2019 Programme

The famous traditional music festival commemorating the renowned fiddler John “The Tae” Gallagher

Brid Harper

Brid Harper

This year the Festival honours Brid Harper – one of the most acclaimed fiddlers in Ireland.

She will be honoured at a Special Opening Concert on Friday 3rd May and she will also teach the Master Fiddle Class.

 

Workshops, Schools of Music, Concerts, Sessions & Street Music all weekend

 

Jump to:  Friday  Saturday  Sunday  Monday  Contact  Accommodation

 

Programme of Events 2019

Friday 3rd May

 

Registration for Summer School of Music

7.00pm – 8.00pm in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Bríd Harper

Beginners School of Music in Fidil, Feadóg Mór, Feadóg Stáin, Bosca Ceoil, Moderate and Advanced only in Fidil.

The world famous Bríd Harper is our Masterclass Fiddle Tutor for the 2019 Festival.

This year, there is an amazing opportunity for singers as we have a world famous Master Tutor in singing on sunday only (separate class).

Fee: Adult €60, Children €30

 

All Star Opening Concert in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Doors open 8.00pm (performance starts at 8.30pm)

A special event to honour one of Donegal’s most famous and popular musicians, fiddle player Bríd Harper.

Bríd will be joined by friends and other renowned musicians for a special concert in her honour.

Tickets limited – contact committee

 

Traditional Music free in all pubs every night

See posters for details

 

Saturday 4th May

 

Final Registration

9.00am – 10.00am in St. Mary’s National School

Moderate Fiddle and Beginners in Flute, Fiddle, Tin Whistle and Accordion.

 

Music Classes

From 10.00am in St. Mary’s National School

Theresa Kavanagh

Theresa Kavanagh

Master Fiddle Class with Bríd Harper in St. Mary’s School. Popular Composer and Fiddle Player Theresa Kavanagh will do Fiddle Class & Workshop also.

Beginners Class with Donna Harkin on various instruments.

Class Times: 10.00am-12.30pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm

Ireland’s Top Teachers in Attendance

 

Heritage Centre at 1.00pm

This is a unique event as a special group of young musicians from Co. Down put on a performance.

They will be joined by special guests Bríd Harper and local fiddle maker & top musician Michael O’Rourke

A free event – not to be missed.

 

Open Air Recitals at 3.00pm

North Atlantic Drift

North Atlantic Drift

Open Air Music Recitals with musicians from Co. Down & North Atlantic Drift from Canada.

 

Visiting Guests

Caitríona Lagan

Caitríona Lagan

Amongst the many guests this year are a group of musicians from France, and a group of traditional players from New York also plan to attend. We welcome back North Atlantic Drift from Canada, and All-Ireland Oireachtas champion mandolin player Caitriona Lagan will perform.

 

Heritage Centre at 8.00pm

Packie Manus

James Keeney will present an Evening of Story, Song and Dance with recitations and craic to particularly acknowledge Packie Manus Byrne.

This event was oversubscribed last year, so come early.

 

Beehive Bar at 9.00pm

An evening with world renowned singer Greg Blake who will be joined by CCE Ards group from Co. Down

 

Free Irish Music in all Pubs in Town

See posters for details

 

Sunday 5th May

 

Music Classes/Workshop Continue

10.00am – 12.30pm

 

Music Classes/Workshop Complete

2.00pm – 4.00pm

 

Special Workshop/Class on Singing with Guitar Accompaniment

11.00am – 4.00pm

The tutor is Greg Blake from the USA. Contact Pat McGill on 087-6900714 for details.

 

Music Recital

Heritage Centre – 1.00pm

Music Recital by traditional musicians from Co. Down

 

Open Air Recital

The Diamond at 3.00pm

Open air music recital which will include the students and teachers from the weekend’s Schools and Workshops, who will display the learning that took place with a session on The Diamond

 

Finale Concert

The Heritage Centre at 8.00pm

John "The Tae" Gallagher

John “The Tae” Gallagher

The John “The Tae” Concert is always a special event. This year a list of top musicians will perform at this concert in honour of the late great John “The Tae”.

A show not to be missed. Seating is limited so please come early.

 

Free Irish Music Sessions in all Pubs in Town

See posters for details

 

Monday 6th May

 

Music Sessions will take place in various pubs

See posters for details

 

For more information contact:

Stephen: 087-2424590

John: 074-9541769

Imelda: 086-3895001

Contact Form

ardara.ie

Facebook: Ardara Town

 

Getting here by bus:

Bus Eireann Journey Planner

 

Accommodation:

Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Airbnb

Booking.com

Tripadvisor

Motor Campers: Ardara now has a serviced site right on the diamond in Ardara, located at the back of Ardhill house. To book contact Joe or Celine 0876330800

 

Road Map: