West Cork Comes Alive with Free Summer Music Series as Council Backs Local Talent
West Cork's summer music series returns with 20 free performances across local towns. Traditional Irish music meets brass bands in Kinsale, Clonakilty and more.
Cork County Council has kicked off its eighth annual Special Music Event Scheme, bringing 20 free performances to towns across West Cork throughout the summer months. The popular initiative, which provides funding for voluntary music groups to organise local concerts, promises to fill the region's squares and streets with everything from traditional Irish music to brass band classics.
The series got underway on Sunday, 1st June, with Ballinspittle Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann taking to Jim Edwards Square in Kinsale. The traditional musicians are set to return to the same venue later this month and again in August, giving both locals and visitors multiple chances to experience authentic Irish music in one of Cork's most picturesque harbour towns.
This weekend sees the programme expand significantly, with Clonakilty hosting its first performance on Saturday, 7th June. Clonakilty Comhaltas will perform in Emmet Square from 12.00pm, whilst the town's brass band will also feature later in the summer lineup.
Simultaneously, Skibbereen will welcome St. Fachtna's Silver Band to the Bridge from 11.00am on Saturday, with Skibbereen Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann scheduled for July and August performances at the same scenic riverside location.
The programme extends well into summer, with Bandon Concert Band and Baile Núis Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann bringing music to Bandon from Friday, 27th July. Meanwhile, Dunmanway residents can look forward to four Thursday evening performances by Dunmanway Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Sam Maguire Plaza.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said:
"It is wonderful to see the return of this initiative to promote tourism and to celebrate the vibrant music culture of West Cork. What makes these events so special is that they are community led and feature local traditional musicians, as well as concert, silver and brass bands. There will be 20 performances in total this summer and all are free to attend. I hope that people will make a special effort to attend and to experience all that our West Cork towns have to offer."
The scheme's community-focused approach means each participating group can organise up to four events in their local area, ensuring regular musical entertainment throughout the summer season. With no admission charges, the performances offer an accessible way for families and music lovers to enjoy professional-quality entertainment whilst supporting local talent.
The initiative serves a dual purpose, celebrating West Cork's rich musical heritage whilst providing an additional draw for the region's crucial summer tourism season. From the traditional sounds of Comhaltas groups to the stirring melodies of silver and brass bands, the series showcases the remarkable diversity of musical talent flourishing in Cork's communities.
For complete details about performance times and locations across the Special Music Event Scheme series, visit www.corkcoco.ie.
