Fun at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2018
Over 8 days this August the town of Drogheda in Ireland’s Ancient East will come alive to the sounds of Irish Music. Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann is the biggest celebration of traditional music and dance in the country. The atmosphere will be electric for this most family-friendly of events running from Sunday 12th to Sunday 19th August. Many events are free. While tickets for the concerts are selling fast. We have selected some of our favourite events of the week below. For the full programme of events check out the official festival website here.
Daily delights
Each day at 12pm there will be music at St Laurence’s Gate. Famous uileann piper Darragh O’Heiligh and friends will be in residence, treating the crowds to an informal concert of music, song and dance. In the Barbican Centre each morning at 11am, renowned singer Sean O’Laoire will host a free concert of traditional treats. And with open-air concerts at the Gig Rig such as the children’s choir on Wed 17th, there is no excuse not to wander around this most picturesque of towns soaking up the music.
Music on every street corner
There is an incredible programme of concerts, gigs, workshops and recitals throughout the Fleadh. Every corner of Drogheda town will play host to musicians of all ages. Plan your day so that as you wander the streets you will be able to sample some of the best traditional music in the world. From Hip Hop dancing to historical walking tours, table quiz to song writing workshops, you will be spoiled for choice. And every night you can dance your socks off at a Ceili with some of the country’s best Ceili bands.
Youthful exuberance
A celebration of all things youthful as part of Bliain na nÓg will be taking place on Monday 13th August in the Dominican Church. Nós Nua, the Louth Youth Folk Orchestra will be combining talents with the Louth Harp Ensemble. They will be joined by All Ireland instrumentalists Sarán Mulligan, Tadhg Mulligan, Conal Duffy and other special guests. For more information see here. The programme of events also includes many child-friendly concerts such as free concerts in the Barbican, and street sessions on Friday 17th and Sat 18th. And there will be family fun and stories for young people in the Laurence Shopping Centre throughout the week. Budding musicians of the future are sure to be inspired.
Dancing at the Disco
Try something different on Friday August 17th at 11.30 pm. DJ Trad with Pad will be on the decks to create blend of Traditional Music with dance beats and tunes from around the world. Boundaries between musical genres will be abolished. This event is strictly over 18’s. And it is one not to be missed! See here for more details.
There are concerts throughout the week from Lir, BEOGA & Frankie Gavin, Donal Lunney, Sean Keane, the Hothouse Flowers, and Damian Dempsey to name just a few. Your biggest problem will be deciding what to go to first. So there is really no excuse this August. If you have never been before, start planning your trip to the Fleadh Cheoil 2018 now. And if you are a frequent Fleadh-goer, we are sure this year will be one for the memory books.
Details were correct at time of publication. Please confirm times of events with the organisers before you travel. And be sure to check out www.inspireme.ie for more great ideas of what to do this summer.
