Foxford Traditional Weekend Events

Rambling House

Thursday 16th Oct @ 8pm, Moy Hotel

The scene is set for the Rambling House, so come along and allow yourself to step back in time with music, song, stories and light refreshments...just like the good auld days.
The venue for the Rambling House is the Moy Hotel.
FREE EVENT

Session Trail

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

Pop Up Gaeltacht

Friday 17th October, Guiry's Bar, 6:30pm &
Saturday 18th 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!

Friday Concert
The High Seas Supported by Seoda

Fri 17th Oct @ 8pm, Moy Hotel
Doors: 7:30pm
Adults: €15 plus booking fee
Children under 18 FREE at the door

Uplifting audiences across the world, The High Seas bring a fresh collection of musical talent to the stage in their new show. The band skillfully weave together the colourful strands of Irish music, song and dance into a tapestry of tradition, giving a performance that is both playful and profound, ethereal and brooding.

Made up of acclaimed musicians Caitlín Nic Gabhann (concertina, dance), Ciarán Ó Maonaigh (fiddles), Cathal Ó Curráin (vocals, bouzouki, fiddle) and Dermot Mullholland on double bass.

Seoda
From their recent Siansa Gael Linn win, this bright, talented group will please. No strangers to Foxford, where they spent many hours practicing under the guidance of Stephen Doherty before their big win earlier this year in the National Concert Hall.

Book Tickets Here
Sponsored by MD Roofing

Master Classes & Workshops

Saturday 18th, Foxford National School, Foxford Leisure Centre & Foxford Mill

Full details including Masterclasses and Music Workshops available HERE.

Foxford Heritage Walking Tours

Saturday 18th October
Meeting at the front of the Foxford Mill 10 mins prior to each 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 18th October 2025, 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…

Harp Recital

Saturday 18th, 1:30pm, in the Foxford Mill

Lunchtime Recital the Music Generation Mayo Harp
Ensemble under the direction of Grainne Hambly and William Jackson

This 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

Mummers Straw Hat Workshop

Saturday 18th October 2025,
Foxford National School, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
€10
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.
Book Here

Lá na Cruite / National Harp Day - 'Hands on Harp' Taster Class

Video from previous 'Hands on Harp' with Laoise Kelly

Saturday 18th Oct, 3pm, Foxford Mill Cafe

Saturday 18th 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

Reserve a Spot

Comhaltas Cuimsiú Session

Saturday 18th October, 3pm - 4:30pm
Foxford Leisure Centre

Children, young people and people of all ages and abilities are warmly invited to join us for a Comhaltas Cuimsiú Session — a relaxed and inclusive traditional music session, created especially for those with disabilities or additional needs.
Whether you play the fiddle, bodhrán, harp, banjo, a non-traditional instrument, sing, dance, or simply enjoy the music, this is your chance to experience what it’s like to be part of a Trad session, surrounded by other musicians in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The session will be led by Mary Munnelly and Jarlath Dunford and is supported by ÁIRC - Supporting Children with Disabilities in Mayo, Ballina Autism Friendly Town and Down Syndrome Mayo.
Families, friends, and support persons are encouraged to come along, listen, and enjoy the music too.
Please note that musicians and their support persons should bring any instruments needed.
All musicians must be accompanied by a support person for the duration of the session.

Join the Mummers Parade

Saturday 18th October from 5:30pm
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.

Féile Concert Saturday Night
The Achill Lads | Alannah Thornburgh | The Smyth Family -
Breda, Cora and Seán Smyth with Patrick Doocey

Sat 18th Oct @ 8pm, Moy Hotel
Doors: 7:30pm
Adults: €15 plus booking fee
Child: €5 on the door

The concert takes place in the Moy Hotel at 8pm on Saturday 18th of October and promises to be a night you won't want to miss.
Please note the Féile Concert is usually a sell-out so please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Book Tickets Here
Sponsored by MD Roofing

Trad for Tots

Sun 19th Oct @ 11:00am, Moy Hotel
Adults €10 plus booking fee - Tots Free
CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Introduce your little ones to Irish Music, Song and Dance

This will be a very relaxed and informal introduction to Irish traditional music, song and dance for little ones. We would love to see babies (and parents) singing and dancing along!

Adults €10 plus booking fee - Book Here

Kindly sponsored by Castle Medical Centre

Junior Session

Sun 19th Oct, 4pm, Moy Hotel

A 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.

Meet the Instrument Makers

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 18th 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

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 18th 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 Whistles

We 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

If you are an instrument maker visiting during the weekend, please let us know. [email protected]

Previous SOLD OUT Concerts featuring, Frankie Gavin, Seán Keane, Hernon Family, Cathy Jordan, Colm O'Donnell, The Piper's Cross Céilí Band, The O'Donnell Family, Michael McGoldrick & Dezie Donnelly, Eleanor Shanley & Don Stiff