Joyce Brothers Music Festival 8-11 Oct 2026

A weekend of music, song, dance, and history celebrating the wonderful legacy of brothers PW and Robert Dwyer Joyce, natives of Glenosheen Thursday 8th October 7:30pm: Opening Concert Join us for the opening night of the festival with two extraordinary forces in Irish traditional music — renowned harpist Laoise Kelly and accordion maestro Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, alongside a vibrant programme of traditional music, song and dance, and a special historical contribution from Angela Hennessy. Described by The Irish Times as having “the disposition of an iconoclast and the talent and technique of a virtuoso,” Laoise Kelly is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most significant traditional harpers. Originally from Westport, Co. Mayo, and now living on Achill Island, she has pioneered a distinctive, driving style of instrumental harping, showcased across three critically acclaimed solo albums. Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich was born into a famous musical family and soaked up the music and song of West Kerry from an early age. Breanndán is a major figure in Irish traditional music and clearly states that “his music could not exist were it not for the mountains, seas and storms of his native Dingle Peninsula”. An evening celebrating the energy, character and living tradition of Irish music — from the intimate beauty of the harp to the driving rhythms of accordion, song and dance. A spectacular opening to the festival. Where: Old Chapel, Rooms, Kilfinane, V35 V998 Tickets: Adults €20, Children €10 Friday 9th October 7:30pm: Traditional Concert Songs, Stories & Plenty of Craic Get ready for a night of old songs, lively ballads and plenty of craic with Donie Nolan, Liam Flanagan, Ciarán Ó Gealbháin, Teresa Doherty, The Clancy Boys, and Lynda Gardiners concertina ensemble. Liam & Donie introduce their new CD “Blooming Meadow” featuring music from County Limerick, while Ciarán and Teresa will visit songs and stories from the Joyce era. The Clancy Boys are a young, energetic group with a deep connection to the traditional songs passed down through their families and communities. They sing the old ballads with their own unmistakable style — sometimes polished, sometimes spontaneous, and always full of character. From The Jolly Tinker and Bold O’Donoghue to The Mermaid, Sound the Píobrach and The Wild Rover, these are songs that have been handed down through generations and given a fresh lease of life by a new generation of performers. As singer and raconteur Joe Power says: “These boys have this music by nature AND nurture… They capture perfectly the spirit and excitement of the original Clancy Bros.” Expect great songs, great musicianship, stories and a generous helping of Irish traditional music at its most lively and entertaining. Where: Old Chapel Rooms, Kilfinane, V35 V998 Tickets: Adult €20, Child 10 9:30pm: Traditional Session in Healy's Bar This is a free event and all are welcome. Saturday 10th October The Saturday day time schedule includes a series of workshops, which teach the music from the Joyce collection. ALL Workshops Tickets €10 11:30am to 1pm: Beginners Music Workshop in Teach na Cille, V35 KW01 Join musician Cliona Halley to learn simple tunes from the Joyce collection. This workshop is aimed at beginner musicians, who already know 3 or 4 tunes. All instruments welcome. 2:30am to 4pm: Intermediate Music Workshop n Teach na Cille, V35 KW01 Join musician Jacqui Martin to learn tunes from the Joyce collection. This workshop is aimed at intermediate level musicians. All instruments welcome. 2:30pm to 4:30pm: Advanced Music Workshop in Ó Céileachair's V35 Y9K0 Join John Derek Hickey to learn more advanced tunes from the Joyce Collection. All instruments welcome . 7:30pm : A Magical Musical Evening in the Old Chapel Rooms, Kilfinane "From a House in Glenoshee" is a show Inspired by the Joyce Brothers Collection Experience the world of the Joyce Brothers Collection in this captivating new traditional arts production from acclaimed artist Des Dillon. "From a House in Glenosheen" brings the rich cultural heritage of the Joyce Collection vividly to life through an imaginative blend of music, song, dance and puppetry. With Will Condon as P.W. Joyce, the production features performances from Nell Ní Chróinín, Liam Flanagan, Benny McCarthy, Anita Bennis and Ciara Flanagan alongside an ensemble of musicians, singers and dancers. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable collection of traditional music gathered and preserved by the Joyce family, the show explores the people, places, stories and sounds behind the music — creating a magical journey between past and present. With a unique creative vision and a cast of outstanding traditional performers, From a House in Glenosheen promises an evening that is both entertaining and deeply rooted in the musical heritage of Ballyhoura and beyond. A celebration of music, memory, place and the extraordinary legacy of the Joyce Collection. Where: Old Chapel Rooms, Kilfinane, V35 V998 Tickets: Adult €20, Child €10 9:30pm: Traditional Session in Ó Céilleachair’s Bars This is a free event and all are welcome. Sun 5th October 1pm: Walk from Ballyorgan to the Joyce Homestead, Glenosheen Join historian, Angela Hennessy and musicians for a historical walk and tunes at the Joyce homestead. This is a free event and all are welcome. (V35 DN84). 2pm to 4pm :Traditional Session in Nuala Mee’s Pub Ballyorgan, V35 R796 5pm: Traditional session in Healy's Pub, Kilfinane V35 TR82 This final session is dedicated to the memory of Con Herbert. Con “Neilus” Herbert of Kileedy, West Limerick, was a master of the Sliabh Luachra tradition whose accordion and concertina playing influenced generations of musicians across West Limerick and North Cork. Principal of Freemount National School from 1979 to 2011, he helped establish traditional music in the school and was a founder of Comhaltas branches in Freemount and Killeedy. Musician and festival director Liam Flanagan is among many who credit Con with inspiring their love and ability in music. A much-loved community figure, Con also won a Limerick senior county hurling medal with Killeedy in 1980. His sudden passing in July 2026 prompted tributes from the traditional music community. In this session we will celebrate the tunes he taught and the musicians he inspired. Funded by: The Arts Council, Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Limerick City and County Council Arts Department