Looking for some of the finest traditional Irish music in Ireland over the holiday season? Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair, in Donegal is the place to be!
The festival will be opened on December 27th in Hiúdaí Beags, by the great musician and friend of the late Frankie Kennedy and the Scoil Gheimhridh, Gary Hastings, and will feature performances by local young musicians “An Crann Óg”. The night will end with a giant welcoming session, all of which is free entry, so everyone is welcome!
It’s 30 years since Clann Uí Mhaonaigh and friends founded “Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy” in memory of Frankie. We will be remembering and celebrating Frankie in a special concert “Flutopia” presented by Belfast TradFest as well as a special concert with “Altan” in which he was a founding member alongside Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.
Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair is grateful for the support of its sponsors. Their support is of great importance for the event, which continues to grow and be a highlight of the traditional music calendar. You can find full details of all events on www.scoilgheimhridh.com, where you can also purchase your tickets.
The Scoil Gheimhridh is set in the stunning Gaeltacht region of North-West Donegal, and always promises to be a fun-filled five days for all ages, and this year is no exception! We have an incredible programme of events featuring renowned artists such as Altan, The Friel Sisters, An Crann Óg, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, Gary Hastings, Máire Ní Choilm and many many more. In addition to the concerts, there are also session trails, album launches, and workshops in music, song, and dance from some of the best performers, and not forgetting our Annual New Year’s Eve Hooley, with the incredible “Joe Jack Attack!” and some special guests – happening in Gaoth Dobhair’s newest venue, The Social!
If you’re interested in learning traditional Irish instruments, song, or dance; workshops will be held from December 28th to December 31st at Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair. The workshops will be led by some of the most respected musicians in the country, including acclaimed Uilleann Piper Mick O’Brien, Concertina players Colm Browne & Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Fiddlers Clare Friel of “Altan”, and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich on accordion, Desi Wilkinson on flute, sean-nós dancing with Becky Ní Éallaithe plus many more. Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh of “Altan” will also be leading a singing workshop, but it is almost sold out. You can find full details of the workshops and book your place on www.scoilgheimhridh.com.
27ú – Launch of the 30th Scoil Gheimhridh with Gary Hastings – Teach Huidaí Bhig 7pm.
28ú – Singing Concert: Ailleog an Oireachtais le Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh – Social 8.30pm
29ú – Evening Concert: Altan & An Crann Óg – Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair 8.30pm
30ú – Belfast TradFest presents “Flutopia”: Remembering Frankie Kennedy – Social 3.00pm
30ú – Evening Concert: The Friel Sisters & Frances Morton – Social 8.30pm
31ú – Madden’s Bar Belfast presents NYE Concert: Joe Jack Attack & Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich with Kyle MacAuley and many more – Social 9.30pm
