Féile Patrick Byrne

Beginning in 2007 the Carrickmacross branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have organised a traditional music festival in honour of the 19th century harper Patrick Byrne who was the first Irish traditional musician ever photographed. This festival known as Féile Patrick Byrne is held annually on the Palm Sunday weekend and takes place in and around Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

The féile aims to showcase the best of traditional music and dance through Concerts, Workshops, Sessions, a Lecture, Heritage Walk and Céilí. This years headline act is ‘The Mairtín O’Connor Band’ featuring Mairtín with Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd with support from Grúpa Cheoil Turas.

Féile Patrick Byrne is the perfect event to sample genuine traditional music sessions. With the session trail you’ll discover the real tradition and have an opportunity to get involved by playing, singing or dancing.

Along with the concerts, there will be workshops including one with champion dancer Aoife McCabe who will be giving a Sean Nós dancing workshop. There will also be a session trail and a sets céilí with The Salamanca Céilí Band, as well as heritage events.

For full details of the programme please visit feilepatrickbyrne, or follow on Facebook for the latest information. If you have any queries about the festival or wish to register for one of the Workshops, then please send an email to [email protected].