It's Ceilí Time!

Last Updated on Monday, 21 May 2012 09:18 Sunday, 20 May 2012 22:24

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Due to popular demand - following the success of last year’s Festival Closing Event, an open-air céilí – we are bringing the fabulous Kilfenora Céilí Band back to Ardmore for the 2012 Ardmore Pattern Festival!

The Kilfenora Céilí Band is one of Ireland’s most famous and most loved céilí bands. Formed more than a century ago in the tiny Co. Clare village of Kilfenora, the band has endured through the changing times and serves as a reminder that Irish culture and traditions are thriving and have survived the test of time.

Hundreds of people packed the Festival Square in 2011 to dance to, and enjoy the music of the Kilfenora, under the guidance of caller, Timmy the Brit. Dancers, young and old, took to the floor to beat out the rhythm on a sunny summer evening by the sea. The atmosphere was electric as the musicians belted out the tunes and the dancers flew around the specially constructed dancefloor. It really was a night to remember….

Pictured Above: Dancing to the Kilfenora Céilí Band in Ardmore, July 2011. Entitled, “Not Just Happy Feet, then!” by John Shinnick, this photograph was one of our 2011 Photo Competition winners.

The current Kilfenora line-up has been together, by and large, for 17 years under the leadership of John Lynch. In recent years they have played in Britain, France, America and around Europe, playing a number of concert performances, as well as playing for céilí dances.  They have sold out the Irish National Concert Hall in Dublin and are regulars at the major festivals around the world.  Their forte is instrumental music with some harmony and a driving rhythm.

The Festival Committee is delighted to welcome the Kilfenora back to Ardmore this July for what promises to be another wonderful night of music and dance on Sunday, 29th July. Another date for your Diary!