Folk Music in and near Sligo

Sligo has a rich folk music heritage, with many famous fiddlers hailing from the area. Sligo builds on its strong folk music culture with the annual Sligo Live festival, featuring traditional music performances by celebrated Irish artists. Folk music sessions are held at pubs around Sligo accompanied by lively sean nos dancers.

Sligo Live Festival

Sligo Live Festival is in only its 3rd year but already has a plethora of celebrated names on its books both past and present. The distinctive Sligo music style is renowned worldwide for its ... more

Ireland is one of the world's most musical nations, and the instantly recognizable jigs, reels and lyrical ballads of Irish folk music have influenced musical genres all over the world. Fast and furious, the upbeat fiddle-centred traditional dancing tunes are rousing and cheerful while the slower ballads are heartbreakingly beautiful.

The Irish are known for their musical prowess and are more than willing to share it with visitors. Folk music is a fixture in nearly every pub in the country, so pick up your pint, pull up a chair and lose yourself in the music.

The undisputed capital of Irish folk music is Galway. It is one of the few mainly Irish-speaking regions of the country and its culture is deeply rooted in traditional elements. There are several stage shows centred on traditional folk music playing year round, and its pubs play host to the country's best musicians.

The major event in the city's musical calendar is the Galway Sessions, which presents the best of Irish music in a warm and friendly environment. Different styles of traditional and folk music are performed at venues that range from the big stage shows of the Róisín Dubh, to more intimate folk club gigs in the Crane Bar. Of course there is plenty of folk dancing along with the lively music, and major names in Irish music perform at the festival each year.

Not far behind in offering excellent folk music is, not surprisingly, Dublin. The traditional pubs of Temple Bar are often vibrating with the sounds of the fiddles, drums and vocalists inside, and this 'cultural quarter' of Dublin is also home to the Temple Bar Trad, an annual celebration of traditional music and culture. Top Irish traditional musicians and some international performers captivate thousands of music fans every year.

It is not only in Temple Bar where you will find music; pubs spread throughout the city host traditional folk music sessions, many of them seven nights a week. Tours are available of the best folk music Dublin has to offer and there are set shows operating year round. The Auld Dubliner, The Cobblestone and The Brazen Head are places to check out if you are interested in hearing some authentic Irish folk music.

Northern Ireland's Belfast and Derry don't disappoint on the music front either, and have many pubs with regular traditional sessions, ensuring a great evening out with the chance to absorb some Irish culture. Peadar O'Donnells in Derry, for instance, is a popular folk music venue, with wonderful traditional sessions held every night.

Irish folk music is celebrated throughout the country with some really vibrant festivals, where musicians meet, compete and showcase their talents.

The largest festival of Irish music, song and dance is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, based in Tullamore near Birr, which plays host to 230,000 people who gather from all over the globe to enjoy Irish culture. Thousands of musicians take part in this feast of Irish tradition, and the festival also involves a competitive aspect, as performers play to secure top honours.

Ennis is a centre for Irish music, and hosts two renowned festivals. The Ennis Trad Festival is held during November, and features top quality Irish traditional music. The Fleadh Nua, held during May, has been entertaining and enthralling audiences for 35 years. The festival attracts about 50,000 patrons a year, who come to see the concerts, music, song, dance, workshops, street entertainment, pageants and parades, which celebrate everything Irish and traditional.

A popular summer festival featuring great folk music is the Bandon Music Festival in Cork. Hosted over a weekend in June, the festival features the most creative performers in Ireland, ranging from new, unknown musicians to international stars.

Bantry is home to the Young Masters of Tradition Festival, where youthful folk musicians share their innovative interpretations of traditional tunes. The festival is held in Bantry House, an elegant backdrop to the superb young musicians' work. Another more unusual festival is the World Bodhrán Championships, which is devoted to the art of playing the traditional Irish frame drum, the bodhrán. Held in Milltown near Killorglin, the event showcases the versatility of this unique instrument and features competitions to find the world's top bodhrán player.