Ennis Trad Festival

When & Where The Ennis Trad Festival usually takes place during the first two weeks in November in the town of Ennis in County Clare in Ireland. In 2010 the festival dates were November 11 to 15. The 2011 dates are November 10th-14th.

What to Expect Ennis pays host to a great collection of traditional Irish music traceol in every pub, there’s also spotlight concerts and ceilis (traditional Irish disco !). There’s a contest too ; The Great Band Challenge which is called Ard Ghaisce na mBuíonta in the Gaelic language.

The Ennis Trad Festival is a festival for those who love to hear (or play) Irish Traditional music of the highest quality in its most natural setting. The festival brings together the very best of Irish traditional musicians, singers and dancers in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Over 30 venues host selected exponents of the music, carefully mixed and matched to ensure an exciting variety of sessions. Spotlight concerts each night (Thursday to Monday) feature internationally renowned artists. There are many other events too, including CD launches, recitals, instrument and singing masterclasses, a spectacular céilí band competition with audience voting and set-dancing céilís. It all happens over a (very) long weekend in Ennis, the capital of Ireland's premier music county, Clare.

Headline Acts

Our headline acts this year are The Dave Munnelly Band, Any Old Time, The Brock McGuire Band with special guest Noel Battle. Monday night's festival finale concert will feature Charlie Harris, Maeve Donnelly, Eamonn and Geraldine Cotter.

Senior Céilí Band Competition

This year's festival will feature the 4th Annual Ard Ghaisce na mBuíonta Senior Céilí Band Competition, with substantial cash prizes! This popular event pits the nation's best Céilí Bands against each other in a friendly Battle Royale. The winners are chosen by a combination of audience voting and a panel of expert adjudicators who are screened to prevent them seeing the competitors, or knowing their identity during the competition.

Our masterclasses provide an excellent opportunity to those who wish to improve their musical skills with some of traditional music's most accomplished tutors. Class sizes will be limited to ensure each individual student benefits fully from the workshop in the development of technique, style and repertoire.

For more information, see www.ennistradfestival.com or visit us on facebook at Ennis Trad Festival. .

Accommodation in Ireland

Where to stay Book your accommodation for this Traditional Irish Music Festival below. There's quality hotels or cheap accommodation in Ennis & the rest of Ireland available here

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