interest in Irish music....
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Irish Harp Festival
Date: June 29th - July 4th | Location: Louth
Not just for Irish harpists, there is something here for lover and players of all styles and types of harp and harp music. The festival has grown to become on of the foremost Harp...
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Ennis Trad Festival
Date: November 2008 | Location: Clare
Ennis has a long and illustrious tradition in Irish music, and this annual event is one of the premier dates in the traditional music calendar, bringingtogether the very best of Irish...
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O'Carolan Harp, Cultural & Heritage Festival
Date: Oct 3rd-5th | Location: Meath
Turlough O'Carolan may have died over 250 years ago, but his legacy to Irish music lives on and is celebrated in this weekend festival in Nobber, Co Meath, the town where he was...
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Coleman Traditional Festival
Date: September 2008 | Location: Sligo
This festival is a celebration of Irish music and culture, focusing on the South Sligo Style of music as played by Michael Coleman, a noted and very influential fiddle player. It is...
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O'Carolan Harp Festival
Date: August 2008 | Location: Roscommon
A ten day feast of Irish music with traditional music concerts, sessions and workshops as well as craft demonstrations and exhibitions. The highloght is the International Harp...
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