Whats the Story Bird?: Féile Chois Cuain- Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. 29th-2nd May

A great session, "The Square" Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. Picture courtesy of feilechoiscuain.com

For one weekend every year the peaceful village of Louisburgh, nestled between the foot of Croagh Patrick and the majestic Clew Bay is awoken for time, to the sound of “ceol agus craic” with the Féile Chois Cuain.

The sound of the fiddle and accordion echo in the air of the peaceful town along with spectators feet tapping in time on the hard wood floors of the pubs.

This May bank holiday weekend 29th April - 2nd May will see a flood of talented musicians, both young and old, gracing the quite streets for what could quite possible be the session to beat all sessions!

The square of the old market town which had once seen years of farmers trading is inhabited for a time, by people gathering in large groups on the streets and footpaths to enjoy lively trading of songs, poems, stories, dance and of course traditional music.

The Féile Chois Cuain, which is in it’s 17th year, has become the pride of the parish of Kilgeever, attracting tourists from all over the world all in search of our own unique heritage of culture and traditional arts.

Joe McNamara’s pub, (Joe Mc’s) Cronins and The West View pubs never fail to be a hives of activity, for the weekend, the pubs are densely occupied with the spirit of their heritage. At times there can be just enough space inside to let the fiddlers elbow swing freely or to let a pint reach your lips, which makes for a great atmosphere!

Duffy’s pub, next door is another little gem in the picturesque village. It is renowned for lively and all too witty recitations which draws in great crowds. During a recitation a pin could be heard dropping throughout the crowd, each person present eagerly hanging onto the speakers every word, waiting in anticipation for the punch line that is always typical of Irish wit and humour.

Among the founders of Féile Chois Cuain is local man, Michael O’ Grady. Starting this festival back in 1995, in a effort to promote and preserve the rich heritage of traditional music among the youth of the area. Since then the féile has gone from strength to strength drawing in bigger crowds of trad lovers then ever before the festival is only getting better and better, it is one not to be missed!

Programme of Events 2011

Friday 29th April / Aoine 29 Aibreán

7.30pm - Venue: Parochial Hall. Mol an óige. Ceolchoirm le sárcheoltóirí óga. Youth concert featuring local and visiting artists. Táille/Admission euro4.00
9.30pm: Reception / Fáiltiú: Cheese and Wine reception in West View Hotel. All Welcome.
Music and Singing Sessions in Local Pubs.

Saturday 30th April / Dé Sathairn 30 Aibreán

10.30am - 4.00pm: Set Dance Workshop / Ceardlann Seiteanna. Venue: Parochial Hall.
10.30am - 4.00pm: Masterclasses - Máistir-ranganna Venue: Sancta Maria College
Táille/Admission euro10.00 to all Masterclasses & Workshops
Tutors/Teagascóirí -
- Ballads: Niamh Parsons / Sean-nós: Nollaig Ní Laoire
- Accordion: Chris Maguire / Johnny Óg Connolly
- Banjo: Enda Scahill
- Concertina: Edel Fox
- Fiddle: John Weir / John Daly
- Flute: Joe Skelton / John Rynne
- Tin Whistle: Mary Bergin / Cian Ó Ciaráin
- Uilleann Pipes: Tommy Keane
- Set Dance: Geraldine Greene
- Check out the Artists/Tutors page for further information
Note: Lunch break 1pm to 2pm
4.15pm - 6.00pm: Seisiún Amhránaíochta Sean-Nóis le scoth na n-amhránaithe ar an sean-nós - Aíonna: Johnny Mháirtín Learaí Mac Donnchadha, Stiofán Ó Cualáin, Stiofán Óg Ó Cualáin, Éamon Ó Donnchadha, Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta, Nollaig NicAindriú, Saileog Ní Cheannabháin, Tomás Ó Máille, Antaine Ó Faracháin, Eimear Ní Standúin, Nollaig Ní Laoire. Bean a' Tí: Síle Uí Mhongáin
Adm euro3.00. Venue Old Convent, Westport Road.
8.45pm: Grand Concert / Ceolchoirm Na Féile - Parochial Hall - Music, Song and Dance, featuring outstanding artists from home and abroad. Táille/Admission euro10.00.

Sunday 1st May/ Dé Domhnaigh 1 Bealtaine

4.00pm: Níor Thréig Siad a nOidhreacht / True To Their Roots: Many had to leave the area over the years and they brought with them a love of our native arts and culture to enrich our Traditional Arts wherever they went. We are delighted to welcome their "children" - among them a number who have won All-Ireland Fleadh titles, people who have toured with Comhaltas and with other notable groups and all who have achieved excellence in their field - for this special concert. Beidh céad mile fáilte rompu agus iad ag filleadh ar a ndúchas.
Adm euro10.00. Venue Parochial Hall
10.30pm - 1.30am: Set Dance Social / Oíche Sheiteanna - Venue Parochial Hall
Adm euro10.00. Music by 'Heather Breeze' Céilí Band

Monday 2nd May / Dé Luain 2 Bealtaine