Celebrating the Return of the Northside’s Trad & Folk Music Festival
The 2nd annual Féile Fearann Rí takes place from 11 - 15 June! Following last year’s success, the northside will again come alive with the sounds of Irish traditional and folk music. This year, we are thrilled to welcome four renowned traditional artists: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Dónal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy, and Niamh Dunne.
Over the five day festival, you are invited to immerse yourself in the rich world of Irish music, song, and storytelling through a variety of engaging experiences. The festival hosts workshops, rehearsals, sessions, recitals, concerts & gigs for people of all ages and abilities.
Féile Fearann Rí is born out of the collaborative efforts of Creative Tradition, Music Generation, Musical Neighbourhoods, local schools, Farranree Parish, Cork City Libraries, and community groups like The Kabin Studio. Now in its second year, Féile Fearann Rí is quickly becoming a highlight on Cork's cultural calendar. Join us for a musical journey where the melodies of the past meet the vibrant energy of the present, creating an unforgettable experience.
The full festival programme is below, and make sure to share and keep in touch on social media.
Festival Programme 2024
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.
About Féile Fearann Rí
In June 2023, we launched the first-ever trad and folk music festival on Cork's northside. We were joined by Irish musician and Hothouse Flowers frontman, Liam Ó Maonlaí, who headlined as Music Generation Cork City's Artist-in-Residence. 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 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 creativetradition@gmail.com. Donations, volunteers, musicians, and enthusiasts all encouraged to get involved in Féile Fearann Rí.
