Irish Music Festivals in the USA and in Ireland
Please use the Contact Form if you'd like your Irish music festival listed here!
BCMFest
January 13 - 14, 2017 Boston, MA
Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMF) - Draws folks of all ages from around Greater Boston, presenting music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton. Showcasing more than 100 performers, BCMFest is a family-friendly festival, jam packed with performances, classes and hands-on events.
14th year Facebook
Boston Celtic Music Festival (BCMF) - Draws folks of all ages from around Greater Boston, presenting music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton. Showcasing more than 100 performers, BCMFest is a family-friendly festival, jam packed with performances, classes and hands-on events.
14th year Facebook
Temple Bar TradFest
January 24 - 28, 2018 Dublin, Ireland
While still providing a lot of value, this Festival has strayed from its original Trad roots. People seeking the "Pure Drop" will still find quite a few acts of interest, but the organisers have also included artists from the worlds of folk, nu-folk, and even (whisper it) rock and roll. Still good times to be had in the centre of Dublin!
13th year Facebook
While still providing a lot of value, this Festival has strayed from its original Trad roots. People seeking the "Pure Drop" will still find quite a few acts of interest, but the organisers have also included artists from the worlds of folk, nu-folk, and even (whisper it) rock and roll. Still good times to be had in the centre of Dublin!
13th year Facebook
The Gathering
February 22 - 26, 2017 Killarney, Co. Kerry
The Gathering Traditional Festival draws trad aficionados from Kerry to the United States. Concerts, céilí’s, workshops, masterclasses, sessions, storytelling. Concert highlights for 2017 include performances by Dervish, John Carty Festival Band, The Boruma Trio, and Full Set.
18th year Facebook
The Gathering Traditional Festival draws trad aficionados from Kerry to the United States. Concerts, céilí’s, workshops, masterclasses, sessions, storytelling. Concert highlights for 2017 include performances by Dervish, John Carty Festival Band, The Boruma Trio, and Full Set.
18th year Facebook
Corofin Traditional Festival
February 27 - March 5, 2017 Corofin, Co. Clare
Concerts, Workshops and Sessions
16th year Facebook
Concerts, Workshops and Sessions
16th year Facebook
Durango Celtic Festival
March 9 - 12, 2017 Durango, Colorado
Four days of concerts, workshops & festivities for the entire family.
Headliners: Solas, Colcannon, Goitse & Barrule.
5th year Facebook
Four days of concerts, workshops & festivities for the entire family.
Headliners: Solas, Colcannon, Goitse & Barrule.
5th year Facebook
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
April 6 - 9, 2017 Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway
The Festival will play host to many top quality musicians, signers and dancers. Highlights include pub music sessions, concert, outdoor gig rig on Saturday night, music and singing workshops, CD Launches, Street Entertainment, Youth sessions and a Buskers Competition.
Facebook
The Festival will play host to many top quality musicians, signers and dancers. Highlights include pub music sessions, concert, outdoor gig rig on Saturday night, music and singing workshops, CD Launches, Street Entertainment, Youth sessions and a Buskers Competition.
Baltimore TradFest
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April 7 - 9, 2017 Baltimore, MD
Gathering some of the world's finest traditional Irish musicians to teach workshops, perform and lead sessions. Workshops on Saturday and Sunday, all-star concert on Saturday evening, and sessions all weekend long. 6th year Facebook |
NEFFA
April 21 - 23, 2017 Mansfield, MA
There is folk music everywhere! You will find jam sessions in the halls, instrument workshops, group singing, and performances of folk music throughout the Festival…turn the corner and music greets your ears. Bring your instruments. The Festival attracts approximately 3,500 attendees from all over the country and overseas and features upwards of 1,000 performers. Vendor booths and food trucks are open throughout the day .
76th year! Facebook
There is folk music everywhere! You will find jam sessions in the halls, instrument workshops, group singing, and performances of folk music throughout the Festival…turn the corner and music greets your ears. Bring your instruments. The Festival attracts approximately 3,500 attendees from all over the country and overseas and features upwards of 1,000 performers. Vendor booths and food trucks are open throughout the day .
76th year! Facebook
Trad String Fling
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May 5 - 7, 2017 Olivebridge, NY
Alasdair Fraiser and Natalie Haas return to host their fourth annual Trad String Workshop at the Ashokan Center. World-class Scottish traditional musicians and teachers, their workshops are a fantastic learning experience and tremendous fun for all. 4th year Facebook |
Skerries Traditional Music Weekend
May 19 - 21, 2017 Skerries, Co.Dublin
About 19 miles north of Dublin, the picturesque seaside town of Skerries plays host to a weekend packed with music, song and dance where leading artists will join with locals and visitors in a celebration of Irish heritage. A great selection of top class individual players will be participating throughout the weekend on many levels including formal concerts, tutoring and pub sessions. In addition to the more formal concerts, workshops, céili and evening pub sessions, this year will see more Music on the Street providing outdoor entertainment on Saturday afternoon and a selection of additional sessions throughout both Saturday and Sunday for both the experienced player and the less experienced one. Some of these sessions will be informal start ups, so feel free to dust down the cobwebs from that instrument and get playing again!.
16th year Facebook
About 19 miles north of Dublin, the picturesque seaside town of Skerries plays host to a weekend packed with music, song and dance where leading artists will join with locals and visitors in a celebration of Irish heritage. A great selection of top class individual players will be participating throughout the weekend on many levels including formal concerts, tutoring and pub sessions. In addition to the more formal concerts, workshops, céili and evening pub sessions, this year will see more Music on the Street providing outdoor entertainment on Saturday afternoon and a selection of additional sessions throughout both Saturday and Sunday for both the experienced player and the less experienced one. Some of these sessions will be informal start ups, so feel free to dust down the cobwebs from that instrument and get playing again!.
16th year Facebook
Tulla Traditional Music Festival
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May 19 - 21, 2017 Tulla, East Clare
Weekend of music, song, dance, gaeilge, concerts, ceílí’s, workshops, C.D. Launches - under the auspices of the Cnoc na Gaoithe (Windswept Hill), the Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre. Fiddle Competitions including Young Fiddler of East Clare Competition. Featuring, of course, the Tulla Céilí Band, Liam O'Brien, Oisin MacDiarmad, the Mulcahy Family, Gate House and more. 2nd year no Facebook page |
Fleadh Nua
May 21 - 29, 2017 Ennis, Co. Clare
This is the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann's own fleadh, and features many workshops based on the Foinn Seisiún Books. The 2017 Fleadh Nua promises to be an exciting and innovative festival, full to the brim with concerts, céilís, sessions, CD Launches, recitals, Irish Dance competitions and street entertainment. Headliners include the Tulla Ceili Band, Boffin to Burren, and Rianta.
47th year Facebook
This is the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann's own fleadh, and features many workshops based on the Foinn Seisiún Books. The 2017 Fleadh Nua promises to be an exciting and innovative festival, full to the brim with concerts, céilís, sessions, CD Launches, recitals, Irish Dance competitions and street entertainment. Headliners include the Tulla Ceili Band, Boffin to Burren, and Rianta.
47th year Facebook
Boston Irish Festival (Irish Cultural Centre)
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June 3 - 4, 2017 Canton, MA
Music, Vendors, Irish Dance Competition. The Wolfe Tones - The Stunning (Saturday) - Mundy (Saturday) - Louise Morrissey (Both Days) - John McDermott (Sunday) |
North Atlantic Tionól
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June 9 - 11, 2017 Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island, Canada
The North Atlantic Tionól is a weekend series of workshops and concerts presented by masters of the uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar, set dancing, and bodhran from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and the U.K. Instructors include John Carty, Stefan Hannigan, Joey Abarta, and Torrin Ryan. 3rd year Facebook |
Doolin Folk Festival
June 16 - 18, 2017 Doolin, Co. Clare
best. poster. ever. Click on image to see this year's performers>>>> |
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Blas - International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance
June 19 - 30, 2017 Limerick City, Co. Limerick
Blas has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious summer schools, drawing students from all over the world to spend two weeks gaining access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists. In addition to expert tuition and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including lectures on Irish Traditional music topics, field-trips, sessions, Irish Language classes, lunchtime and evening concerts, céilís, and above all, the unique opportunity to share tunes with some of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians. Undergraduate college credit available.
21st year Facebook
Blas has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious summer schools, drawing students from all over the world to spend two weeks gaining access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists. In addition to expert tuition and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including lectures on Irish Traditional music topics, field-trips, sessions, Irish Language classes, lunchtime and evening concerts, céilís, and above all, the unique opportunity to share tunes with some of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians. Undergraduate college credit available.
21st year Facebook
Francis o'Neill Irish Arts Week
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June 25 - 30, 2017 Chicago, IL
Named in honor of Captain Francis O’Neill, the Chief of the Chicago Police from 1901-1905, the week is dedicated to his legacy as the primary preservationist of traditional Irish music through his careful and prolific annotation of tunes. Fiddle, tin whistle, flute, bodhrán, concertina, harp, cello, guitar, piano accordion, piano accompaniment, tenor banjo), Céilí, Set and Sean-nós Dancing, Irish Language, Irish and English Singing 7th year Facebook |
Craiceann
June 26 - 30, 2017 Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, Ireland
Bodhrán summer school. Craiceann (pronounced – “cracken”) is the Irish name for skin, and particularly appropriate title for a school of drummers whose instrument depends on the hide of a goat.
16th year Facebook
Bodhrán summer school. Craiceann (pronounced – “cracken”) is the Irish name for skin, and particularly appropriate title for a school of drummers whose instrument depends on the hide of a goat.
16th year Facebook
Acadia School of Traditonal Music and Arts
June 25 - 30, 2017 Bar Harbor, Maine
Students at the Acadia Trad Festival can expect an experience like no other. With nearly 20 major courses of study, 150 workshops, a dozen concerts and continual sessions, traditional music will surround you. The classes are intense, but paced for a variety of learning levels. Students will learn by ear, although in some cases music is provided.
5th year Facebook
Students at the Acadia Trad Festival can expect an experience like no other. With nearly 20 major courses of study, 150 workshops, a dozen concerts and continual sessions, traditional music will surround you. The classes are intense, but paced for a variety of learning levels. Students will learn by ear, although in some cases music is provided.
5th year Facebook
Willie Clancy Summer School
July 1 - 9, 2017 Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually. The first and biggest of such events, it commemorates the town's best-known uilleann piper, Willie Clancy, and has been running since just after his death in 1973. Scores of impromptu sessions accompany organized activities. Nightly set dances and céilís complement a routine of morning classes given by top players on uilleann pipes, flute, tin whistle, concertina, fiddle, button accordion, harp, banjo, harmonica and set dancing.
45th year Facebook
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually. The first and biggest of such events, it commemorates the town's best-known uilleann piper, Willie Clancy, and has been running since just after his death in 1973. Scores of impromptu sessions accompany organized activities. Nightly set dances and céilís complement a routine of morning classes given by top players on uilleann pipes, flute, tin whistle, concertina, fiddle, button accordion, harp, banjo, harmonica and set dancing.
45th year Facebook
South Sligo Summer School
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July 9 - 16, 2017 Tubbercurry Co. Sligo
Broad range of classes, workshops, interactive talks and masterclasses. Class sizes are kept small and are graded. Programme of events includes nightly céilís in St. Brigid's Hall and concerts featuring tutors, local musicians playing in the South Sligo Style, and visiting singers and musicians. Afternoons are equally busy with masterclasses, sean nos dancing workshops in St. Brigid's Hall and informal practice sessions led by summer school tutors. 31st year Facebook |
Mad Week
July 16 - 21, 2017 Bethesda, MD
Sponsored by O’Neill-Malcom Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann,
Inter generational festival near Washington, DC. Day time classes and evening activities. All levels, all instruments, set dancing and sean nós singing.
11th year Facebook
Sponsored by O’Neill-Malcom Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann,
Inter generational festival near Washington, DC. Day time classes and evening activities. All levels, all instruments, set dancing and sean nós singing.
11th year Facebook
Catskills Irish Arts Week
July 9 - 16, 2017 East Durham, NY
Trad takes over the small village of East Durham in the heart of the scenic Catskill Mountains. Workshops held by master teachers from Ireland, the USA and Canada.
At night, concerts by those same master tutors. Sessions held in the local pubs and restaurants, and break out spontaneously wherever a few musicians gather.
23rd year Facebook
Trad takes over the small village of East Durham in the heart of the scenic Catskill Mountains. Workshops held by master teachers from Ireland, the USA and Canada.
At night, concerts by those same master tutors. Sessions held in the local pubs and restaurants, and break out spontaneously wherever a few musicians gather.
23rd year Facebook
FiddlePal
July 11 - 14, 2017 Newton, MA
Players of the violin, viola, cello, mandolin, guitar, bass and percussion learn tunes and techniques from a variety of traditions such as Bluegrass, Scottish, Jazz, Appalachian, Irish, and Blues. Students learn in groups with others of a similar experience level. Taught by ear with download-able sheet music for those who would like it. We take breaks for snacks and outdoor play or organized sports. In the evenings we host a traditional Barn Dance and awe-inspiring staff concert. The camp wraps up with a all-camp student recital Friday afternoon. Ages 9 and up. Tutors include fiddlers Brian Wicklund, Emerald Rae and Natalie Padilla.
5th year Facebook
Players of the violin, viola, cello, mandolin, guitar, bass and percussion learn tunes and techniques from a variety of traditions such as Bluegrass, Scottish, Jazz, Appalachian, Irish, and Blues. Students learn in groups with others of a similar experience level. Taught by ear with download-able sheet music for those who would like it. We take breaks for snacks and outdoor play or organized sports. In the evenings we host a traditional Barn Dance and awe-inspiring staff concert. The camp wraps up with a all-camp student recital Friday afternoon. Ages 9 and up. Tutors include fiddlers Brian Wicklund, Emerald Rae and Natalie Padilla.
5th year Facebook
Joe Mooney Summer School
July 15 - 22, 2017 Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
Classes are open to people of all ages with some previous experience, although beginners are welcome to the set dancing, tin whistle and bodhrán classes. Classes, workshops, recitals, céilis, lectures, and open air music events. The impromptu music sessions, the natural beauty of the Drumshanbo area and the traditional 'ceád míle fáilte' hospitality of County Leitrim provide an unforgettable week.
28th year Facebook
Classes are open to people of all ages with some previous experience, although beginners are welcome to the set dancing, tin whistle and bodhrán classes. Classes, workshops, recitals, céilis, lectures, and open air music events. The impromptu music sessions, the natural beauty of the Drumshanbo area and the traditional 'ceád míle fáilte' hospitality of County Leitrim provide an unforgettable week.
28th year Facebook
Swannanoa Celtic Week
July 16 - 22. 2017 Asheville, North Carolina
Celtic Week expands this year with more classes in flute, and a lineup that features present or former members of the supergroups Lúnasa, Ossian, Solas, Dervish, The House Band, Skylark, Patrick Street and Cherish the Ladies, a new Scottish fiddler, plus the return of some old friends. The week will feature classes, potluck sessions, concerts, jams and dances.
26th year Facebook
Celtic Week expands this year with more classes in flute, and a lineup that features present or former members of the supergroups Lúnasa, Ossian, Solas, Dervish, The House Band, Skylark, Patrick Street and Cherish the Ladies, a new Scottish fiddler, plus the return of some old friends. The week will feature classes, potluck sessions, concerts, jams and dances.
26th year Facebook
Meitheal Residential Summer School
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July 24 -28, 2017 Limerick City, Co. Limerick
Meitheal is a residential summer school for high competency young musicians over the age of 13. The instrumental workshops cater for players of various abilities but they are not suitable for beginners. Players need to have at least four years of experience and be able to play reels at dance tempo with ornamentation. Must send a recording with application. Meitheal is tough going. Don't come unless you have a trad music obsession! Application closing date: March 31, 2017 |
Seachtain Cheoil Chois Farraige (A Week of Music by the Sea)
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August Spiddal, Co. Galway
Waiting to hear back about this year's dates .... Held in the beautiful gaeltacht seaside village of Spiddal (15 minutes from Galway City), and run by Boston- born Colm Gannon through his Gannon's Traditional Irish Music Shop. Master classes in all traditional instruments as well as Sean Nós Dancing, Sean Nós Singing and the Irish Language, taught by Ireland's premier artists. The week will also include various lectures, pub sessions, concerts and afternoon sessions for all students. 4th year Facebook |
Feakle Traditional Music Festival
August 9 - 14, 2017 Feakle, Co. Clare
Feakle nestles near the Sliabh Aughty mountains and consists of a community of approx. 800 people. Typical of a community of its size it boasts the usual local school, church and a few shops, four pubs, two restaurants and the local Post Office. It is the hometown of Martin Hayes, who is typically one of the instructors.
The famous Tulla Céilí Band still plays regularly for céilís, including the closing céilí in Feakle on the Sunday night of the Festival calendar.
A degree of competency is required for all instrumental workshops.
30th year Facebook
Feakle nestles near the Sliabh Aughty mountains and consists of a community of approx. 800 people. Typical of a community of its size it boasts the usual local school, church and a few shops, four pubs, two restaurants and the local Post Office. It is the hometown of Martin Hayes, who is typically one of the instructors.
The famous Tulla Céilí Band still plays regularly for céilís, including the closing céilí in Feakle on the Sunday night of the Festival calendar.
A degree of competency is required for all instrumental workshops.
30th year Facebook
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
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August 13 - 21, 2017 Ennis, Co. Clare
If you are on this site, you probably already know that the Fleadh Cheoil is THE Irish music competition run yearly by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. If you don't know, you can find out HERE. 'Nuff said. 66th year Facebook |
Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School
August 13 - 19, 2017 Boston, MA
Held on beautiful Thompson Island in Boston Harbor, and a short ferry ride from downtown Boston, Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School is a residential camp for all ages, and all levels, with emphasis on traditional Scottish tunes for fiddle. In addition to fiddle classes (6 levels from absolute Beginner to Advanced), piano, and at least one other instrument, electives, parties (a New England clambake,!), jam sessions, and dancing for all.
14th year Facebook
Held on beautiful Thompson Island in Boston Harbor, and a short ferry ride from downtown Boston, Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School is a residential camp for all ages, and all levels, with emphasis on traditional Scottish tunes for fiddle. In addition to fiddle classes (6 levels from absolute Beginner to Advanced), piano, and at least one other instrument, electives, parties (a New England clambake,!), jam sessions, and dancing for all.
14th year Facebook
Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School
August 14 - 18, 2017 Milwaukee, WI
Learn to play the Irish fiddle, flute, tin whistle, guitar, harp, Celtic music styles, and more from master musicians. Or take a discussion class and learn about Irish history, Irish language, and culture! Hands-on learning for everyone. Held every year the week before the Milwaukee Irish Fest.
37th year Facebook
Learn to play the Irish fiddle, flute, tin whistle, guitar, harp, Celtic music styles, and more from master musicians. Or take a discussion class and learn about Irish history, Irish language, and culture! Hands-on learning for everyone. Held every year the week before the Milwaukee Irish Fest.
37th year Facebook
Milwaukee Irish Fest
August 17 - 20, 2017 Milwaukee, WI
100 Acts on 17 Stages - this year's line-up not announced a this time - check their website for updates. Milwaukee Irish Fest's rich history of highlighting traditional music began in 1981, with a strong lineup of traditional musicians including De Dannan, Green Fields of America, Kevin Burke & Michael O Domhnaill, and Chicago greats Noel Rice, John McGreevy and Joe Shannon.
37th year Facebook
100 Acts on 17 Stages - this year's line-up not announced a this time - check their website for updates. Milwaukee Irish Fest's rich history of highlighting traditional music began in 1981, with a strong lineup of traditional musicians including De Dannan, Green Fields of America, Kevin Burke & Michael O Domhnaill, and Chicago greats Noel Rice, John McGreevy and Joe Shannon.
37th year Facebook
Celtic Colours International Festival
October 6 - 14, 2017 Cape Breton, P.E.I. Canada
With Celtic Colours’ ambitious schedule (as many as six concerts a day), it is simply impossible to see and hear everything. Whether it’s Gaelic singing, Cape Breton fiddling, local dance traditions, or an afternoon of world-class piping, Celtic Colours festival-goers can tailor their musical experience to suit their tastes. And if listening to the music inspires a desire to go deeper, to learn more about the music and the culture it comes from, Cultural Experience Workshops and Community Events are offered in communities all around the island.
20th year Facebook
With Celtic Colours’ ambitious schedule (as many as six concerts a day), it is simply impossible to see and hear everything. Whether it’s Gaelic singing, Cape Breton fiddling, local dance traditions, or an afternoon of world-class piping, Celtic Colours festival-goers can tailor their musical experience to suit their tastes. And if listening to the music inspires a desire to go deeper, to learn more about the music and the culture it comes from, Cultural Experience Workshops and Community Events are offered in communities all around the island.
20th year Facebook
O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat
October 20 - 22, 2017 Midlothian, Texas
Teaches traditional Irish music on fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, tenor banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, guitar, piano, accordion and concertina. Singing in English and Gaelic are taught along with enrichment classes pertaining to music history, session etiquette, music arrangements, learning resources, and more. A number of the instructors are internationally-acclaimed performers and teachers many of whom are brought over from Ireland. Mainly centered on adult learners.
14th year Facebook
Teaches traditional Irish music on fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, tenor banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, guitar, piano, accordion and concertina. Singing in English and Gaelic are taught along with enrichment classes pertaining to music history, session etiquette, music arrangements, learning resources, and more. A number of the instructors are internationally-acclaimed performers and teachers many of whom are brought over from Ireland. Mainly centered on adult learners.
14th year Facebook
Ennis Trad Festival
November 9 - 13, 2017 Ennis, Co. Clare
Concerts, sessions, masterclasses - Website not yet updated for 2017
23rd year Facebook
Concerts, sessions, masterclasses - Website not yet updated for 2017
23rd year Facebook
