Workshops & Masterclasses 2025
If you wish to book more than 3 classes please contact [email protected] for family discount.
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Advanced Fiddle with Seán SmythSaturday 18th October 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 Seán Smyth is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s finest fiddle players. Originally from County Mayo, he is best known as a founding and current member of Lúnasa, one of the most influential Irish traditional bands of recent decades.
His powerful, lyrical style is deeply rooted in the West of Ireland tradition, yet carries a distinctive energy and creativity that has inspired musicians across the world. With decades of performing and teaching experience, Seán brings both technical mastery and a genuine passion for the tradition to Foxford Traditional Weekend. This class is open to proficient musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. |
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Advanced Whistle with Breda SmythSaturday 18th October 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 Breda Smyth is an acclaimed whistle and flute player, renowned for her vibrant style and deep knowledge of the tradition. Growing up in a musical family, she has been immersed in traditional music from an early age and has performed and taught extensively both in Ireland and abroad.
This class is open to proficient musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. Book Here |
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Advanced Concertina with Caitlín Nic GabhannSaturday 18th October 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 Caitlín Nic Gabhann is a highly respected concertina player, dancer, and composer, recognised as one of the leading figures in Irish traditional music today. From County Meath, Caitlín grew up in a musical family and has gone on to perform and teach at festivals and events across the world.
She is renowned for her distinctive, expressive concertina style and her original compositions, many of which have become firm favourites in sessions everywhere. Alongside her solo career, Caitlín has toured internationally with shows such as Riverdance and Comas, and regularly performs with her husband, fiddler Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. This class is open to proficient musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. |
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Performance Masterclass with Maggie MaguireAged 15+
Sat 18th Oct 2025, 2:30pm - 5:00pm Foxford National School, €20 plus booking fee Maggie Maguire is a talented fiddle player and teacher from Fermanagh, known for her rich repertoire and deep connection to the Ulster tradition. Growing up in a musical family, she was immersed in Irish traditional music from an early age and has gone on to become a respected performer and tutor at festivals and workshops throughout Ireland and beyond.
This class is open to proficient musicians, who are well able to play reels and jigs by ear.
Places in this Master Class are limited and booking is essential. Aged 15+ |
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Performance Masterclass with Stephen DohertyAged 12+
Sat 18th Oct 2025, 2:30pm - 5pm, Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee The Master Class focuses on advanced players only and is open to all instruments.
This workshop led by Multi-instrumentalist, Stephen Doherty, will guide participants through all aspects of group and stage performance with a focus on arrangement, technique, composition etc. The mixed instrument Masterclass will focus on aged 12+, advanced players only and is open to all instruments.
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Advanced / Upper Intermediate Harp
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Intermediate Harp with Laoise KellySat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm,
Foxford Leisure Centre, FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Music Generation Mayo We’re thrilled to welcome back the extraordinary Laoise Kelly to this year’s Foxford Traditional Weekend. A trailblazer in Irish harp, Laoise’s return is a true honour — her dynamic solo style and deep West of Ireland roots continue to inspire both audiences and young musicians alike. Her presence adds something truly special to the weekend.
with thanks to Music Generation Mayo this workshop is free of charge
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Concertina - Aileen Bourke
Sat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm,
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Senior All-Ireland Champion Concertina player, Aileen Bourke is a graduate from the Irish Music and Dance course at the University of Limerick where she obtained a first class honors degree.
In recent years she has played extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and America. Aileen took home All-Ireland fleadh medals for 5 consecutive years and became the senior All-Ireland Champion, on the concertina at the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. Book Here |
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Intermediate Fiddle - David DooceySat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee David Doocey has won several awards including All-Ireland medals on both fiddle and concertina and the first ever World Fleadh fiddle championship in 2005. He has also achieved success in the much coveted Feile Oriel trophy, an award previously held by Tommy Peoples. He is featured on many recordings and in recent years he has performed on stage with Michael McGoldrick, Tim O’Brien, Martin Hayes, Sean Keane, Dougie MacLean, Dermot Byrne, Sharon Shannon and many other world renowned musicians.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Flute - Stephen DohertySat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm,
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Stephen Doherty is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, widely recognised for his outstanding flute playing and dynamic performing style.
He has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and is celebrated not only for his technical skill but also for his creativity as a composer and arranger. With a wealth of experience as both a performer and tutor, Stephen has inspired students of all ages through his engaging and encouraging teaching style. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
Book Here |
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Banjo - Brian ScahillSat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm,
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee One of Ireland's finest banjo players, Brian is the banjo player with the Swallow's Tail Céilí Band. He is a much sought-after tutor, teaching at various summer Schools around Ireland including the Willie Clancey Summer School.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Accordion - Tom DohertySat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Known for his energetic playing style and deep love of traditional music, Tom has inspired countless young musicians and is a regular tutor at various music workshops and Summer Schools across Ireland.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Tin Whistle - Marianne KnightSat 18th Oct 2025, 10am - 1pm
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Marianne Knight hails from the rich musical environment of Aughamore, Co Mayo. A leading figure in music, song and dance, Marianne is a multi-instrumentalist with a voice and feet made for the stage. Marianne is also a fantastic Tin Whistle player and tutor.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Beginners Taster Tin Whistle ClassSat 18th Oct 2025, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Foxford National School, €5 plus booking fee If you or a child would like to try out a tin whistle class now is your chance! Tom will take you through the starting steps to see if this is for you. Tom has over 30 years experience teaching on a daily basis, beginners, foundation, Improvers, Intermediate and Advanced tin whistle classes. Tom teaches music to students, in a number of national schools in the Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon area.
Please bring a 'D' tin whistle |
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Make Your Own Mummers Straw HatSat 18th Oct 2025, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
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Hands on Harp TasterSat 18th Oct 2025, 3pm
Foxford Mill Cafe FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland Would you like a chance to try the harp?
Ireland’s national instrument has charmed hearts for centuries, and now you can experience it for yourself. This hands-on session is open to all ages — no experience needed. Whether you’ve always dreamed of playing, or are simply curious to pluck a few strings and hear their magic, why not come along and give it a go? It’s a relaxed, welcoming introduction designed to let you feel the harp, discover its sound, and maybe even find a new passion. Instruments will be provided on the day, so all you need to bring is your curiosity (and perhaps a friend or two to share the experience)! RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
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Traditional Singing - Cian McNamaraSat 18th Oct 2025, 3:30pm - 5pm
Foxford National School, €10 plus booking fee Maybe you’d like to add to your current repertoire, or simply spend an afternoon immersed in music. This is your chance to learn in a relaxed, enjoyable setting — and who better to guide you than Achill Island’s own Cian McNamara.
A singer steeped in tradition, Cian has been surrounded by music since childhood, drawing inspiration from the wild beauty of his island home. Performing both solo and with The Achill Lads, he brings Irish folk and ballads to life with heartfelt vocals and fresh energy. His work keeps Achill’s musical heritage alive while connecting it to new audiences at home and abroad. |
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Set Dancing Taster - Peter FoxSunday 19th Oct 2025, 12:30pm - 2pm
Moy Hotel, Foxford, €10 plus booking fee Ever thought you might enjoy set-dancing but never had the chance to try?
This is the perfect opportunity to give it a go. Whether you’re curious to learn the steps, looking for a fun way to exercise, or just want to spend an afternoon laughing with friends, this taster session is for you. Great music, great movement, and great craic guaranteed. Leading the way is Peter Fox, an All-Ireland Champion Set-Dancer, currently studying music in Limerick. Peter has picked up numerous county, provincial and national titles along the way. His passion and energy make him the perfect teacher to get you up on your feet — no experience needed, just a willingness to join in the fun. BOOK HERE |
Some of the Classes from Previous Years
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David Doocey guides participants through all aspects of group and stage performance with a focus on arrangement, technique composition etc. This clip was recorded during the 2017 master class.
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'Hands on Harp' Event
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Laoise Kelly
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Previous Master Class Tutors Noel Hill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly and Michael Rooney with their Master Classes
Full details of events on tel. 086 3999774 / Email [email protected]