Foxford Traditional Weekend
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Workshops & Masterclasses 2026

Workshop Booking
We are using Powertik for workshop and masterclass bookings this year.
The price shown includes the booking fee – there is no additional charge at checkout.
Family Discount – Book 4 or more eligible workshops and spend €50 or more to receive your discount.
Simply enter FAMILY15 at checkout.
Harp, Cuimsiú and Taster Whistle are not included in the discount as these classes are already reduced.

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​Performance Masterclass with Ryan Molloy

Aged 15+
Sat 17th Oct 2026, 2pm - 4:30pm
​Foxford National School, €22
Ryan Molloy is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and traditional musician from Co. Tyrone, whose work bridges the worlds of traditional Irish and contemporary music. A highly respected performer, accompanist and educator, Ryan has recorded on more than 30 albums and has composed over 50 works performed around the world. He was awarded the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil Composer of the Year in 2024, recognising his outstanding contribution to Irish traditional music.
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+ 
Book Here

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Performance Masterclass with David Doocey

Aged 12+
Sat 17th Oct 2026, 2pm - 4:30pm,
​Foxford National School, €18 
The Master Class focuses on advanced players only and is open to all instruments. 
​This workshop led by Multi-instrumentalist, David Doocey, 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. 
Book Here

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Traditional Singing - Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
​Foxford National School, €18
Maybe you would like to add some new songs to your repertoire, learn more about the traditional singing style, or simply spend an afternoon immersed in Irish song. This is your chance to learn in a relaxed and enjoyable setting with Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta, a talented young traditional singer from Connemara.

Caoimhe grew up surrounded by the rich musical and singing traditions of the Connemara Gaeltacht. With a deep love and understanding of traditional song, she brings her own style, knowledge and enthusiasm to every performance. This workshop is an opportunity to explore traditional songs, their stories and singing styles, while developing your own confidence and enjoyment of traditional singing.
BOOK HERE

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Concertina - Aileen Bourke

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm,
​Foxford National School
€18
​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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Fiddle - David Doocey

​Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm
​Foxford National School, €18 
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. ​
Book Here

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Flute - Stephen Doherty

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm,
​Foxford National School, €18
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 Scahill

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm,
​Foxford National School, €18
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. ​
Book Here

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Accordion - Tom Doherty

​Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm
​Foxford National School, €18
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. ​
​Book Here

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Tin Whistle - Marianne Knight

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm
​Foxford National School, €18
​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. ​
Book Here

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Harp with Brídín & Séamus Ó Fhlatharta

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 10am - 1pm
​Foxford Leisure Centre, €10
Organised in conjunction with Cruit / Harp Éireann, Harp Ireland

Join us for a special opportunity to learn from two accomplished harp tutors, Séamus Ó Fhlatharta and Brídín.

Séamus Ó Fhlatharta, from Connemara, is a talented traditional musician steeped in Irish music from a young age. A highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist and performer, Séamus brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Irish traditional music.
Brídín, a modern folk harpist, singer-songwriter and composer from Co. Sligo, brings her own contemporary and ethereal style to the harp, inspired by her traditional roots and the landscape of Sligo. An All-Ireland Fleadh title holder and RTÉ Folk Awards nominee, she has performed extensively in Ireland and internationally.
Participants will be divided into two groups, with each group spending half of the workshop with Séamus and half with Brídín, giving everyone the opportunity to learn from both tutors.
Book Here

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​Sean-nós Dance - Peter Fox

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
Moy Hotel, €12
Peter Fox is from a musical family in Foxford and has won numerous Fleadh titles in both sean-nós and set-dancing. Peter is currently studying in Limerick and dances as part of  the talented Craobh Uí Choisdellibhe / Roisín Bean Uí Cheallaigh set-dancers who have won numerous All-Ireland titles.  

Book Here

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Beginners Taster Tin Whistle Class

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
​Foxford National School, €5 
If you or a child would like to try out a tin whistle class now is your chance!  
​
Please bring a 'D' tin whistle 
Book Here

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Hands on Harp Taster

Sat 17th Oct 2026, 3pm
Foxford Mill Cafe
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FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Cruit / Harp 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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Set-Dancing
​- Christy Mac Gearailt

Saturday 17th Oct 2026, 10:15am - 12:45pm
​Moy Hotel, Foxford, €15
Christy Mac Gearailt is a Setdance instructor from Dunquin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. An area where set dancing has always been strong and central among its people and community. Christy understood early in life the importance of dancing as a tool that brings people together. Dancers, musicians, communities, and audiences alike.  With this understanding in his workshops Christy’s emphasis is not just on the steps, the figures and understanding of the music but also on the craic and giving you the confidence going forward to get up and have a go. 
Over the years working with schools, universities, groups and at festivals in Ireland and around the world, he takes all this on board in his workshops, where he will break down the Set so you can easily understand, learn, and arm yourself with the tools to improve while enjoying the craic surrounded by like minded people.
Booking

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Cuimsiú Performance Workshop

​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

Book Here

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Make Your Own Mummers Straw Hat

Sun 18th Oct 2026, 2pm - 5pm (followed by Mummers Parade)
Foxford National School, €12
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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. 
One of Ireland’s best-known dancers and cultural ambassadors, Edwina Guckian has been inspiring audiences and students alike for years with her deep love of Irish tradition. From a young age, she immersed herself in music, dance, and folklore, becoming a leading figure in passing these arts on to new generations.
​In this workshop, Edwina shares not only her skills, but her passion for connecting people to heritage — making every step, story, or straw hat, a bridge between past and present.
​BOOK HERE

Some of the Classes from Previous Years

A wide range of classes available.
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.

'Hands on Harp' Event
as part of Lá na Cruite / National Harp Day

On Saturday 19th October 2019 we were delighted to welcome Laoise Kelly to Foxford as part of Lá na Cruite/National Harp Day.   The event gave individuals the chance to play and listen to one of the best!   We have since celebrated Harp Day in Foxoford in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & plans are in place for 2026.
​#Harpday
​​Organised in conjunction with Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland
Laoise Kelly

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]
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​Foxford Traditional Weekend
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