Music

Five must-see events before Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ends

What to watch out for as the world’s biggest Irish trad festival enters its final three days

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann: Téada, with Séamus Begley, perform in Drogheda on Saturday, August 18th

Anna Joyce
Thu Aug 16 2018 - 16:00

There are still three full days to go of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest traditional Irish music festival, which began on Sunday in Drogheda. Here are five events worth heading to Co Louth for this weekend.

Legacy: National Folk Orchestra of Ireland

Fleadh Concert Dome; Friday, August 17th, 8pm; tickets €15/€10 (€40 family), available here
Legacy traces the history of Irish music, song, language and stories. The more than 60 young musicians of the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland will be playing music composed by Tom Doorley, joined by some top-notch singers and dancers.

Tara Breen & Pádraig Rynne

Gerrard's Church; Friday, August 17th, 10pm; tickets €15, available here
This intimate gig is the perfect way to unwind at the festival. The multi-instrumentalist Tara Breen, a member of Stockton's Wing and regular touring member of The Chieftains, will be joined by the concertina player Pádraig Rynne, who has performed with the Grammy winners Mark Lettieri and Jason Thomas.

Marbhna 1916: Requiem

Augustinian Church; Saturday, August 18th, 5pm; tickets: €15/€7.50 (€40 family), available here
Odhrán Ó Casaide's Requiem for 1916, inspired by the original work of Seán Ó Riada, combines the sean-nós voice with chamber choir, orchestra, traditional and early musical instruments and classical solo voices. The combination of classical and Irish styles reflects the two musical traditions prominent during the Easter Rising of 1916.

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Téada with Séamus Begley; the Shandrum Céilí Band

Dominican Church; Saturday, August 18th, 8.30pm; tickets €25, available here
If you're looking for some traditional music with flair, the Shandrum Céilí Band could be the perfect event. Téada, with Séamus Begley, are an Irish traditional band who are garnering an international following. Three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions, they're one of the most successful céilí bands to have competed at the fleadh.

Senior Céilí Band Competition

Fleadh Concert Dome; Sunday, August 19th, 6.30pm; tickets €20 (limited availability; no online or telephone sales)
This highly anticipated event promises a night of music, competition and craic as bands fight to be crowned All-Ireland champions. To nab one of the small number of seats still available, you'll have to get in line at the box office, which will start selling them at 10am on Saturday, August 18th.