This year’s Gathering Traditional Festival is one of the most richly diverse programmes we have had in years, and features everything from a celebration of Scottish Musicians Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham to vibrant music from The Raw Bar Collective, Des Dillon’s set dancing puppets and the outstanding voice of Séan O’Sé – expect magic and mayhem!

Now in its 19th year, the Gathering Traditional Festival is one of most loved festivals amongst traditional enthusiasts and is ideal for everyone from the hard core fans to the culturally curious. From fireside seisiúns to heart-pounding céilís, The Gathering Traditional Festival returns to Killarney for its from February 21 to 25.
The Gathering features concerts, céilís, sessions and storytelling as well as set dancing, singing and instrument masterclasses. Headquartered at The Gleneagle Hotel, this five-day festival attracts trad fans from the US, Britain, France, Germany and all over Ireland.
Concert highlights for 2018 include Buttons & Bows, Séamus Beley’s Síbín Orchestra, Socks in the Frying Pan, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden & Seamie O’Dowd, The Karen Casey Band, Back West and lots more
Stepping it out for this year’s céilís are Úi Bhriain, Neily O’Connor, Five Counties, Striolán Céilí Band and Johnny Reidy. The Schools Outreach Programme will once again visit schools, in the lead up to the festival, showcasing traditional music and set dancing
The Gathering Festival plays host to numerous music and dance workshops throughout the festival with some of the best tutors around. This includes intermediate/advanced masterclasses in Fiddle with Accordion, Flute, Tin Whistle.

Our Access Policy and Action Plan will make the INEC and The Gleneagle Group more accessible for people with impairments including mobility, sight, hearing, learning disabilities or any hidden impairments.

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