The programme for the 2018 Masters of Tradition Festival (22–26 August) has been announced.

The Festival is directed by fiddle-player Martin Hayes and takes place in venues in Bantry, Co. Cork. At this year’s Festival, Hayes will be joined by frequent collaborator Dennis Cahill (guitar), Triona Marshall (harp) and Marla Fibish (mandolin) for the opening concert, and will perform at a number of events throughout the festival. 

Also performing at the main evening concerts will be Cormac Begley (concertina), David Power (uilleann pipes), Nell Ní Chróinín (sean-nós), Eamon O’Leary (bouzouki/guitar/vocals), Steve Cooney (guitar), Peadar Ó Riada (concertina), The Murphy Beds and Navá. Three secret concerts will take place in unusual venues such as Whiddy Island, with surprise musical guests to be revealed on the day. 

The festival will also include poetry readings, talks and discussions. Karen Casey and Pauline Scanlon will present a combined music and discussion event about their work on the FairPlé gender equality initiative, and Peadar Ó Riada will discuss the work and legacy of his father Seán Ó Riada. Poet David Whyte will present a reading of his work on 25 August, and will join Hayes for a concert of music and poetry that evening. Hayes will also be in conversation with actor Jeremy Irons on the final afternoon of the festival. 

For the full schedule, see below. For tickets and further information, see www.westcorkmusic.ie/mastersoftradition.

Programme:

22 August:
7.30pm, Maritime Hotel: Opening Ceolchoirm with Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Triona Marshall, Marla Fibish and Stephanie Keane 

23 August:
3.30pm, Ma Murphy’s Bar: Cainteanna (Talk), with Karan Casey and Pauline Scanlon (FairPlé)
7.30pm, St Brendan’s Church: Thursday Ceolchoirm with Nell Ní Chróinín, David Power, Eamon O’Leary, Marla Fibish and Martin Hayes

24 August:
12.30pm, St Brendan’s School Hall: Friday Ceolchoirm Rúnda (Secret Concert)
3.30pm, Ma Murphy’s Bar: Friday Cainteanna (Talk): Peadar Ó Riada – The Legacy of Seán Ó Riada
7.30pm, Bantry House: Friday Ceolchoirm, with Nell Ní Chróinín, Steve Cooney and The Murphy Beds
9.30pm, Bantry House: Friday Níos Deanaí, with Peadar Ó Riada

25 August:
12.30pm, Future Forests: Saturday Ceolchoirm Rúnda (Secret Concert)
3.30pm, Ma Murphy’s Bar: Saturday Cainteanna (Talk), with David Whyte
7.30pm, Bantry House: Saturday Ceolchoirm, with Cormac Begley and Navá
9.30pm, Bantry House: Saturday Níos Deanaí, with Martin Hayes and David Whyte

26 August:
12.30pm, Whiddy Island: Sunday Ceolchoirm Rúnda (Secret Concert)
3.30pm, Maritime Hotel: Sunday Cainteanna (Talk), with Martin Hayes and Jeremy Irons
7.30pm, Bantry House: Sunday Ceolchoirm, with Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill and Friends