March 29th – April 1st, 2012
www.comhaltas.ie/events

Since 2007 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have organised a weekend of traditional music workshops, sessions and concerts in honour of Patrick Byrne, the 19th century harper who was the first Irish traditional musician ever photographed. Called the Féile Patrick Byrne this community festival is held on the weekend before Easter (March 29th – April 1st) in and around Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.
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April 13th – 15th,  2012
www.clifdentradfest.com

The 3rd Annual “Clifden Traditional Music Festival” will take place on the weekend of the April 13th–15th, 2012. Following on from 2010 & 2011, 2012 promises to be a great weekend of the very best of Irish Music, song and dance! Top class visiting musicians from all over the country have been invited with a host of All Ireland Champions among them. Musicians will include: Maura Walsh, James Duggan, Graham Guerin, Gearoid Keating, Padraic Kerins, Josie & Una Canavan, Michael Curran, Chris Maguire, Daithí Gormley and a host more who will join local and other visiting musicians.
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May 4th – 7th, 2012
www.cupoftaefestival.com

The Cup of Tae Festival entered its eleventh year this year and over the years it has well and truely proved itself as one of Ireland’s best festivals. A prominent musician recently was quoted as saying “The Cup of Tae Festival is a hidden gem of a festival that is our little secret where the best musicians in the land and from Europe and USA come and join together and enjoy music in every nuke and cranny in an atmosphere of relaxation and fun. The local hosteries also make sure every musician is looked after and we don’t want everyone to know too much about The Cup of Tae Festival”.
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Social Harmony: When Tradition and High Art Meet
May 17th – 20th, 2012
www.galwayearlymusic.com

This year’s festival looks at what happens when popular culture and high art meet and mingle: when tunes played at a peasant’s wedding find their way into the music played at a castle feast, when hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes become the fashion at court and when baroque harp becomes the instrument of the people.
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July 15th – 21st, 2012
www.catskillsirishartsweek.org

The 18th Annual Catskills Irish Arts Week takes place in upstate New York from July 15th – 21st, 2012 in the picturesque hamlet of East Durham, a destination for the Irish for many decades.
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Applications for Meitheal Summer School 2012 before March 16th!
July 16th – 20th, 2012
www.tradweek.com

Meitheal 2012 will run from July 16th to 20th in Villiers School, Limerick. A stellar cohort of tutors is being lined-up, many of them from overseas. Reaction to Meitheal 2011 was extremely positive and many students highlight the Finale Concert, and the appearance at the National Concert Hall as being unforgettable experiences.
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July 20th – 22th, 2012
www.ardara.ie

A feast of Bluegrass Music with Concerts, Street and Pub Sessions. Now in its 5th year this festival is going from strength to strength with the best of American and Irish Artists. Confirmed already for this year: Four Wheel Drive (Holland), Woodbine (Athy).
More to be announced.

For further information Contact Pat at Tel: 087-6900714/Tel: 074-9537949 or www.ardara.ie

July 22nd – 29th, 2012 Rostrevor, Co Down, Northern Ireland
www.fiddlersgreenfestival.co.uk

2011 was an excellent year for this International Festival celebrating its 25th anniversary. Thousands of people attended the eight day festival enjoying artists such the Sands Family, Paddy Glackin, Donal Lunny,Andy Irvine, Liam O’Maonlaí, The Acoustic Hot House Flowers, John Spillane, The Henry Girls, L’Angelus and a host of other artists local and international.
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July 30th – August 5th, 2012
www.scoilacla.com

The annual Scoil Acla summer school takes place on Achill Island, Co. Mayo. Scoil Acla is Irelands oldest summer school, originally founded in 1910 and relaunched in 1985.
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August 10th – 12th, 2012
www.irishfair.com

The 2012 Irish Fair of Minnesota will once again be a free event, offering a one of a kind family friendly Irish experience with live music, Irish Dance and an array of food and beverage options.
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