6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Popular Wexford beach to play host to New Ross Guitar Festival
During the festival weekend, the peaceful village, known for its golden beach, coastal walks, and historic fort, will pulse with melody from a soul-stirring classical concert to a joyful outdoor showcase that welcomes all ages.
The music starts in beautiful Killesk Church, the intimate setting for Ireland's leading classical guitarist, John Feeley who will perform a rare solo concert at 1 p.m. Often described as 'a guitarist of profound lyricism and impeccable technique', Feeley's music has graced venues from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. His performance in this acoustically rich, rural church offers a chance to hear the guitar at its most refined – close, warm, and deeply moving.
Later in the afternoon, the energy shifts to family-friendly fun, with the open-air Busking on the Beach, beginning at 2.30 p.m. where music lovers, and seaside wanderers will experience a unique blend of local, national, and international talent in one of Wexford's most beautiful coastal settings.
Among the featured performers is Dan Larkin, a soulful singer-songwriter originally from Philadelphia and now based in Georgia. With roots in punk and a heart steeped in alt-country, Dan's music blends raw honesty with tender storytelling. A seasoned performer and philosophy professor by day, his influences range from James Taylor and Ray LaMontagne to Tyler Childers. His vibrant presence and powerful voice are sure to make waves.
Also performing is Terry Christian, from Downpatrick, County Down. With seven albums available on iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp, including his 2024 release Songs and Stories, Terry's heartfelt lyrics and fingerstyle guitar are the perfect match for a summer afternoon by the sea. His storytelling style, shaped by life and work in Jamaica, Japan, and beyond, infuses his music with an authentic, lived-in feel that resonates deeply.
Busking on the Beach also shines a light on the next generation of local talent, with remarkable young musicians bringing fresh energy and diverse influences to the stage. From the psychedelic rock sounds of 17-year-old Jack Michael Cloke and the bluesy finesse of bassist Connor Lee Carr, to the genre-crossing versatility of Tomás Hynes and the soul-infused blues-rock of 15-year-old Ruben Meadows, these emerging artists reflect the vibrant musical spirit growing in County Wexford. With roots in everything from jazz and punk to classic rock and blues, their performances promise raw authenticity, youthful fire, and a glimpse into the future of Irish music.
Hailing from "the middle of nowhere" in rural Wexford, Izzy Moran, also known as Saturn Park, is a young singer-songwriter from rural Wexford. Izzy grew up steeped in music as she was raised on 70s legends like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, with her sound shaped by the haunting depth of Jeff Buckley, the honesty of Elliott Smith, and the flair of Ryan Ross. Her guitar-driven set offers a fresh, poetic voice for a new generation of Irish music on the beach in Duncannon.
Adding a heartfelt local touch to the event, Duncannon's own Dermot Galvin and his niece Laura Doyle will take to the shoreline stage with a soulful set of vocals, guitar, and bass. Having recently returned to the village after performing in Dublin, Las Vegas, and beyond, Dermot brings decades of musical experience home to the community he now calls home. Laura, a gifted singer now living in nearby Arthurstown, brings warmth and harmony to this family duo, making their appearance a special hometown highlight of the afternoon.
These performances promise shared moments of creativity, inspiration, and connection in one of Ireland's most picturesque coastal villages. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting for the weekend, Duncannon is the place to be on Sunday, July 20 and it's advised that audience members bring their picnic blankets along as they're bound to be captivated by the sounds throughout the afternoon.
For more information and the full festival programme, visit
