Fastnet Fest adds stunning film to lineup

Audiences at this year’s Fastnet Film Festival are in for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling with the confirmed special screening of an award-winning Irish film.

‘Trad’, the acclaimed new film from director Lance Daly, comes to the festival on 22 May, fresh from winning the Audience Award at the Galway Film Fleadh 2025.

Written and directed by Daly, the film follows gifted young fiddle player Shona McAnally and her brother Mickey as they leave their home in the Donegal Gaeltacht to join a troupe of roaming musicians. What unfolds is a rich, emotional journey across Ireland full of adventure, romance, and the raw, exhilarating energy of traditional music.

The film features a stellar cast including Sarah Greene, Peter Coonan, Aidan Gillen, and Ann Skelly, alongside exciting new talents Megan NicFhionnghaile and Cathal Palmer. Audiences can expect electrifying trad sessions and a deeply moving coming-of-age story that celebrates Ireland’s musical soul.

Following the screening, festivalgoers will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes during a live Q&A session with director Lance Daly, and actors Megan NicFhionnghaile and Dallán Woods, moderated by acclaimed filmmaker Paddy Breathnach.

The evening begins in style with a West Cork Distillery drinks reception. Guests will be welcomed with refreshing West Cork Whiskey highballs, a lively blend of whiskey, tonic, bitters, ice, and fresh orange. Neat pours will also be available.

The event on 22 May is just one highlight in an exciting festival lineup soon to be revealed in full at a special launch event at The Crane Lane, Cork city, next Thursday from 6–8pm. Attendees will enjoy free entry, drinks, and finger food courtesy of Benny and Cliona McCabe and Rising Sons Brewery, plus exclusive film previews.