KILLARNEY, yet again, has reinforced its reputation as the country’s undisputed trad capital following a fabulous feast of music, song, dance and fun at the annual Gathering Festival in the Gleneagle Hotel.
Lively concerts with big name stars, rousing céilís and impromptu sessions were the order of the day – and night – as the 21st Gathering Traditional Festival came of age with a bumper party right through from Wednesday to Sunday last.
The five-day and five-night event attracted patrons from the US, Britain, France, Germany and all over Ireland to celebrate the best of trad and the great Irish traditions.

The 2020 concert line-up included Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine and Triona, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Kevin Burke, Backwest, Niamh Ní Chasaide and The Bonnymen, Jackie Daly, Matt Cannich and Paul De Grae.
The céilís – a firm favourite – returned to the Gleneagle ballroom and featured acts of the calibre of Neily O’Connor, Uí Bhriain, Shandrum Céilí Band, Striolán Céilí Band and Johnny Reidy
This year’s traditional singers’ concert featured performers from Cork and Kerry, including Róisín Ryan, Christy Cronin, Pat Sullivan, Marian and Kathleen McCann, Tom McKenna, Ciara O’Shea, Jim Walsh, Liam Randles, Richie Fitzgerald and Gerry Kelliher.
The Gathering Festival also hosted several music and dance workshops throughout the festival to help players improve their skills with some of the best tutors.
The festival’s Schools Outreach Programme was another huge hit with national school pupils treated to a feast of music and dance by a troupe of wandering musical minstrels, giving them a very unique insight into their culture and heritage in a fun and interactive way.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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