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- Irish Independent
Eight things not to miss at Clare's Doolin FolkFest this weekend
Taking place in the barn at Hotel Doolin, the 2025 edition of Doolin FolkFest is running from the evening of Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15.
The inaugural festival took place back in 2013, with inspiration from their neighbours in Lisdoonvarna, and locals deemed it such a resounding success that it has continued since (lockdown excluded).
This year's festival is expected to be even bigger and better than previous festival's, with well-known and highly regarded acts like John Francis Flynn, Lemoncello, Fionn Regan, Gemma Hayes, Muireann Bradley, and the Riptide Movement included on the line-up.
As well as the music, there will be wellness sessions run by Sauna Suaimhneas, amazing food by Hotel Doolin, and more.
If you're heading down to Doolin this weekend, here's what The Irish Independent has deemed a 'not to miss':
John Francis Flynn
If you get the chance to see John Francis Flynn live, you do not pass it up.
The multi-instrumentalist and singer's work blends the worlds of Irish traditional music and contemporary folk, with his sophomore album Look Over the Wall, See the Sky amassing overwhelming critical acclaim.
His live shows are a powerful celebration of his trad and folk roots, leaving you thoroughly satisfied but wanting more.
The musician is scheduled to perform at 7.30pm on Sunday on the Barn Stage – don't miss it!
Anything Sauna Suaimhneas
You have not known heaven until you take a break from the hustle and bustle of a festival for some well-deserved self-care.
The Sauna Suaimhneas rejuvenating set up will be on site at Doolin FolkFest for Saturday and Sunday.
Wellness sessions over the two days include:
Whether you just want to take in the restorative qualities of a sauna or feel some movement is more up your alley, any of these session can be booked through the Sauna Suaimhneas website.
Lemoncello
Described as 'a vital voice in the thriving alternative folk scene in Ireland', Lemoncello is a folk duo comprised of songwriter Laura Quirke and cellist Claire Kinsella.
The pair, who started playing together while studying in Maynooth, have received wide praise since they first started releasing music in 201, and have been nominated in many categories across the RTÉ Folk Awards.
The duo play Doolin FolkFest on Friday at 7.30pm.
Layered harmony and raw vocals are emphasised throughout their live sets, of which they have performed many – touring with the likes of Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill, Cormac Begley, and Fionn Regan.
Fionn Regan
Speaking of Fionn Regan, the Bray musician plays Doolin FolkFest on Saturday at 9.00pm.
Beginning his musical career in the early 2000s, the folk musician has a wealth of experience in his musical collection. And that will be evident in his Doolin FolkFest set as it is in any of his live performances.
Regan has received nominations for the Choice Music Prize in Ireland, the Mercury Prize in the United Kingdom and the Shortlist Music Prize in the United States – and has even been referred to as "his generation's answer to Bob Dylan" by Lucinda Williams.
Long story short – don't miss him.
Muireann Bradley
Donegal musician Muireann Bradley has become well known as a blues prodigy, at only 18-years-old. The singer and guitarist rose to fame through YouTube, with an appearance on Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny to ring in 2024 shooting her into household recognition status.
Bradley plays Doolin FolkFest on Saturday at 7.15pm, and boy, are you in for a treat!
Laura Duff
Hailing from Limerick's vibrant music scene, Laura Duff is set to dazzle crowds at Doolin FolkFest from 5.00pm on Sunday.
The musician's introspective and powerful lyrics, accompanied by emotive instrumentalism has been honed over her past decade of work, all culminating in the recent release of her debut album, Sea Legs.
Duff and her band have had a busy few years opening for incredible artists such as Lisa O'Neill and Arab Strap, as well as touring her own work and being selected to perform at Ireland Music Week.
Get down to watch her at Doolin FolkFest so you can claim you knew her before she was famous when she inevitably ends up headlining major festivals.
The Davies Brothers
Eoin and Brian Davies are identical twin singer-songwriters from County Clare who perform under the band name 'The Davies Brothers'.
The pair have a unique way of layering harmonies and building both vocals and instruments that could reduce you to tears. Their raw lyricism and exceptional live performances make this pair one to watch.
The duo takes to the Garden Stage at 4.30pm on Saturday.
Elephant Sessions
Finally, Elephant Sessions will perform on Sunday night at 11.30pm.
The electronic, dance, and folk group from the Highlands of Scotland are a unique experience to say the least. Fusing trad, funk, electronica, dance, and folk into a progressive, bold sound has seen the band play Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluefest, and Celtic Connections.
Dancing the night away is promised at one of their gigs, and with the group having won 'Live Act of the Year' at 2018's BBC Scots Trad Music Awards, you even have the official guarantee of a great gig.
