Cork City set to welcome 15,000 visitors for Munster Fleadh
More than 15,000 visitors are expected in Cork for the Munster Fleadh and over 3,000 musicians, dancers, singers, Gaeilgeoirí, lilters, and storytellers will be vying to become provincial champions and qualify for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford.
While a total of 176 competitions will be held at MTU's Bishopstown campus, a session trail, concerts, gig-rig, street entertainment competition, Fleadh Club and trad disco will bring Irish traditional music to venues right across the city.
The weeklong festival features something for everyone, with Community Fleadh events including storytelling, an ogham carving session, walking tour, scéalaíocht, Pop-Up Gaeltacht, and trad/rap collaboration.
Sisters Roisin and Aisling Martin Comhaltas na Dúglaise getting ready for the Munster Fleadh. Picture: Clare Keogh
Workshops in sean-nós dancing, Irish and English singing, slow airs, and polka and slide-playing allow participants to hone their skills, and all are welcome to attend or join in the variety of pub, coffee house, and youth music sessions taking place across the week, from July 12 to 19.
'We hope that Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2025, through its extensive programme of events, will create opportunities where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect together through the shared love of music, song, dance, and storytelling and feel welcomed into a living expression of Irish identity,' said Fleadh chairman Ger O'Driscoll.
'Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2025 will be a joyful gathering of people that strengthens bonds, fosters a sense of belonging, and keeps our cultural traditions alive and thriving. This is particularly true here in Cork, a city that celebrates culture and people equally.'
A full programme of events can be found on munsterfleadh.ie
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan highlights
Music sessions in more than 30 Cork City pubs July 17-19;
Musicians, singers, and dancers perform at Fleadh Gig-Rig at Elizabeth Fort, July 17-19;
Fleadh concerts with Téada on July 11, Peter Street July 12, Máirtín Ó Connor Trio July 17, and Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray July 19;
Four days of competitions at MTU's Bishopstown Campus begin with dancing on July 16 at 9am and conclude with the senior céilí band contest on July 19 at 7.15pm;
Set-dancing céilí with Hammer the Floor at Douglas GAA Club, July 18;
Fleadh Club at the Crane Lane with Taobh na Mara Céilí Band July 18 and Shandrum Céilí Band July 19;
Oíche Scoraíochta, Spailpín Fánach July 17; Scéalaíocht do pháistí Cork City Library July 17;
Singers' Night, Spailpín Fánach, July 18;
Street entertainment competition July 12, 2-3.30pm, Oliver Plunkett St;
Youth music session, walled garden, Nano Nagle Place, July 12;
The Fleadh at Cork Penny Dinners, July 15, 6pm.
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