Ceol na Coille Summer School & Trad Camp 2023

10th-14th July

Welcome to the Ceol na Coille’s 11th Annual Summer School of Irish Traditional Music. in Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, in association with Craobh Seamus Mac Giolla Bhríde CCE and the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny.

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 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 – for all ages.

We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of tuition in all our classes and activities!

Ceol na Coille is supported by the Local Live Performance Programme Support Scheme, an imitative of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, administered by Donegal County Council.

Children, Adults & Beginners welcome
Family & Group Discounts available

Masterclasses : Venue – Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny

Intermediate & Advanced Classes (All Ages)

When: 10th – 14th July, 10am-4pm Where: Colaiste 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.

Improvers Classes Kids (9yrs+)

When: 10th – 14th 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.

Trad Camp – For Kids!

Introduction to Irish Traditional Music (5+yrs)

When: 10th – 14th July, 10am-1pm Where: Colaiste Ailigh Fee: €100 BOOK NOW!

What: These classes are designed to give your child an opportunity to 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. (Limited Spaces)

Club Gaelach (5+ years)

When: 10th – 13th 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.

Join the Fun!

Festival Club in the RCC

Ceol na Coille Festival Club Junior Session in association with Regional Cultural Centre

When: Tuesday 11th – Thursday 13th Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road Leterkenny

What: Evening session for young aspiring musicians to come along to play, listen and have fun. A free family fun event, Open to Public

Daily Recitals

When: Monday 10th – Thursday 13th July, 3-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh. Free and open to public

What: Daily Recitals by Summer School Tutors and invited guest musicians.

Thanks to Donegal County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media for helping making this happen with funding support.

Concerts 2023

Artists to be Confirm

Ceol na Coille – In association with the Regional Cultural Centre

When: Wednesday 12th July 8pm Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny

Braon Beag Gaeilge

Ar mhaith leat giota beag Gaeilge a fhoghlaim agus a labhairt? Buail isteach chuig an Chiorcal Comhrá a bheidh ar siúl mar pháirt de Scoil Samhraidh Cheol na Coille gach lá ar 1:45 i gColáiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceanainn. Bíodh braon beag Gaeilge agat!

Would you like to learn and speak a little bit of Irish? Drop in to the Conversation Circle which will be happening every day at 1:45 as part of the Ceol na Coille Summer School in Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny. Get a wee drop of Irish! followed by a recital from some of our visiting tutors each day.

Session Trail

Nightly Sessions

Blakes Bar, Main Street

McGinleys Bar, Main Street

Farewell Concert

When: Friday 14th July, 1.30pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh. Free and open to public

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.

Summer School & Trad Camp 2023