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Thursday 15th Oct @ 7:30pm, Moy HotelA celebration of Mayo’s rich storytelling tradition, bringing together stories, young performers and the music of Mayo Trad Ensemble.
Join us for Holding the Story, an evening celebrating the rich storytelling tradition of Mayo. The evening will feature storytelling, selected film screenings, live young storytellers and music from Mayo Trad Ensemble, bringing together the voices and stories of different generations. And when the stories are told... the Ramblin' House begins! Stay with us afterwards for an informal evening of music, song, stories and plenty of craic. This event is supported by Creative Mayo. FREE EVENT |
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A session trail will run throughout the weekend in all local public houses, old Salt Coffee Shop and Foxford Cafe. Full details available here.
FREE EVENTS |
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Friday 16th October, Guiry's Bar, 6:30pm &
Saturday 17th October, Moy Hotel, 12pm Pop-Up Gaeltacht at Foxford Traditional Weekend Beidh Pop-Up Gaeltacht againn i rith an Foxford Traditional Weekend – spás cairdiúil agus oscailte ina mbeidh Gaeilge mar theanga chomhrá. Whether you’re líofa, ag foghlaim, or just keen to try out a cúpla focal, you’ll be most welcome. Is deis iontach é seo chun Gaeilge a labhairt go nádúrtha le cairde nua agus seanchairde araon – le comhrá, ceol, agus craic mar chuid lárnach den fhéile. Fáilte roimh chách – bígí linn! FREE EVENT |
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Fri 16th Oct @ 8pm, Moy Hotel
Doors: 7:30pm Adults: €15 plus booking fee Children under 18 €5 Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Following the official opening by the President of Comhaltas, Attracta Brady, the Féile Concert brings together some of Mayo’s finest traditional musicians for a night of music, song and celebration, with the All-Ireland Champions, Glór na Sí, a special album launch and the long-awaited reunion of Céide.
Jillian O’Malley – Album Launch We are delighted to welcome the fantastic flute player Jillian O’Malley, from Louisburgh, for the launch of her new album. Gillian will be joined by Catherine McHugh for a special performance celebrating her music and Mayo roots. Céide After many years away, Mayo traditional music favourites Céide are reuniting for this very special concert at the Foxford Traditional Weekend. Formed in Mayo, Céide feature an exceptional line-up of musicians: Brian Lennon on flute, whistles and vocals; Tom and Kevin Doherty on accordion and double bass; John McHugh on fiddle; Declan Askin on guitar and vocals; and Marianne Knight on vocals, flute, accordion and bodhrán. Céide released their acclaimed debut album Like a Wild Thing in 2001, followed by Out of Their Shell in 2006. The band went on to perform extensively at home and internationally, building a reputation for their energetic, distinctive and exciting approach to traditional music. In 2009, with young families to concentrate on, Céide decided to “pull into the lay-by”. Now, 17 years later, they are back together for one very special night. Expect music from both albums, alongside new arrangements and songs, delivered with the energy, drive and emotion that made Céide such a celebrated name on the traditional music scene. Not to be missed! |
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Saturday 17th, 1:15pm, in the Foxford Mill
Lunchtime Recital with the Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble under the direction of Grainne Hambly and William JacksonThis FREE lunchtime recital is always a real treat and quite magical in the historic Foxford Mill, from the Mayo Music Generation Harp Ensemble.
The Harp Ensemble operates under the musical direction of Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson, acclaimed musicians and composers with many years of experience performing worldwide. FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland for National Harp Day |
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Saturday 17th October
Meeting at the front of the Foxford Mill 10 mins prior to the tour. Tour Time: 3pm We invite you to join local historian, Oliver Murphy and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of our historic town. The one hour tour will take place on Saturday, the 17th October 2026, at 3pm. The meeting point is the front of the Foxford Mill at ten minutes prior to the tour. We look forward to meeting you…
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Video from previous 'Hands on Harp' with Laoise Kelly
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Saturday 17th Oct, 3pm,
Foxford Mill Cafe Saturday 17th October is National Harp Day. Have you always wanted to try the harp? Would you like to hear, learn more about, and even have a go? Now’s your chance! Join us for this 'Hands on Harp' class. #Harpday
FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland for National Harp Day |
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Saturday 17th Oct, 3pm - 4:30pm,
Foxford National School Adults and Young people aged 12 and over are warmly welcome to join a Cuimsiú Performance Workshop – a relaxed, inclusive and fun workshop designed to explore performance, movement and music in a supportive environment, specially created for people with a disability or additional need. All participants must be accompanied by a support person for the duration of the event. FREE EVENT Booking |
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Saturday 17 October, 6pm, Foxford Convent Church
Doors: 5:30pm Adults: €20 + booking fee | Under 18s: €10 + booking fee Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Join us for a special evening of music in the beautiful and atmospheric Foxford Convent Church, featuring Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, two highly regarded young traditional musicians from Galway, joined by acclaimed pianist and composer Ryan Molloy.
Séamus and Caoimhe are rooted in the rich traditional music of Connemara and Galway. Their performances combine a deep respect for tradition with a fresh, vibrant energy. They will be joined by Ryan Molloy, one of Ireland's leading traditional accompanists, whose distinctive piano style has featured alongside many of the country's finest traditional musicians. An intimate evening of outstanding traditional music in a truly special setting. Book Here |
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Saturday 17 October, 8pm, The Moy Hotel
Join us for a very special international Concert celebrating the musical connections between Ireland, Brittany and the Basque Country. Featuring Cúas from Kerry with set dancers, Xabi Aburruzaga from the Basque Country, Marie Le Cam from Brittany, France, and Niamh Ní Charra from Ireland, the concert promises a wonderful evening of traditional music, dance and cultural exchange. This is one of six flagship cultural events in County Mayo included in the EU Presidency Cultural Programme, celebrating the musical connections between Ireland and our European neighbours. An exciting evening of music, dance and cultural exchange, showcasing the strong connections between traditional music traditions across Europe. Booking |
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Saturday 17 October, 11pm - 12:30pm, The Moy Hotel
Join us late on Saturday night for Club na Féile, a brand-new addition to Foxford Traditional Weekend.
Hosted by the brilliant Seoda, the 2025 Siansa Gael Linn winners, Club na Féile promises a lively late-night gathering of tunes, special guests and dancing. Come along, bring your dancing shoes and enjoy a fantastic night of music and craic as we keep the festival going late into Saturday night! Featuring Niamh Ní Dhochartaigh, Aoife Nic Pháidín, Aoife Ní Shearraigh, Hannah Pittendrigh, Kellie Ní Mhóráin, Piaras Mac Céide, Oisín Ó Domhnaill and Noel de Faoite. FREE EVENT |
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Kindly sponsored by Castle Medical Centre
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Sun 18th Oct @ 11am - 12pm, Moy Hotel
Adults €10 plus booking fee - Tots Free Bring your little ones along for a fun and lively introduction to Irish traditional music, song and dance.
With live music at the heart of the session, little feet will be tapping, hands will be clapping and there will be plenty of opportunities to sing, move and join in. It is a relaxed and informal session where children can experience the joy of traditional music from an early age. Suitable for ages 0–6 and their parents/guardians. Adults €10 - Children Free Book Here |
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Sunday 18 October, 12:30pm,
Design Office, Foxford Cafe An interactive talk hosted by Niamh Ní Charra. Join the musicians and guests from A Celebration of Irish, Breton and Basque Music for an informal and interactive conversation exploring the musical connections between Ireland, Brittany and the Basque Country. Featuring Xabi Aburruzaga, Marie Le Cam and Kyle and Nicole from Cúas, this session will explore their musical traditions, influences and experiences, as well as the connections between the music. Following Saturday night's concert at the Moy Hotel, this is an opportunity to meet the musicians in a more intimate setting, hear their stories and discover more about the music and traditions they bring from Ireland and across Europe. This special concert forms part of the Mayo European cultural programme celebrating Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Book Here |
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Sunday 18th October
Foxford National School, 2pm - 5pm (followed by Mummers Parade) €12 Step into an ancient Irish tradition with this hands-on workshop led by Edwina Guckian. Discover the history and folklore of the Mummers while learning the craft of weaving your very own traditional straw hat. Using natural materials and age-old techniques, you’ll create a headpiece that carries centuries of story, celebration, and mischief. Whether you’re drawn to the craft, the culture, or the craic, this workshop is a chance to connect with Ireland’s festive past and bring it into the present. U14 Must be accompanied by an adult. Booking |
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Sunday 18th October from 5:15pm
Starting at Foxford National School making their way towards Main Street. Following the workshop, the Mummers will spill out onto the streets — bringing with them their trademark mischief and mayhem! For the last few years they’ve been causing havoc around Foxford, and this year will be no different. Expect music, laughter, and a little bit of chaos as the Mummers parade through — and beware, you might just be called on to dance at any moment! Come along, join the fun, and be part of this living tradition. Bring your instruments. |
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Sun 18th Oct, 3:30pm, Venue to be ConfirmedA clip from a previous year's junior session best explains what goes on here! Under the guidance of Tom Doherty, younger musicians, dancers and singers are given a platform to perform individually and as a group.
FREE EVENT. |
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Graham Wright Violins & Harps
We’re delighted to welcome back Master Craftsman Graham Wright of Graham Wright Violins and Harps to this year’s Foxford Traditional Weekend. Graham’s expertise in instrument making and repair is widely respected, and this is an opportunity to meet him in person. He’ll be available in Foxford Mill on Saturday 17th October from 1:30pm, during the Harp Ensemble Performance. Whether you have a query about instrument care, are curious about the craft of making violins and harps, or simply want a chat, be sure to call by. Facebook Page |
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Martin Quinn - Accordions.ie
A familiar face in Irish traditional music circles, we’re also pleased to welcome back Martin Quinn of Accordions.ie. Martin is one of Ireland’s leading names in accordion sales and repairs. He brings decades of knowledge and skill to his craft, and is a trusted expert among musicians across the country. Martin will be available in Foxford National School on Saturday 17th October from 11:00am, where you can meet him in person. Whether you're looking for advice on tuning, have questions about accordion maintenance, or are interested in purchasing an instrument, Martin will be happy to help. Accordions.ie |
Kyle Hampson – Lir WhistlesWe are delighted to welcome Kyle Hampson of Lir Whistles back again to this year’s Foxford Traditional Weekend. No stranger to Foxford, Kyle is well-known for his passion for Irish traditional music and craftsmanship. As CEO and maker at Lir Whistles, he combines his love of music with his expertise in digital media to promote whistle playing across the world.
Kyle will be on hand over the weekend at various sessions, and is always happy to chat about all things whistle-related — from playing tips to instrument care and whistle making. For anyone interested in buying a whistle, or to get in touch with Kyle directly, you can contact him through his website. Lir Whistle |
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Dezi Donnelly & Michael McGoldrick
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Noel Hill
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Fergal Scahill & Ryan Molloy
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Seamus Begley & Jim Murray
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Ryan Sheridan & Patrick Doocey
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FullSet
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Hernon Family & Don Stiffe
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The O'Donnell Family
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The Piper's Cross Céilí Band
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