Every July Drumshanbo plays host to the award winning Joe Mooney Summer School, a week long festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance named after the man who did so much to promote the cause of Leitrim and his beloved town. The committee continue to emulate his high ideals, endeavouring to promote Leitrim’s heritage of traditional music while handing on the best traditions of the past to future generations.

In addition to the classes and workshops there are recitals, ceilithe, lectures, and open air music events. The impromptu music sessions, the natural beauty of the Drumshanbo area and the traditional ‘ceád míle fáilte’ hospitality of County Leitrim provide an unforgettable week for all those who participate in the classes and also for those who just visit the town to be part of the experience.

Saturday 21 July:
9pm: Fáilte and Gathering Session, Berry’s Tavern

Sunday 22 July:
11.30am: Aifreann An Lae le Cór agus Ceoltóirí, Eaglais Naomh Padraig
7.30pm: Official Opening, Lough Allen Hotel
9pm: Opening Concert by Garadice

Monday 23 July:
10am: Daily classes
3pm: Talk – Daithí Gormley ‘Fiddlers of Sligo’, St John’s Church
8pm: Singers Evening with Rosie Stewart, Fionnuala Reilly, Siobhan O’Donnell, Roisín Elsafty, St John’s Church
9pm: Set Dancing Céilí with The Long Note Céilí Band, Community Centre

Tuesday 24 July:
3pm: ‘After the Tiger’, modern political ballads by Mick Blake, St. John’s Church
8pm: Fiddle Recital, Community Centre
9pm: Set Dancing Céilí with The Five Counties, Community Centre

Wednesday 25 July:
3pm: Talk – ‘Tom Mulligan – His Life and Legacy’ , St John’s Church
7pm: Flute and Whistle Recital, Community Centre
9pm: Set Dancing Céilí – Rise That Dust, Community Centre

Thursday 26 July:
3pm Storytelling for children, Riverside Park
8pm: Grand Traditional Concert, Community Centre

Friday 27 July:
4pm: Album launch ‘Tonight at Paddy Mac’s’, Gregorio Bellodi, Riverside Park
9.30pm: Set Dancing Céilí – Swallow’s Tail Céilí Band, Community Centre

Saturday 28 July:
4.30pm: Open-air music and set dancing with Salamanca Céilí Band, High Street
9.30pm: Slán Abhaile Set Dancing Céilí with Glenside, Community Centre