Free Events 2025
Everyone is welcome at the Killaloe Music Festival!
Wednesday 27th of May
10.30 am: Lakeside Hotel, Ballina
ALL AGES EVENT - Schools Summit
The festival opens with a special gathering of children from local national schools, coming together in a joyful celebration of music and shared creativity.
Saturday 30th of May
11.00 AM: Lakeside Hotel, Ballina
COFFEE CONCERT - RISING STARS
Two of Ireland’s most exciting young ensembles - Banshee Brass and the Tara String Quartet - bring their energy, precision and fresh perspective to the Oak Room at the Lakeside Hotel.
Combining fearless musicianship with infectious enthusiasm, these emerging artists are already making their mark on the national stage. Expect a programme that moves with flair and variety, performed with confidence, curiosity and a real sense of joy.
3.00 pm: Killaloe Catholic Church, Killaloe
FAMILY EVENT - NEXT GENERATION AFTERNOON CONCERT
Students from local music schools take to the stage in a vibrant showcase of emerging talent. This concert celebrates the dedication, creativity and growing confidence of young musicians from the region. A warm and uplifting event that highlights the strength of music education in our community and offers a glimpse of the next generation of performers.
Sunday 31st of May
2.00 PM: OUR LADY & ST. LUA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BallinA
CHORAL GALA
Six local choirs - Birdhill Folk Choir, Ború Singers, East Clare Community Singers, The Gúnas, Killaloe Male Voice Choir and Voices of the Derg - come together in a vibrant celebration of community music-making.
Individually distinctive and collectively powerful, these ensembles reflect the rich choral life of the region and the joy of singing together. This year’s Gala carries a special thread of remembrance, marking ten years since the loss of several musical icons in 2016. The list includes David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen and Sir George Martin. Expect inventive arrangements and a few surprises along the way.
Warm, uplifting and full of shared spirit, the Choral Gala is a reminder that music belongs to everyone, and that when voices unite, something extraordinary happens.
4.00 pm - Liam O’Riain’s pub, ballina
FÉILE TRAD SESSION
A lively traditional session celebrating the region’s rich indigenous musical heritage. Reels, jigs, airs and songs unfold in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of a true Seisiún — shared across tables and between generations.
Facilitated by Deirdre Scanlan, musicians of all levels are warmly invited to pull up a chair and join in. Informal, spontaneous and full of character, this is tradition alive at the heart of the community.