Kilfenora Céilí Band kick off All-Ireland celebrations on Mayo island

Mayo's All-Ireland celebrations got underway in earnest on Achill Island last night when Clare's finest the Kilfenora Céilí Band officially opened the Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla 2026.

With Mayo's historic victory over Kerry only hours old, John Lynch, Bandmaster of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, officially opened Scoil Acla before the acclaimed Clare group took to the stage for a concert that launched the week-long programme of events before a capacity audience at Óstán Oileán Acla.

Visitors from across Ireland and overseas gathered in Achill for the opening of the annual festival, which marks the beginning of a week of traditional Irish music, song, dance, language and culture.

Speaking at the opening, John Lynch said Scoil Acla continues to play an important role in Irish traditional music.

“I am genuinely humbled that Scoil Acla would consider me for such an honour. When I looked at the distinguished musicians and cultural figures who have previously performed this role, I was reminded of the extraordinary reputation and standing that Scoil Acla holds within Irish traditional music and culture. It is a real privilege for the Kilfenora Céilí Band to officially open the 2026 summer school, and we are delighted to be part of what promises to be another memorable week in Achill.”

Scoil Acla Cathaoirleach Sarah Calvey welcomed attendees to Achill and thanked the Kilfenora Céilí Band for opening this year's festival.

“We are delighted to welcome everyone to Achill for another Scoil Acla. The week ahead is packed with music, learning and community events, and we look forward to seeing both familiar faces and first-time visitors enjoy everything the festival has to offer. What better way to kick-start the week than with one of Ireland's most distinguished céilí bands.”

Classes and workshops are now underway across schools and community halls across Achill, with hundreds of musicians taking part in tuition from many of Ireland's leading traditional artists.

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The programme continues throughout the week with a number of events open to everyone. The annual Céilí Mór, in aid of St Colman's Care Centre, takes place on Tuesday evening at the Marquee, while the Scoil Acla Recital will be held in Dookinella Church on Wednesday night this year.

On Friday afternoon at 3pm, the popular Aeraíocht will take place at Lourdie's, Dooagh, before the festival concludes that evening with the Ceolchoirm na Féile at the Wavecrest Hotel, featuring Scoil Acla tutors and special guests.

Revived by a local committee in 1985, Scoil Acla has become one of Ireland's best-known traditional music festivals, attracting participants and visitors from across the world each summer.

Further information and tickets for remaining public events are available through the official Scoil Acla web app at app.scoilacla.ie.