Festival Programme 2024

The 2nd annual Féile Fearann Rí, held from 11–15 June 2024, brought the northside of Cork alive with the vibrant sounds of Irish traditional and folk music. Building on the success of its inaugural year, the festival featured acclaimed artists Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Dónal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy, and Niamh Dunne.

Tuesday 11 June

Festival Launch: Traditional music, song and storytelling with The Gab from 10:30-11:30am in Hollyhill Library. All are welcome to attend the official launch of Féile Fearann Rí. In the past, traditional music, dance, songs, and stories were intricately intertwined, creating rich cultural gatherings. Reflecting this heritage, our festival commences with a delightful array of tunes, songs, and tales presented by The Gab. The launch is free and open to the public. 

Traditional music workshop from 6-7pm in the Kabin Studio with Frances Curran. Join us to learn a new tune or two! This FREE workshop open to all traditional instrumentalists will focus on repertoire and is most suitable for intermediate players who have been playing for a couple of years or so. Register online HERE. The workshop is FREE and open to the public, but donations to the Kabin Studio are very welcome. 

Traditional singing & sean-nós workshop from 7:30-8:30pm in the Kabin Studio with Sorcha de Róiste. Come join us to learn a song and more about the beauty of sean-nós (old Irish style singing). Open to all singers of all experience levels, beginners and newcomers to the Irish language are welcome. Register online HERE. The workshop is FREE and open to the public, but donations to the Kabin Studio are very welcome. 

Wednesday 12 June

Workshops and group rehearsals with guest musicians from 10am-1pm in Farranree. Open to boys and girls in Music Generation Cork City Schools, including Scoil Íosagáin, North Monastery National School, and Scoil Aiséirí Chriost.

Traditional Music & Song Concert by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Dónal O Connor 3:30-4:30pm in Hollyhill Library. This very special, intimate concert in-the-round takes place in a wonderful community location. It is free and open to the public, but we suggest that you register for tickets to ensure a place HERE. As it is general admission seating, we suggest ticket holders still arrive early to ensure a seat. Anyone with mobility or special needs may contact Hollyhill Library for assistance.

Official festival music session in Maureen’s Pub from 7-9pm. This is an open, traditional music session to celebrate Féile Fearann Rí. Sessions are a social and vibrant part of Irish traditional music culture, so listeners and players of all abilities are welcome to join us (adults only event). 

Thursday 13 June 

Workshops and group rehearsals with the guest artists from 10am-2pm in Farranree. Open to boys and girls in Music Generation Cork City Schools, including Scoil Íosagáin, North Monastery National School, and Scoil Aiséirí Chriost.

Gala concert in Church of the Resurrection, Farranree 7pm, featuring Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Dónal O Connor, and traditional musicians of all ages from the northside of Cork City. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets available for €10 on Eventbrite.

Friday 14 June 

School workshop with traditional singer and storyteller, Thomas McCarthy, and children from St Mary’s on the Hill, National School, 1:30-2:15pm.

Traditional Songs & Stories from Travelling Culture with Thomas McCarthy, Niamh Dunne & community members 3:30-4:30pm in Hollyhill Library. This very special, intimate concert in-the-round takes place in a wonderful community location. It is free and open to the public, but we suggest that you register for tickets to ensure a place HERE. As it is general admission seating, we suggest ticket holders still arrive early to ensure a seat. Anyone with mobility or special needs may contact Hollyhill Library for assistance.

Traditional Music, Song & Storytelling with Thomas McCarthy and Niamh Dunne 8-9pm in the Kabin Studio.

Saturday 15 June 

The final day of the Féile will celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg - a day full of vibrant youth creativity and culture. Young people of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged.

Solo Recital 11-12:30pm in Hollyhill Library. Traditional performers of all ages and abilities are welcome to play a tune or sing a song at this community-based recital. Solo performance skills are hugely important to young, budding traditional musicians. And so, this recital will encourage young musicians to practice and develop their own style in a supportive environment. Professional traditional musicians will also perform and guide participants through the process. Young musicians will get supportive feedback, suggestions and encouragement to keep on playing traditional music. This event is free, but please register online HERE

Open, youth traditional music session 12:30-2:30pm Hollyhill Library (outside, weather permitting). Musicians, singers, and dancers of all abilities are welcome to join our session circle. Traditional music sessions are a really fun, social, informal way of playing traditional music. Stop by for a tune, song or chat. Our music tutors will be there to provide encouragement and help out.This event is free, but please register online HERE. We would love to see loads of young traddies at the final event of the Féile.