Galway’s Traditional Music Centres

A music festival in Galway is known as a fleadh. The festival that takes place every year at Kinvara Village, just south of Galway, is becoming more popular each season.

The nearby town of Ennis (County Clare) hosts Fleadh Nua, a popular song and dance festival complete with competitions and workshops. Ennis is also home to such prominent traditional musicians as the Custy’s, Siobhan and Tommy Peoples, and flute player Kevin Crawford.

Famous singers and musicians from Galway include Delores and Sean Keane, Mairtin O’Connor, the accordion player, Arcady, and De Dannan.

Galway pubs also present their share of fine traditional Irish music. The Cottage Bar at Lower Salthill attracts many young aspiring musicians. Sean Ryan, the tin whistle master, has been playing at Crane’s each Sunday for over 20 years.

Winkle’s Hotel was the setting for the album Sharon Shannon, one of the most popular traditional Irish recordings ever issued.