Bantry House is a theatrical place, full of drama and character, commanding views across the waters of Bantry Bay to Whiddy Island and the Caha Mountains.
The library with its fine acoustics, is the setting for the fourth Masters of Tradition Festival which began last night.
The event features the premiere performance of David Flynn's especially composed Music for the Departed, written from the traditional music background, with influence from the chamber music side, with Martin Hayes, fiddle, Denis Cahill, guitar and Ioana Petcu-Colan, on violin.
Festival organiser Ruud Kuper explains why the festival, which began as an experiment, is unique. "It's popular with musicians who are not under pressure from any kind of commercialism. We have been able to capture an audience that goes along with the impromptu performances." Australia born Steve Cooney, who led yesterday's late night session, said: "It's a well organised festival in a beautiful setting. There is enough structure, but enough inspiration too. With the various combinations of musicians, this spontaneous cross- pollination, there is a sense of something unusual occurring."
Cooney is settled in Co Donegal with his partner, harpist Laoise Kelly, and their three-year-old son. He is visiting lecturer on music in a number of colleges and has developed a new musical notation system for children.
Singer Karan Casey features in the main concert tonight while Iarla Ó'Lionáird, in his youth an all-Ireland sean-nós singing champion, sings on both Saturday and Sunday. Full details are on www.westcorkmusic.ie