Excitement mounts for West Cork trad fest

With less than a week to go before the 2026 Masters of Tradition opens in Bantry, there is still time to book tickets for most events.

Curated by internationally renowned traditional fiddle player, Martin Hayes, the five day festival runs from 19-23 August with concerts in Bantry House, Marino Church, and other innovative venues including Whiddy Island and Future Forests.

Highlights include an eagerly anticipated late night candlelit performance in Bantry House by acclaimed singer and composer, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, who will present music from her forthcoming album ‘Sweet Sorrow’. Other highlights include performances from Ciarán Ó Gealbháin and Louise Mulcahy, Portuguese musician Tiago Matias, cellist Clíodhna Ní Aodáin, and fiddle virtuoso, Ryan Young.

A particularly special event this year is the world premiere of ‘Irish Rhapsody’ by Selena O'Neill, a pianist born in Chicago in 1893. An active figure in the city's Irish music community, O'Neill was best known for accompanying the Bantry-born collector, Francis O'Neill, although she has only recently been recognised as a composer in her own right. Unearthed through research by music historian Richie Piggott, ‘Irish Rhapsody’ is the first known example of her work in this role. It will be performed by Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy.

The programme also features a new companion work by composer, Seán Doherty, conceived as a contemporary response to O'Neill's composition.

The Cainteanna (Talks) series will include discussions, and chats, exploring music, creativity, tradition, philosophy, and history with an occasional tune or two for good measure. Held in Marino Church, Martin Hayes will be in conversation with an exceptional group of artists and musicians, including Ríoghnach Connolly, Kyle Sanna, and Charlie Piggott. Seán Doherty and Richie Piggott will also present the fascinating story behind the rediscovery of Selena O'Neill's work, exploring the historical significance of ‘Irish Rhapsody’ and the research that has brought forth a newly recovered voice in Irish music history.

Adding another sense of adventure to the festival, the popular Secret Concerts return each day with audiences invited to discover surprise performances in unique locations across the Bantry area. Venues include Whiddy Island, St Brendan's Church, and Future Forests, with the artists remaining a closely guarded secret until the performances begin.

Masters of Tradition takes place from 19-23 of August. For bookings and to see the full programme, visit westcorkmusic.ie.