If you're a fan of traditional Irish music, mark your calendar for the Ballydehob Traditional Music Festival 2023! This annual festival takes place in the village of Ballydehob, West Cork, from Friday, March 31st to Sunday, April 2nd.

We are delighted to be welcoming Cliona Halley and Darragh Carey Kennedy to Ballydehob this year. Cliona, originally from Cork, is a concertina, fiddle, and piano player. She has performed worldwide with Comhaltas Tours and recently performed at the World Expo in Dubai.

Darragh, from Tipperary, plays banjo and has also won numerous All Ireland titles. He is currently the Youth Officer of his local Comhaltas and loves promoting Irish traditional music.

In addition to these special guests, Ger O Donnell and Maria Ryan will also be performing at the festival. Ger is a hugely accomplished singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who regularly gigs with musicians like Trevor Sexton, Grainne Hunt, and Maria Ryan. Maria is a classically trained violinist and has worked with RTÉ and TG4.

All of these talented musicians will be performing at various events throughout the festival, including music sessions, ticketed concerts, and recitals. One of the highlights of the festival is the music sessions, which take place in the village's pubs and restaurants.

If you want to catch Cliona and Darragh, be sure to head to Rosie's Bar at 9:30 on Saturday 1st. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of traditional Irish music, as well as to meet other music enthusiasts.

The Ballydehob Traditional Music Festival is a must-visit event for anyone who loves traditional Irish music. The festival's warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the stunning backdrop of West Cork, makes it a truly unforgettable experience. Be sure to check the festival's official website for ticketing information and the full event schedule.