Fleadh Cheoil to being music, culture and community to Kilcar
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The festival is a packed five-day programme of concerts, workshops and cultural events
Traditional music, dance and local heritage will take centre stage in Kilcar later this month as Fleadh Cheoil 2026 returns from Monday, July 27, to Friday, July 31.
The annual festival will begin on Monday morning, July 27, with registration for music workshops at Áislann Chill Chartha from 10am to 11am, followed by classes running from 11am until 1pm. Workshops will continue throughout the week, offering tuition in fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, flute, guitar and Irish dancing.
Monday evening will feature the popular Rambling Session from 5pm to 7pm, with participants enjoying a short musical walk departing from the Áislann. The official opening concert of the Fleadh will then take place at 8pm, with acclaimed Donegal folk group Altan performing at Áislann Chill Chartha.
Tuesday's programme includes Music for the Journey, a remembrance event in St Cartha's Church at 7pm, followed by the much-loved Dancing at the Crossroads from 8.30pm.
On Wednesday, musicians are invited to an afternoon session at The Blue Haven between 3pm and 5pm, with all musicians welcome to take part. That evening, The Seeger Sessions Revival will perform in concert at Áislann Chill Chartha from 8pm.
Thursday celebrates the rich musical traditions of the area with Echoes of the Glen in Glencolmcille from 7pm to 9pm. The event will showcase fiddle and pipe music, recreating a tradition dating back to the first half of the 20th century. Later that evening, Sternwheelers will host a music session in John Joe's.
The festival concludes on Friday with Heritage Day at Áislann Chill Chartha from 1pm to 6pm. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of traditional local arts and crafts alongside live music, celebrating the area's cultural heritage. The Grand Finale Concert begins at 8pm, featuring Without Willow, while nightly music sessions throughout the week will continue in John Joe's.
Organisers are encouraging anyone interested in the workshops to book in advance. Registration can be made by contacting the organisers directly, with pre-registration also available through the Fleadh Kilcar website.
Concert tickets are available from the Áislann or through TicketSource. With an exciting programme combining music, dance, heritage and community events, Fleadh Cheoil 2026 promises another memorable celebration of Donegal's rich traditional culture.