The famous traditional music festival commemorating the renowned fiddler John “The Tae” Gallagher
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
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
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
Open Air Music Recitals with musicians from Co. Down & North Atlantic Drift from Canada.
Visiting Guests
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
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
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
For more information contact:
Stephen: 087-2424590
John: 074-9541769
Imelda: 086-3895001
Facebook: Ardara Town
Getting here by bus:
Accommodation:
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: