They'll come from Fearann wide for this festival!
A vibrant festival celebrating traditional and folk music is roaring into its fourth year in Cork next month with a very special guest on tow.
Féile Fearann Rí returns to Leeside from 25 to 28 March complete with workshops, rehearsals, concerts, recitals, sessions, and storytelling events across key venues around Cork city’s northside.
This year, fearless fiddler and bilingual singer, Clare Sands, will join the festivities, taking part in a number of performances throughout.
Sands, a sixth generation musician from Whitechurch, North Cork, is known for weaving traditional Irish roots with contemporary sounds and influences. Embodying a fearless warrior-like spirit, her songs are deeply connected to place and where folklore, language, and activism meet melody. As well as representing Ireland on global music stages, Clare is a cross-continental swimmer and black belt, with several world medals to her name.
Each year the féile features young traditional musicians from local schools alongside adult groups from the community, including Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny and Blarney. With musicians of all ages collaborating with renowned traditional artists, the festival creates a unique, vibrant, intergenerational musical experience for players and audiences alike.
The festival will launch on 25 March at 7pm in Hollyhill Library with a night of traditional music, song, and storytelling featuring The Gab, Clare Sands, and special guests. The launch event is open and free to all, but booking is required due to limited capacity.
On 26 March, the festival’s flagship event, the gala concert, will get underway from 7pm with Clare Sands and traditional musicians from the northside of Cork city. Tickets are €5 and can be purchased online via the festival website creativetradition.ie/féile.
A series of community sessions, recitals, and workshops will be held on 27 and 28 March, including free traditional music workshops and sessions in Hollyhill Library and Maureen’s Pub, providing a platform for musicians of all ages and abilities. Booking is required for some events. More info is available on the website.
Speaking ahead of the festival, organisers said: “Féile Fearann Rí is more than a festival – It’s an intergenerational celebration of community, musical culture, and folk traditions. With free events, engaging workshops, and top-class performances, the festival offers something for everyone. Join us for the craic!”
Féile Fearann Rí is supported by Creative Tradition, Music Generation Cork City, the Arts Council, Cork City Council, and Musical Neighbourhoods