Cork set to welcome some of Ireland's top trad musicians for folk festival

Two hundred folk and traditional musicians will play 35 events in 15 venues across Cork city over five days.

The line-up for the 46th Cork Folk Festival has been announced, and the city can look forward to a mighty gathering of Ireland’s finest traditional and folk musicians.

The festival will run from October 1 to October 5, and will feature a wide-ranging programme of free and ticketed events across the city.

This year will see a special focus on traditional Irish instruments the concertina, the uilleann pipes, flutes and accordions.

Among the weekend highlights will be the Irish Concertina Orchestra playing with 60 musicians, performances on uilleann pipes and Galicia pipes, and a concert by master flute player Matt Molloy of The Chieftains.

Something for all aficionados

Festival chairman Jim Walsh said he was delighted to unveil this year’s schedule, and he felt it offered something for all music aficionados.

“The festival’s aim is to entice audiences to Cork to immerse themselves in a weekend of folk and traditional music, song and dance,” he said.

“We are scheduling 35 events featuring 200 musicians performing in 15 venues over five days.

“Musical highlights will include Jackie Daly at the Triskel. Jackie will be celebrating his 80th birthday year at a special concert curated by Jackie and Matt Cranitch.

“Look out for concerts with flute player Matt Molloy, singer Niamh Parsons, guitar player Seamie O’ Dowd, piper Peter Browne and singer-songwriter Trish Reilly,” Mr Walsh added.

The festival will feature concerts, sessions, CD and book launches, a walking tour, a talk, classes, céilí’s and open air events.

The festival is funded by the Cork City Council Arts Committee, The Arts Council, Failte Ireland.

The An Spailpín Fánach Weekend Ticket is available for €55. 

See https://www.corkfolkfestival.com.