Ardara the place to be this weekend for the fantastic Cup of Tae Festival

The 2025 Cup of Tae Traditional Music Festival will take place from Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 in Ardara.

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This annual celebration honours the legacy of John “The Tae” Gallagher, a renowned fiddler from the area, and showcases the rich, traditional Irish music and dance heritage of County Donegal.​

The festival programme features music classes, concerts, and traditional sessions. Music classes cater to various skill levels and include fiddle, tin whistle, button accordion, flute, and concertina. These classes provide an opportunity for both beginners and advanced musicians to learn from experienced instructors. Led by Kevin O’Donnell, the classes are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.​

Kevin is also the featured artist in the opening night concert on Friday evening, where he is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to traditional music.

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He told Donegal Live: “I am really honoured to have been selected by the committee. Starting out playing music and joining sessions, Ardara was always very welcoming. It was great, what Pat McGill was doing in the Beehive Bar and what Stephen McCahill an.

“And I would know a lot of young musicians there too, from teaching in the local schools and the students who come to me for classes. We are going to see some great musicians coming out of Ardara in the next few years. The tradition is very strong. 

“I am humbled to be honoured at this year’s festival, and I am looking forward to being joined by family and friends who are travelling to take part in the concert. 

Indeed, concerts are a highlight of the festival, with performances in venues around the town throughout the weekend. Open air performances are also popular, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and providing an opportunity for everyone to soak up the festival atmosphere. 

With attendees travelling from all over the world, The Cup of Tae Festival is a wonderful testament to the enduring legacy of John “The Tae” Gallagher and the vibrant traditional music scene in this corner of Donegal.​

More details can be found at thecupoftaefestival.ie

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