www.kenmareirishmusicfestival.com

The dust in Kenmare, Co. Kerry has finally settled after their first “Féile Neidín” trad festival, the general consensus by organizers/ musicians and attendees being that it was a huge success and roll on next year! The event was blessed by beautiful weather on the Friday and Saturday which made the Trad Session boat trips on Kenmare bay idyllic, those lucky enough to have gone out on the Saturday were treated to an on–boat performance by Caladh Nua who were the main Band in the Carnegie Arts Centre on the Friday night.

The fine day on the Saturday also meant that workshop participants had their lunch al fresco outside the school and meanwhile up on Henry street the street practically came to a standstill due to the massive kids session outside the “Soundz of Muzic” music store.

The numerous pub sessions featured players from all over the country Billy Clifford, Derek Hickey, Sean Garvey, Connie O’Connell, Quentin Cooper, Brendan Begley to name just a few.

The Carnegie Arts Centre was packed to maximum capacity on the Saturday night for De Dannan’s performance as was the Kenmare Bay Hotel on the Sunday for the big Céilí with the Kilfenora Céilí Band.

Other interesting events over the weekend were a very well attended Historical Walk of Kenmare and also an exhibition of musical Instrument Makers and their tools of the trade which in the end turned into a massive session, what you expect if you leave a load of musicians in a room together surrounded by beautiful Instruments! Similar musical spontaneity happened throughout the weekend and left many performers eager to put their name on the artists list for next year’s Festival…..be sure to put it on your list of events to not miss for next year!!!!