The village of Kilfenora has many distinctions. For example, having a cathedral makes it arguably the smallest city in the world (the City of the Crosses), with both Protestant and Catholic bishops (the latter being the Pope!).
However in the world of traditional Irish music, it is renowned for having its own ‘sound’, with many sets of tunes referred to as ‘Kilfenora tunes’. Contributory factors are
- the rich musical tradition, from the 1800s in particular, developing through marching bands using fife and drums and, later, brass instruments;
- the repertoire of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, formed in 1909, whose early recordings had significant influence, and which includes marches, two-steps, and quadrilles alongside the more familiar jigs and reels. Learn more by visiting the KCB Exhibition in the Burren Visitor Centre.
An important research project has focused on a third factor – the embodiment of the tradition in the many musicians and musical families that have lived in and around Kilfenora – and still do. Kilfenora was renowned for its lively house dances, where families and musicians gathered to play music, share stories, and celebrate together.
Launching at the Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival on Friday 25 April 2025 (8-10pm) in the Community Hall, this exciting initiative will provide an immersive experience for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the wonderful stories, sounds, and images of the community’s musical past.
The launch will include an exhibition of photographs of local musicians and house dances, accompanied by descriptive labels and QR codes that provide access to audio recordings. Kilfenora Hall will come alive with performances by some of our great local musical families, creating a magical atmosphere that bridges past and present.
The work is being undertaken by Aoife Kelly, herself a musician, who has also curated a website dedicated to her grandfather John Kelly, an important figure in the development of traditional music.
This project also involves creating a comprehensive online archive of music, photographs, and oral histories. It will feature digitized recordings, transcriptions of tunes, and an innovative interactive map that links musicians to their homes and stories, allowing users to explore Kilfenora’s musical landscape with a simple click. The website will go live on the day of the launch, helping to carry this musical tradition forward to benefit future generations.
The exhibition can also be seen in Kilfenora Hall over the weekend, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and 10am -6pm on Sunday.
If you are from a local family and find any material (eg photos and recordings) that could contribute to the research, please get in touch with Aoife at [email protected]
The project is supported by the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival and many local families and musicians, and has received funding from the Arts Council. The outstanding fiddler Liam O’Connor, Director of ITMA, will help to launch the project on the night.
Do not miss this great opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly unique musical culture!
