Ceol na gCruach to celebrate and preserve age-old traditions

How can such a relatively small corner of the county fit so much fantastic stuff?

Na Cruacha or Croaghs is an area almost isolated from the rest of the county situated as it is ag bun na gCruach Gorm or the foothills of the Blue Stack Mountains.

This area between Glenties and Glenfin is a place snatched from abandonment, like an island with its unique folklore, and historical and cultural processes producing and transmitting beliefs, stories, customs, and practices.

It was shaped by two major events, the Plantation of Ulster during the 16th century when English colonisation overthrew the traditional political and religious autonomy of the country. And the Famine of the 1840s, when the deaths and emigration it brought, weakened a still powerful Gaelic culture within the rural population in the area.

But that barrier between north and south Donegal weaves a particular magic that manifests itself around this time of the year in the shape of the annual Ceol na gCruach traditional Irish music festival which is hosted by The Glen Tavern, Glenties.

The organising committee consists of local musicians, dancers and volunteers who contribute to the success of the event since it began back in 2008.

Their objective is to preserve the Irish cultural traditions of music, song, dance tradition and storytelling of the Croaghs through the medium of local performers, and well-known exponents of the Irish traditions nationally and internationally and also provide a forum for teaching local youth and a wider audience of musicians.

With a wealth of tradition inherited from the Croaghs, the committee wants to support, nurture and develop local artists who carry on these traditions and enable more people to experience them.

Condy Campbell enjoys the entertainment as young musicians entertain during a session at Condy's Hut during last year's event

This weekend's events are structured in such a way that the musicians and dancers of the local traditions can impart their tunes and dances to the other musicians and dancers that may not be as familiar with the local material.

The festival has always been designed for musicians and dancers to learn from each other and pass on the traditions in a natural way through learning by listening and participating.

The music sessions are more like those that were held as house sessions in the past where all participants get the opportunity to play and show their individual styles as well as join into the overall session.

Ceol na gCruach has always had an open volunteer and attendance policy and welcomes all artists of all backgrounds interested in traditional music from all communities locally, nationally and internationally.

The committee tries to introduce new event types each year taking cognisance of local traditions. In 2022 they introduced Macallaí sa Ghleann and invited Perrine Bourel and Robin Vargoz (fiddlers and dancers) who have revived and played the traditional music from the Southern Alps and Dauphiné which was almost lost.

Artists this year include vibrant folk and traditional music band Skipper's Alley.

This five-piece band whose dynamic take on traditional Irish music has garnered wide critical praise.

The Dublin-based group arranges and interprets traditional Irish folk music on uilleann pipes, harp, fiddle, whistles, bodhrán, banjo and more, taking influence from such early bands as Planxty, The Bothy Band and The Chieftains.

They will be supported by Robin and Guillaume Vargoz and a host of local traditional Irish musicians.

Another highlight will be the recreation of a typical Croaghs Barn Dance with music and dances performed by the local and invited musicians and dancers and will include the traditional tunes and dances of the area including The Maggie Pickie.

The event also takes to the road in the form of a Croaghs tour which will visit the Croaghs and identify the houses of the old storytellers, musicians and dancers. Tribute will be paid to them by holding a small session of tunes and dances.
Ceol na gCruach will also feature 'Macallaí sa Ghleann / Echoes in the Glen'. This will reflect an old tradition of playing outside, particularly in spring and summertime, when the music would carry across the Glen to a neighbouring musician. In particular areas, it was common for a second player to respond in a rare form of musical courtship that could last for some time until one of their repertoires was exhausted.

It further develops the outdoor aspect of Ceol na gCruach.

Schedule of Events: Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7

Friday: 7.30pm Skipper Alley, Edeninfagh Hall. Supported by Robin and Guillaume Vargoz from the French Alps and a host of local traditional Irish musicians.

Friday: 10.30pm Seisiún, The Glen Tavern

Saturday: 10am Traditional Irish Music Workshop (Fiddle), Mullanmore National School

Saturday: 10am Dancing Workshop, Joe McGuigan, Edeninfagh Hall.

Saturday: 2pm Croaghs Tour & Echoes of The Glenn leaving from The Glen Tavern

Saturday: 9pm Barn Dance Scioból Dinnys

Saturday: 9pm Seisiún, The Glen Tavern

Sunday: 2pm Traditional Session and Stories: Condy'sHut

Sunday: 5pm Seisiún, The Glen Tavern