Céilí in the Square, Sunday 28 April 2-5pm
The highlight of the festival on Sunday is the annual performance of the Kilfenora Céilí Band in the Square. Céilí dancers from near and far gather for this fabulous open-air occasion – one of the finest occasions in the Irish traditional music calendar.
And before the mighty Kilfenora roar into action, by tradition we feature a group or two of young Clare musicians.
Céilí in the Barn, Saturday 27 April 9pm
Warm up for Sunday with the Star of Munster Céilí Band in the convivial surroundings of Vaughans Barn. Join Ralph Morgan, Sean Murphy, Dave Culligan and Fintan McMahon for lively sets. The craic is always mighty! Just €10 to get in. And then boogie into the night over in Vaughans Bar with the one and only Ollie Mullooley and his celebrated Trad Disco, starting at Midnight.
Riches of Clare concert, Saturday 27 April @ 1pm
It is now an established tradition that the first concert in the ‘Riches of Clare’ annual programme – now in its 20th year – takes place in Kilfenora in the wonderful atmosphere and acoustics of ancient St Fachnan’s Cathedral. The programme is organised by Mike Butler, who himself has played on and off with the Kilfenora Céilí Band for over 40 years.
There is a special Kilfenora flavour to this year’s concert, as it features members of the Howley family.
- Sharon Howley (cello, fiddle, accordion) has been a member of the Kilfenora Céilí Band since the age of 16, and was TG4 Young Musician of the Year in 2020.
- Tara Howley (uillean pipes, concertina, whistle) is now touring with her own band, following a 7-year stint of globe-trotting with Riverdance, and is releasing her second CD.
- Padraig Howley (vocals and much more!) has become an internet phenomenon, with the aid of his daughter Tara, including a memorable appearance on RTE’s Late Late Show for St Patrick’s Day in 2023.
Providing accompaniment on bouzouki is Clare FM broadcaster Eoin O’Neill, member of the band Fiddle Case, recipient of the MÓRglór award in 2015, and who has his own extensive discography.
The concert will last an hour, and is free, but come early to get a seat.
You can see a video of the Howley Sisters in action here.
.
.
.
