DATES: ☘️April 16th - 23rd 2025☘️

Arrive/Depart: Shannon, Cork or Dublin Airport

GROUP RATES AVAILABLE - PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US  

Highlights  

*Mighty Tradtional Irish Music Sessions featuring musicians from the Sliabl Luachra Area and Further Beyond.

*Set Dancing & Singing Workshops

*Céilí Mór:  With "The Shandrum Céilí Band" (Big Band) 

*Sliabh Luachra Mass

*The Kiskeam Brass Band

*The Ardnaceol Sliabh Luachra Concert

*Road Race In Kiskeam

*The Annual Easter Hunt

*The Ring Of Kerry Tour

*The Gap Of Dunloe Tour

*The Dingle Peninsula Tour

Services: 

*7 Nights Accommodation -4* Hotel

*Full Irish Breakfast each morning

*Pick Up & Drop off at your Airport.

*Driver/Guided Sightseeing Excursions as per Itinerary. 

*Admission to all Festival Events.

Hotels Or Similar: 

The International Hotel, Killarney - 4* 

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Notes:

☘️ The Maurice O'Keeffe Easter Weekend Festival Celebrates Maurice's legacy & The Nurturing Of The Local Tradition Which He Loved And Championed.

 ☘️ This is a Week-Long Festival of Sessions, Céilís, Set Dancing Workshops, Concerts, Mass and Choir, & Much More!

 ☘️ The Festival includes Morning Escorted Tours including visits to The Ring Of Kerry, The Dingle Peninsula, The Gap Of Dunloe  & West Cork.

 ☘️ The Festival is a annual Celebration Of Maurice O'Keeffe's Life.

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

Session:  With Timmy O'Connor, Pat Fleming, Maria O'Connor & Eilís Murphy  

Location: The Rock Bar, Newmarket

Time: 7:00pm

**On arrival in Shannon Airport, we will transfer to your Hotel in the Killarney Area.

Settle into the Surrounds of the area & your Hotel before heading to the opening Session of what will be the start of a week long feast of MIGHTY Music, Craic, Set-Dancing Concerts, Sightseeing tours around Kerry & Cork and much more!

Held Annually during Easter Week, since 2001 this week-long Festival is a celebration of the life of an amazing man.

Maurice O' Keeffe (1919 - 2017) was born and lived all his life in Glounreigh between Ballydesmond and Kiskeam in County Cork.

Maurice was quoted saying during an interview that "his mother always heard him diddling and whistling from the age of 6 years old". Its said that this is what prompted her to purchase his first fiddle when he was just 10 years of age, which she purchased from a shop in Ballydeswmond for an amount of ten pence. She then arranged for lessons from a renowned  teacher from Glounreigh;, John Linehan.

His fame grew over his lifetime due to his beautiful gift for the music of his locality. His generosity to all by means of the dispersal of the many tunes he had gathered and learned throughout his life will last in the minds and hearts of many, lasting for generations and keeping the tradition and history alive! 

At the age of 88, and still playing his music as youthfully as a teen age boy, Maurice O’Keeffe was awarded the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Award for his outstanding contribution to the music of the Sliabh Luachra area.

Sliabh Luachra, often translated into "The Mountain of Rushes" or "The Rushy Mountains" is a region with much mystique. Bordered roughly by Castleisland, Killarney and Millstreet, the region has cultivated strong traditions related to music, set dancing and poetry. The Sliabh Luachra style of music has been described as an emotional and dance-oriented style.

Pádraig O’Keeffe & Cal O'Callaghan: Much of the musical history of the area comes from Pádraig O’Keeffe. Born in 1887 in the small town of Gleanntán (also known as Glountain, and currently called knockdown), County Kerry. His father was known as a strict school teacher, and his mother came from the musical O'Callaghan family of Doon. Her brother Cal O'Callaghan was widely know as a fine fiddler, and he had a powerful influence on the youthful Pádraig, who started playing fiddle at the tender age of four years old! Link for more details on Cal O'Callaghan, "Doon Reel's" and Pádraig O'Keeffe

Overnight at your hotel in the Killarney Area

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

FESTIVAL OPENING SESSION: With Conor Daly, Maria Cotter, Pat Fleming, Alan Finn & Shane O'Riordan.  

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam.

Time: 9:00pm

**Today you will start the day on a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular scenery such as mountains, peat, bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Enjoy a stop at two of the Ring of Kerry’s most spectacular beauty spots.

Molls Gap and Ladies’ View- Molls’ Gap, a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour. The visitor is presented with a magnificent view of The Black Valley.

Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point which gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.

Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula & Dingle Bay.

Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses, before arriving back in Killarney.

Return To Your Hotel In Killarney where you will have free time before the Festival's evening Sessions.

This evenings Session is held in Kiskeam.

Kiskeam is a small unspoiled village situated to the east of the Cork-Kerry border, the Duhallow Region. Link to Kiskeam - Wikipedia

The Irish name for the village is Coiscéim na Caillí  which translates into “footstep of the old hag”. The story of how Kiskeam got Its name can be found on the site of University College Dublin within their National Folklore Collection,  “The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0621, Page 413” by Dúchas © National Folklore Collection, UCD 

Marking the connection with the legendary Caileach, (hag) is the Hag sculpture in Kiskeam by Éilis Ní Fhaoláin’s, which commemorates the mythological figure that lends the village its original name, Coiscéam na Caillí, the Hag’s Step.

Overnight at your hotel in the Killarney Area

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

Céilí Mór:  With Tim Joe & Ann O'Rirdan

Location: Ballydesmond Hall

Time: 9:30pm

Session:  With Mickey O'Gorman, Marie O'Gorman, Kate O'Gorman, Deirdre Drew & Fiona O'Hanlon  

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 9:00pm

Session:  With Alan Finn, Cormac O'Hanlon, Eddie Kiely & Liam Moynihan  

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 9:00pm

Session:  With Pat Fleming, Maria Cotter, Conor Daly, John Coakley, Kate Lyons & Timmy Keane  

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 9:00pm

**This morning starts with a trip to Blarney Castle, Kinsale, West Cork, Bantry House,  Gougane Barra & Kenmare

Blarney Castle.

Depart Killarney & stop in the town of Blarney to visit Blarney Castle. Here you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Kiss it & you’ll never again be lost for words. Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills.

The presence of the Woollen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property.

Within a short period of time Chris & his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.

Kinsale.

Walking around town, it’s hard to disagree. Kinsale’s is known as the “gourmet capital of Ireland” – a status that has been years in the making – and today you’re unlikely to find another town on the island of Ireland that boasts such a wide range of quality restaurants in such a small space.

There are few better ways to appreciate the glorious landscape that surrounds Kinsale than with a drive out to the Old Head of Kinsale. Hedgerow-lined roads twist and twirl offering shockingly beautiful glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean as you head up close to the tip of this peninsula (the very tip is occupied by the Kinsale Golf Club).

Jagged cliffs plummet into the churning ocean and are topped by a flat plateau of green that sweeps out to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse. While you can’t walk all the way out to the tip, you can walk some of the way there, and even if you’re driving it’s worth getting out to stretch the legs and take in the surroundings.

The peninsula is also home to the Lusitania Museum, a small but interesting exhibition that details the tragic sinking of the ship off the County Cork coast.

Return To Your Hotel In Killarney where you will have free time before the 

Festival's Evening Sessions &  Céilí Mór

Bantry House & Gardens.

House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry. The title lapsed in 1891 but the House is still owned and lived in by the direct descendant of the 1st Earl of Bantry, Egerton Shelswell-White and his family. It has been open to the public since 1946.

The House has an important collection of art treasures mainly collected by the 2nd Earl of Bantry on his Grand Tour. The treasures include a unique collection of French and Flemish tapestries, furniture, and carpets and objects of art. 

The Garden is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A Parterre was created facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain. 

From there rise the famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron. From the top garden at the top of the stairs, stunning views over Bantry Bay await the visitor. 

Gougane Barra.

Gougane Barra, a picturesque valley and forested area located in County Cork, Ireland 

The centerpiece of Gougane Barra is its tranquil lake, which mirrors the changing foliage and adds an extra layer of beauty to the scene. The clear waters of the lake seem even more pristine in the autumn, reflecting the fiery foliage above. The ripples on the surface catch the sunlight, creating a sparkling and mesmerizing effect. 

Gougane Barra is also home to the St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a small church located on an island in the lake. In the spring, the peacefulness of this spiritual retreat is heightened, offering visitors a quiet space for reflection and a sense of timelessness amidst the changing seasons.

Return to Killarney before heading to the Festival events in Kiskeam and Ballydesmond.

This evening you will be in Kiskeam and Ballydesmond.

Ballydesmond is a small vibrant community situated in the heart of Sliabh Luachra which is very well known for its music and culture. 

The village is on the Cork/Kerry border and on the banks of the River Blackwater. The village was built in 1832 in the hope that it would become a resting place for passing travelers to and from Cork City.

Its beautiful wild scenery with a number of lovely streams including the River Blackwater which is one of the most popular fishing rivers in Ireland.

For the sports person, the local GAA field with its river walk is a delight with two top class Handball Courts, Sports Gym and an outdoor Playground for kids.

Also a must when in the area is to explore Duhallow Way which can take walking enthusiast through some lovely forests with the rugged hills and valleys!

Overnight at your hotel in the Killarney Area

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

Fiddle - The Maurice O'Keeffe Perpetual Cup

Duet Competition - The Murice O'Keeffe Perpetual Shield

Location: Kiskeam National School

Time: 11:00am

Set Dancing Workshop Reviving the Older Sets from the area. 

With John "The Lepper" Lynch

Location: Kiskeam Community Centre.

Time: 2:30pm

Céilí Mór:  With Multi All Ireland Champions, 

"The Shandrum Céilí Band" (Big Band)

Location: Ballydesmond Hall

Time: 9:30pm

Singing Session:  with Christy Cronin, Nora Mary O'Riordan, Pat Sullivan & Steve Roche.  

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 5:00pm

Session:  With Mike & Neil Brosnan, Geraldine Brosnan

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 3:00pm

Session:  With Timmy O'Connor, Pat Fleming, Conor Daly,Fionn O'Hanlon, Simon Creehan, Billy O'Keeffe & Timmy Keane

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 5:30pm

Session:  With Connie Moynihan, Ger Culhane & Denis O'Connor

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 9:30pm

Session:  With Nicky & Anne McAuliffe, Mary Crowley & John Connelly

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 6:00pm

Session:  With Darragh O'Shea, Rachel O'Connor, Síle Kavanagh & Leah Murphy

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 9:30pm

Session:  With Jonathan Roche, Eilís Murphy & Sean Leahy

Location: Bob's Bar, Ballydesmond

Time: 9:00pm

**Today will be a full day of events, from Music Sessions to Set Dancing Workshops, Competitions and The Céilí Mór 

You will be immersed in an entire day of Irish Music, Dance and Singing today.

Arrive early so you have leisurely time to stroll around town and you will surely want to have a tasting of the unforgettable Irish local baked goods and confectionery, such as Scones, Brown Breads, Apple & Rhubarb Tarts, Queen Cakes, Cheesecakes & Madeira Cakes.

Over 2,000 years ago, during the Iron Age Era, Celtic people settled in Ireland and started creating their own music in about 500 BC.

It was then that traditional Irish music was born, and it was handed down through the generations through aural and oral traditions. Musicians would learn by ear, and they never formally wrote down the music or lyrics.

Irish folk music evolved over the centuries and became an important thread running through Irish history. The melodies and lyrics of some folk songs carry a history and knowledge from way back when. They continue our story as a people to the present day

On the Calendar this morning is the Set Dancing Workshop with John "The Lepper" Lynch!

Irish Set Dancing - Steip a dhéanamh (Gaelic) are based on quadrilles, which were court dances. These were transformed by the Irish into a unique folk dance of the Irish rural communities. A form of social dancing, sets are danced by four couples in a square, and usually consist of three to six Figures with a short pause between each. 

You will love this evenings concert featuring The Shandrum Céilí Band, formation of the band was in December 2014. The band is now, more so than ever in demand across the country and abroad to perform music for dances, concerts and céilithe.

Each of their members, have their own impressive history.....

Alan Finn, the band’s leader, is an Accordion and Fiddle player from Buttevant, Co. Cork. He began playing music at the age of five, learning from his cousin Maggie McCarty, and from very early on, attended local music sessions in the North Cork area. He has many All-Ireland titles to his name, not only as leader of the Awbeg and Shandrum Céilí Bands, but also in solo, duet and trio competitions. Alan has been awarded the prestigious Micheál O’hÉidhin medal and the Churchtown medal of honour in recognition of his accomplishments. He has toured extensively across Europe and America, most notably playing for President Barack Obama in the White House on St. Patrick’s Day 2009. Alan now teaches music and he has coached his students, Grupaí Ceoil and Céilí Bands to many All-Ireland successes.

Mikie O’Gorman is a fiddle player who hails from a strong musical family in Boherbue, Co. Cork. He began learning the fiddle when he was 9 years old, becoming well versed in the local Sliabh Luachra style of fiddle playing. He was a member of the underage Maule Cross Céilí Band who went on to have great success at county, provincial and All-Ireland level. He also claimed All-Ireland honours in the 15-18 trio competition of Fleadh Cheoil 2009 with two other members of that band, including his brother Billy. Mikie currently works as a primary school teacher in Ballincollig, Co. Cork and is a prominent fiddle player and teacher in Co. Cork and beyond.

Eddie Kiely is a fiddle player from Boherbue, Co. Cork. He started playing music at the age of 8, learning from Buttevant musician, Alan Finn. He later joined the Freemount branch of Comhaltas winning All-Ireland medals with the u15 Crossfields Céilí Band and with an u18 grúpa ceoil, both under the guidance of Alan Finn. He also performed in the National Concert Hall in the 2014 final of Siansa Gael Linn with the group Lasair. Eddie is currently a primary school teacher and teaches with the Freemount branch of Comhaltas.

Brian O’Loughlin was born and raised in the north Clare village of Corofin. From a strong musical family, he started the flute at the age of 8. At 11 years of age, he won his first All Ireland solo title and duet title with his brother Keith. He also had numerous All-Ireland successes in the underage céilí band competitions, being a member of the Inis Óg Céilí Band under the direction of Padraic O’Reilly. In 2015, Brian released an album with French piper Tom Delany, accompanied by West Kerry’s Dessie Kelleher on guitar. Brian now resides in Ennis where he is a much sought after performer and teacher.

Timmy Collins is a flute player and set dancer from Kiskeam, Co. Cork. A native of Sliabh Luachra, he has been heavily influenced by the musicians of this unique style of traditional Irish music. His interest in céilí bands began in his teens when dancing at céilithe and playing with the underage Maule Cross Céilí Band. He has competed and often championed at All-Ireland level competitions, in both music and dancing, such as Fleadh, Siansa and Scór. As a fluent Irish speaker, Timmy finished the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas in NUI Galway to become a secondary school teacher in Irish and Mathematics.

Keith O’Loughlin was born in Corofin, Co Clare, an area rich in the Irish music tradition. He comes from a very musical family and started playing the banjo at the age of 8 under the tutelage of Marcus Moloney. He competed with success in the All-Ireland Fleadh on a number of occasions in solo, duet and trio competitions and with the Burren and Inis Óg céilí bands and groups. Keith regularly teaches at workshops both in Ireland and abroad and he can be found playing all over Clare and at various festivals around the country throughout the year.

Tadgh O’Sullivan is a concertina player from Millstreet, Co. Cork. He started playing music at the age of 9, learning from Lixnaw musician, Anne McAuliffe. He later joined the Freemount branch of Comhaltas winning All-Ireland medals with the u15 Crossfields Céilí Band and with an u18 grúpa ceoil, both under the guidance of Alan Finn. He also performed in the National Concert Hall in the 2014 final of Siansa Gael Linn with the group Lasair. Tadgh is currently a primary school teacher and teaches with the Millstreet, and Freemount branches of Comhaltas.

Aileen O’Callaghan is a piano player from Mallow in North Cork. She took up music at a very early age and went on to study Music at University College Cork before completing her training in Education in 2014. She has had huge success with céilí bands, having played the fiddle with the 2012 All Ireland Champions, The Awbeg Céilí Band. She has been teaching piano and concertina for the past 14 years. She has performed across Europe including England, France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy. Aileen currently teaches Maths and Music at St. Aloysius Secondary School, Cork.

Ger Naughton is a musician from Newtownshandrum in Co. Cork. He is a recent graduate of Architecture having studied in University College Cork, and is now a practicing Architect. Ger has played music practically all his life. He started learning the concertina at the age of 6 from Con Herbert, competing in the Fleadh Cheoil almost every year since in underage solo, group and band competitions. Ger also plays the bodhrán, drums and bouzouki, which he teaches at several local Comhaltas branches and performs at gigs, concerts and céilithe regularly throughout the country.

Bláithín Kennedy is a multi-instrumentalist from Co. Tipperary. Blaithín has been an All Round winner at the All Ireland Fleadhanna Cheoils from a very young age - having won All Ireland medals in Fiddle, Viola, Mandolin, Tin Whistle and the Newly Composed Tune competition. Bláithín has also taken second place in the highly esteemed Fiddler of Dooney Competition in Co.Sligo. She was also a part of the senior Grúpa Ceoil ‘Tairseach’ that took first place at the All Ireland Fleadh in 2018. She has completed her SCT Comhaltas exams and performance diploma on fiddle and was awarded an hÉidhin medal in recognition of the grade she achieved. In 2019, Blaithín was part of the Echoes of Éireann Comhaltas Tour of Ireland and Great Britain. She is currently studying to become a Primary School Teacher in Mary Immaculate College.

Andrew Collins. Hailing from Dringah, near Skibbereen in West County Cork, Andrew is a dancer and multi instrumentalist. Playing both the Piano, and the Piano Accordion, he was crowned the senior Munster champion on both instruments at the Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2022, in Newcastlewest. Andrew has won seven All Ireland medals in Fleadh Cheoil competitions in both Dancing and Music throughout the years. He was recently awarded the prestigious Mícheál Ó hEidhin medallion for achieving a distinction result in his Grade 8 SCT exam. He dances in both the styles of Sean Nós dancing and Irish dancing. Having qualified for three world Irish Dancing Championships, Sean Nós dancing is his preferred style as well as his brush being his favourite dance partner. Andrew is currently studying to become a primary school teacher in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and is a regular performer as both a musician and dancer at many festivals and Fleadh Cheoils across Ireland.

Overnight at your hotel In The Killarney Area

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

Sliabh Luachra Mass (Music & Choir)

Location: Kiskeam Church

Time: 10:30am

The Kiskeam Brass Band

Location: Kiskeam Church Car Park

Time: 11:30am

The Mighty Youth Session:  With Eddie Kiely

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 3:00pm

Ardnaceol Sliabh Luachra Concert

Location: Community Centre

Time: 7:30pm

Session:  With Maeve, Eimer & Clodagh Buckley & Diarmuid O' Brien

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 2:00pm

Session:  With DJ Curtin, Adrian McAuliffe & Gearóid Ó Duinnín

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 9:00pm

Session:  With Lisa O'Sullivan, Eoin "Stan" O Sullivan, Mike "Tosh" O'Sullivan & Flor O'Rathaille

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 5:00pm

Session:  With Alan Finn, Keith & Brian O'Loughlan, Cormac O'Hanlon & Liam Moynihan

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 9:30pm

Session:  With Con Herbert, Liam Flanagan, John McNulty & Mike Barrett

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 9:30pm

Session:  With Tadgh O'Sullivan, Eddie Kiely, Shane O'Riordan & Ian Sheehy

Location: Bob's Bar, Ballydesmond

Time: 9:00pm

Sliabh Luachra describes a Region and is very well known for its music and culture. 

Boherbue: The village of Boherbue is situated on a hillock, 600ft above sea-level, on the main Cork – Tralee road.

 It is in the barony of Duhallow and its situation takes in sections of the townlands of Laharn, Gneeves and Derrynatubrid. It is situated in a very strategic position, often called “The Gateway to West Duhallow” or indeed “The Gateway to Sliabh Luachra” as the signpost in the square reveals.

The village of Boherbue is a thriving rural hamlet, neat and well kept.

Boherbue Village by Louis Mc Carthy.

"Interview By Paschal Sheehy:"

US Ambassador visits ancestral home in Boherbue Co. Cork.

Southern Editor:

The US Ambassador to Ireland has visited his ancestral home in Co Cork, just ten days into his new job.

Billionaire businessman Edward Crawford's mother emigrated to New York from the village of Boherbue in 1927.

Boherbue is a north Cork village with a population of less than 500 people.

Local people say the village has not hosted a dignitary like this, since the Druid Buí lived here in 2000 BC.

The new US Ambassador to Ireland even made front-page news - there was a 'Welcome Home' message to him in this week's edition of The Corkman newspaper.

Edward Crawford has been to Boherbue half a dozen times since his first visit in the mid-1960s, but he was clearly moved by today's welcome.

Inside the parish hall, he learned about his north Cork ancestors.

Afterwards, he said happiness summed up what the visit meant to him, to be among family and friends.

At Billy Murphy's Bar, Ambassador Crawford gave his verdict on a very Irish refreshment. He described the pint of stout there as brilliant.

And his visit was completed by a trip to the house at Gneeves in Boherbue, which his mother Kate Healy left when she emigrated to the US in 1927.

Millstreet: Millstreet (“Sráid and Mhuilinn”) is a town in the south of Duhallow in the shadows of Claragh Mountains. Millstreet is situated midways between Mallow and Killarney. The town of Millstreet grew up in the 18th century – as the name implies – around the little mill situated on the Station Road.

There are some fifty-five splendid prints referring to the Millstreet area in the famous William Lawrence Pictorial Collection. These photographs incorporating, Millstreet Town, Drishane Estate and Great houses were taken between 1880 and 1912.

The town is famous for the annual Millstreet International Horse Show. 

In the mountains overlooking the town is Millstreet Country Park where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the town and the surrounding area.

Kanturk:  Is a thriving market town nestled on the banks of the confluence of two rivers, the Allow River and Dalua River. 

Kanturk has three public riverside parks and shops galore! With a creamery situated in the town centre, shops for all tastes and a strong presence of boutiques with all shops within an easy walking distance from each other. Link to Kanturk - Wikipedia

The town’s name is derived from the Irish ‘Ceann Tuirc’ (Boar’s Head) and local legend claims that the last wild boar in Ireland was slain there. 

Kanturk has a rich and diverse history influenced by both the Gaelic and Planter heritage.

Prior to 1601 the Blackwater Valley, where Kanturk is located, had grown rich on exporting wool and provisions and had a thriving import economy based on wine. 

Bordering the renowned Sliabh Luachra region, traditional Irish music is a strong feature of the town and hinterland. 

Duhallow: The Duhallow region includes north west Cork and south east Kerry.

It is approximately 1,800 sq.km and has a population density of 16 per sq.km. It is a largely rural area and over 85% of the population live in the open countryside or in settlements of less than 200 people. Link to Duhallow Walkways

Ballydesmond: Ballydesmond is a small vibrant community situated in the heart of Sliabh Luachra which would be very well known for its music and culture. 

The village can be found on the Cork/Kerry border and on the banks of the River Blackwater. The village was built in 1832 in the hope that it would become a resting place for passing travellers to and from Cork City.

The Ballydesmond Community Centre was built in the early eighties with a view to promote a facility for all age groups to participate in the different interests and activities that people enjoy and the Community Centre has more than fulfilled its expectations. Link to Ballydesmond - Wikipedia

Newmarket: Newmarket is nestled in a beautiful pastoral setting situated north west of Kanturk bordering counties Kerry and Limerick. Founded in the 17th century, Newmarket is historically known as Áth Trasna and originated as a market town in the barony of Duhallow. 

The famous Aldworth family home stands monumentally overlooking the town. 

This building known as the James O’Keeffe Institute, now houses several enterprises including IRD Duhallow. 

The Island Wood (Coill an Oileann) in Newmarket is a beautiful visitor park which is the base for setting off a number of beautiful walking trails. Link to Newmarket - Wikipedia

Many Biographies and Photos from the Sliabh Luachra Archive may be found on the World Fiddle Day SCARTAGLIN website: https://worldfiddledayscartaglin.ie/?page_id=5

Overnight at your hotel In The Killarney Area

FESTIVAL EVENTS :

The Annual Road Race:

Location: Kiskeam

Time: 11:00am

Easter Egg Hunt:

Location: Kiskeam

Time: 1:00pm

Session:  With Tim Browne, John Drew, Eoin "Stan" O'Sullivan & Timmy O'Connor

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 1:30pm

Session: With Clare O'Loughlin & Rosie Healy

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 3:00pm

The Mighty Closing Session:  With Mick Culloty & Friends

Location: John D's - Sliabh Luachra, Ballydesmond

Time: 4:30pm

"THE MONDAY MADNESS"

Sunday Cure: With John J, DJ &Co

Location: The Shamrocks, Kiskeam

Time: 6:30pm

Up In Smoke

Location: The Why Not, Kiskeam

Time: 8:30pm

**Today will be another  full day of events, from The Road Race in Kiskeam to an Easter Egg Hunt and Sessions including the Mighty Festival Closing Session.

 "THE IRISH SESSION"

Everyone needs an elixir of life. For the followers of traditional music, it's the "Session", that exciting event that pulls people together and binds them with an invisible force. 

A good Session generates its own energy, a resonance that fills the void of time space, a sacred rite of rhythm and rhyme which allows the soul to free itself from the fetters of mediocracy.

Each participant becomes suspended on a wave of musical motion, savoring every note and nuance. 

The Session gives one a glimpse of such an event in Irish life, capturing the mood and spirit, the interplay between artists and audience. 

Glimpses of history emerge from the introductions to the music and songs given by the performers to hold the attention of the listener.  

Strong singing couples with assertive confident playing dictates the pace throughout a Session. 

There is much to be found in a live session where performers are striving to produce their very best in front of a focused audience and where every note and phrase hangs in the balance between perfection and human frailty.

The Session captures that elusive balance while celebrating the wealth of our tradition with pride and panache.

Overnight at your hotel In The Killarney Area

The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of County Kerry and indeed Ireland. Stretching through the MacGuillicuddy Reeks mountain range, this beautiful glacial valley simply must be experienced to be appreciated. 

You will be collected from your Hotel by your Driver/Guide, for this memorable trip.

The tour begins with a short journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you can take a jaunting car or go on horseback through the six mile pass. 

A packed lunch can be arranged at Lord Brandon's cottage upon request. Once through the gap, boats are waiting for the homeward journey via the enchanting Upper, Middle & Lower Lakes to historic Ross Castle where your transport awaits you for the journey back to Killarney or alternatively, disembark at the hotels' own pier.

You will enjoy superb views of the Iveragh Peninsula, taking in spectacular scenery, mountains, peat bogs, lakes & magnificent views of Killarney National Park

Overnight at your hotel in Killarney Area

After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to your Airport for your departure flight home.