Ceol na Coille Summer School & Trad Fest 2024
8th-12th July
Welcome to Ceol na Coille’s 13th Annual Summer School & Trad Fest in Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, in association with Craobh Seamus Mac Giolla Bhríde CCE and the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, presented by Coirm. Thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland’s Festival Investment Scheme.
The Summer School comprises a 5-day programme of workshops, recitals, sessions and concerts.
Learn Irish Traditional Music, Song in a county known for its culture, its beauty and friendliness. We welcome enthusiasts – adults and children from beginners to advanced levels on a full range of instruments, and boast a list of first-class tutors. A busy, but fun programme of classes, workshops, recitals, nightly sessions and concerts. Immerse yourself in Irish Traditional Music song and Gaeilge in a fun, relaxed and welcoming environment amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland – a great week of music and fun for all.
Instruments include – Uilleann Pipes, Fiddle, Whistle, Flute, Concertina, Guitar and Piano Accompaniment, Button & Piano Accordion, Banjo, Bodhrán, Traditional Singing & dancing – for all ages.
We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of tuition in all our classes and activities!
- Trad Camp for Kids |Introduction to Music/Beginners |Improvers | Club Ali G |
- Intermediate & Advanced Level workshops
- Family & Group Discounts available
More information about this years tutors can be seen here
Call out for Scholarship Sponsors – Would you like to sponsor a scholarship? CLICK HERE
Workshops:
Intermediate & Advanced Workshops
When: 8th – 12th July, 10am-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €150 BOOK NOW!
What: All Ages! These classes cater for those who have some level of proficiency in Traditional Music and who wish to either rekindle their musical flame or further develop their instrumental skills. The programme provides a high level of specialist tuition provided by some of our finest Traditional performers.
Mixed Instrumental – Adults only – With Roisin McGrory
When: 8th – 12th July, 10am-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €150 BOOK NOW!
What: Adults only. Expand your tune reportoire, improve technique/ornamatation, get session ready and have fun with other like minded adults. This class is a relaxed and fun way to help you on your musical journey.
Coirm – Trad Group Workshop – Ceárdlann Grúpa Ceoil
Intermediate and Advanced Musicians (13yrs +) – Ceoltóirí Meán agus Árd Leibhéal 13ú mbliana +
When: 8th-12th July, 1.20 – 4pm. Where: Coláiste Ailigh Performance Thursday 11th, Regional Cultural Centre 7.30pm More Info
What: We are exited to announce a specially commissioned piece of music from Theresa Kavanagh – Gort a’ Choirce. Thanks to the Regional Cultural Centre, the piece will be work-shopped by Theresa during the week and performed on Thursday 11th in RCC and Friday 12th at the farewell concert in Coláiste Ailigh. The workshop is free to summer school participants & will be delivered bilingually.
Fee: €80 which includes morning workshop on participants instrument.
Tá an-áthas orainn saothair nua-chumtha de chuid Theresa Kavanagh as Gort a’ Choirce a chur os bhur gcomhair i mbliana. Cuirfear an ceárdlann ar fáil go dá theangach. Míle buiochas le RCC Leitir Ceanainn as tacú linn. Eolas
Traditional Singing – 2 Day Workshop
When: Tuesday 9th Wednesday 10th July 1.30-3.20pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €60 BOOK NOW!
Workshop with Deirdre McGrory. Free to summer school participants
Téimis ag Damhsa! – Let’s Dance – with Mary McGuiggan
When: Thursday 11th July 1.30-3pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €10 (free to summer school participants)
Suitable for beginners and experienced dancers. An enjoyable workshop for all, looking at a selection of two hand dances and traditional solo jig steps.
Trad Camp – For Kids!
Fun & Fiddle – Discover Trad This Summer – No Experience? No Problem!
Introduction to Traditional Music: (no experience) 10-1pm
Improvers: (some experience) 10-1pm
Club Spraoi: (afternoon activities) 1.20 – 4pm
Discount for Full Day Trad Camp BOOK NOW!
Introduction to Irish Traditional Music (5+yrs) 10am-1pm (Limited Spaces)
Learn cool instruments, sing lively tunes, & make new friends!
When: 8th – 12th July, 10am-1pm Where: Colaiste Ailigh Fee: €100 BOOK NOW!
What: These classes are designed to give your child an opportunity to Sing, Dance and try different instruments without the expense of purchasing one. The course introduces children to traditional music and a wide range of instruments in a relaxed and welcoming environment. (
Improvers Classes Kids (9yrs+) Venue – Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, 10am-1pm
Learn & Play Together!
When: 8th – 12th July, 10am-1pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €100 BOOK NOW!
What: These classes cater for young musicians who already have had some exposure to music and wish to develop their skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Club Spraoi (5+ years) 1.20-4pm
When: 8th – 11th July, 1.20pm – 4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €50 BOOK NOW!
What: Fun activities through the medium of Irish ‘Spraoi le Club Gaelach Ailigh G’ This is for the pupils attending the Introduction to music and Improvers classes. The classes will give the pupils an opportunity to take part in activities through the medium of Irish. Activities include music, sport and art.
Come & try the Uilleann Pipes
Would you like to try the Uilleann Pipes? Come along and give them a go.
In association with Na Píobairí Uilleann, Cumann Píobaireachta Tharlach Mac Suibhne (Donegal Pipers) & Ceol na Coille
When: Wednesday 10th July 11am-1pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh
Join the Fun!
Festival Family Session in the RCC with Líonra Leitir Ceanainn – A free family fun event, Open to Public
Club Teaghlaigh an Fhéile le Líonra Leitir Ceanainn agus Ionad Cultúrtha Réigiúnach – ócáid do theaghlaigh saor in aisce. Fáilte roimh chách!
When: Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th 6-7.30pm
Caithin: Dé Ceadaoin 10ú & Déardaoin 11ú 6-7.30pm
Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road Leterkenny Cén áit: Ionad Cultúrtha Réigiúnach
What: Evening session for aspiring musicians of all ages to come along to play, listen and have fun.
Cad é: Seisiún ceoil do cheoltóirí traidisiúnta. Fáilte roimh gach aois agus cumas ceoil le bheith ag seinm, ag éisteacht agus le taitneamh a bhaint as an chraic!
Daily Recitals – Free and open to public
When: Monday 8th – Thursday 11th July, 3.15-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh.
What: Daily Recitals by Summer School Tutors and invited guest musicians.
In Celebration of Jim Doherty – Fiddler – Legnahorry
When: Tuesday 9th July 12_1pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh
We are delighted to host this fantastic event honoring the esteemed local fiddler, Jim Doherty of Legnahorry, Kilmacrennan. This presentation of a man hugely admired locally and further afield will be delivered by Dr Caoimhin MacAodh – Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí. Since Jim’s passing in 2012, we have been honored each year to pass on one of Jim’s Fiddles to a promising young fiddler attend lessons at Ceol na Coille.
Join us for what will be an enlightening insight and celebration of the music and life of a well loved local musician. The event will be in the form of an illustrated lecture with photos, sound samples, some live playing.
Concerts 2024
presented by Ceol na Coille – In association with the Regional Cultural Centre
RESTRINGING THE STONE FIDDLE: A performance of Paddy Tunney’s classic song memoir.
When: 10 July 8pm Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
The Tunney Song Tradition Trust, will launch a new edition of Paddy Tunney’s The Stone Fiddle in the RCC (8pm). This recital, a performative reading of the text in a marriage of stories, songs, music and dance, will feature members of Paddy Tunney’s extended family and invited guest performers. More Information
Sinéad McKenna with Micky Fearon, Rachel Masterson, with Oisin Murphy & Paul McClure. Support from Coirm
When: Thursday 11th July 8pm Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
Following the launch of her debut solo album ‘Faoi Lán Ceoil’ we are delighted to welcome Sinéad with guests Micky Fearon – Guitar, Rachel Masterson – Piano with Oisin Murphy – Banjo and Paul McClure – Bodhrán.
Support on the evening will be from Trad Group Coirm who will be performing a specially commissioned piece of music for this years summer school from Donegal Musician, Theresa Kavanagh. More Information
Session Trail – Nightly Sessions
McGinleys Bar, Mon 8th – Fri 12th, 9.30pm
Blakes Bar, Wednesday 10th 9pm
McCafferty’s – Sonny McSwines, Thursday 11th 7-9pm
Farewell Concert – Free and open to public
When: Friday 12th July, 1.30pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh.
What: Final Concert of the summer school featuring performances by students and tutors!
Enjoy the experience!
Our programme offers you the opportunity to partake in sessions, concerts and recitals and to experience Irish Culture in an authentic and intimate setting.
It is delivered by nationally renowned and highly-qualified tutors, experts in the traditional genre. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, small group or family, Ceol na Coille will work with you to ensure that your time spent in Donegal enables you to sample the best of our musical traditions.
We Look forward to welcoming you all to Letterkenny
