3rd annual Féile Fearann Rí
Cork City’s northside traditional & folk music festival returns with special guest - John Spillane
Féile Fearann Rí, a vibrant festival celebrating traditional and folk music, returns for its third year from Wednesday 9th until Saturday 12th April. With legendary Corkonian John Spillane headlining the event, the festival will feature workshops, rehearsals, concerts, recitals, sessions and storytelling across key venues around the northside.
This year’s festival will bring together young traditional musicians from local schools, including Scoil Íosagáin, North Monastery National School, and Scoil Aiséirí Chríost, alongside adult trad and folk groups from the community, including Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny and Blarney.
Musicians of all ages alongside renowned traditional artists collaborating together makes the festival a unique, vibrant, intergenerational musical experience. Féile Fearann Rí is proudly supported by Creative Tradition, Music Generation Cork City, the Arts Council, Cork City Council Arts Office, and Musical Neighbourhoods.
Féile Fearann Rí is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring tradition of Irish music. With free events, engaging workshops, and top-class performances, the festival offers something for everyone.
Most events are free, but some require pre-registration due to limited space. See the full programme below for more details!
Festival Programme 2025
Wednesday 9th April
Workshops and group rehearsals with John Spillane 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.
Festival Launch: Traditional music, song and storytelling with The Gab 7-8:30pm in The Kabin Studio. All are welcome to attend the official launch of the 3rd annual Féile Fearann Rí. In generations past, traditional music, dance, songs, and stories were intricately intertwined, creating rich cultural gatherings. Reflecting this heritage, Féile Fearann Rí commences with a delightful array of tunes, songs, and tales presented by The Gab Storytelling and guest traditional musicians, Frances Curran and Sorcha de Róiste. The launch is free and open to the public. But space is limited, so booking is essential HERE. Donations to the Kabin Studio on the night will be appreciated to support the community space.
Thursday April 10th
Workshops and group rehearsals with John Spillane from 10am-2pm in Farranree.
Gala Concert 7pm in The Church of the Resurrection in Farranree featuring John Spillane and traditional musicians of all ages from the northside of Cork City. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets available for €5 on Eventbrite.
Friday April 11th
Traditional singing & sean-nós workshop with Sorcha de Róiste from 1-2pm in Hollyhill Library. 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 ages and experience levels, beginners and newcomers to the Irish language are welcome. The workshop is FREE and open to the public, but please register online HERE to claim a place.
Official festival traditional music session in Maureen’s Pub from 4-6pm with Pádraig Mac Aodhgáin and friends. 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 (18+) are welcome to join us.
Saturday April 12th
Open, youth traditional music session 11am-12:30pm Hollyhill Library. Young musicians, singers, and dancers of all abilities are welcome to join our FREE 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. We would love to see loads of young traddies at this Féile event.
Traditional Music & Song Concert by John Spillane 1-2pm 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.
Polka & Slide Workshop from 2:30-3:30pm in Hollyhill Library with Matt Cranitch. Join us to learn a new tune or two from one of the leading experts in Sliabh Luachra style traditional music. This 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 booking is essential.
About Féile Fearann Rí
In June 2023, we launched the first-ever trad and folk music festival on Cork's northside joined by our very special guest artist Liam Ó Maonlaí. In addition to concerts, recitals and gigs, we hosted workshops, rehearsals and sessions to provide a platform for active participation and learning. The aim of Féile Fearann Rí is to encourage music enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich tapestry of traditional and folk music.
The 2nd annual Féile Fearann Rí in June 2024 built on the success of its inaugural year. The highly memorable festival featured acclaimed artists Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Dónal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy, and Niamh Dunne.
The launch of Féile Fearann Rí was made possible by a partnership between Creative Tradition, Music Generation, Musical Neighbourhoods, local schools, community groups and Farranree Parish. Special thanks goes to the boys and staff of Scoil Íosagáin for inspiring the festival to take place.
Anyone interested in supporting the festival can email feilefearannri@gmail.com. Donations, volunteers, musicians, and enthusiasts all encouraged to get involved in Féile Fearann Rí.