Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival Festival runs from the 27th of October to the 31st inclusive. Mr.

More details at patrickokeeffefestival.com

The origins of the festival

The festival came into being just as the fall of 1993 approached. RTE Radio 1 presenter / producer, Peter Browne prompted that some event or other should be held to honour O’Keeffe - as that year marked the 30th anniversary of his death. Though unwell for a period during the harsh winter of 1962 / 63, and confined in St. Cat

herine’s Hospital in Tralee, it was with great surprise to many in the locality and well beyond that the news of his death was greeted on February 22-1963 at the age of 75. That 30th anniversary prompted Peter Browne to take a closer look at the life and times of the man who lived and died at a time when broadcasting and recording in rural areas presented great obstacles to the pioneering spirits who undertook these tasks. There did and indeed does, however, exist a few precious recordings made by the likes of Seamus Ennis and later by Ciarán Mac Mathúna. And, for Peter Browne, the timing could hardly have been a minute too soon. In 1993 there were many who remembered Patrick O’Keeffe, his life and habits – and they gave both memories and opinions freely. Patrick O’Keeffe was wedded to his fiddle and was a genius at getting the best out of ‘her’ – as he might say himself. He did, in fact, refer to the instrument as ‘The Missus’ in broadly quoted stories from highly regarded sources. Browne’s landmark documentary was broadcast in a four part series on RTE Radio 1 over the four Saturday nights of November of 1993; the publicity windfall ensured that the Castleisland festival never had to look over its shoulder since.

07/06/2026

Diarmuid O’Brien will continue our series of Online Sliabh Luachra Workshops on June 10th at 20:00 Irish time. The focus of the workshop will be the music of West Limerick and Sliabh Luachra.
Participation is FREE. Email [email protected] with your name and country to register.

Diarmuid O’Brien is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading traditional fiddle players. A native of Limerick, he began learning music at the age of nine and had achieved All-Ireland success by fifteen. Deeply rooted in the West Limerick/Sliabh Luachra tradition, his playing is renowned for its rhythmic lift, energy and distinctive style.

Diarmuid has toured extensively throughout Ireland and internationally, performing across Europe, North America, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, including appearances at the National Concert Hall. He has performed for numerous dignitaries, including the President of Ireland, An Taoiseach and the Australian Prime Minister.

His 2007 album Cairde Caradín received widespread critical acclaim, while his 2021 collaboration Abroad in the Back Kitchen with Dónal O’Sullivan showcases the rich musical heritage of the West Limerick tradition. He has also featured regularly on television and radio, including multiple appearances on the TG4 programme Geantraí.

Best wishes
15/05/2026

Best wishes

Reminder - Mikie O’Gorman’s rescheduled workshop takes place this Wednesday at 8pm GMT. Participation is free.
05/05/2026

Reminder - Mikie O’Gorman’s rescheduled workshop takes place this Wednesday at 8pm GMT. Participation is free.

Reminder that this is happening today at 3pm
04/05/2026

Reminder that this is happening today at 3pm

Castleisland Chamber Alliance will launch “Ballads & Poems of Castleisland & Districts” compiled by Gina McElligott and a team of volunteers, on Monday afternoon, May 4th at 3 pm in The River Island Hotel, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Best wishes to the organisers of the Castleisland 800 weekend. A great few days ahead!
30/04/2026

Best wishes to the organisers of the Castleisland 800 weekend. A great few days ahead!

'Castleisland 800' Programme

Best wishes to all at Fleadh by the Feale this weekend. Great weekend in store of music.
30/04/2026

Best wishes to all at Fleadh by the Feale this weekend. Great weekend in store of music.

Your full weekend at a glance 🎶

The complete schedule for Fleadh by the Feale 2026 is here — from concerts and workshops to sessions, competitions and family events across the May Bank Holiday Weekend in Abbeyfeale.

Save it, share it and start planning your Fleadh weekend.

Full details and updates via our Linktree.

Address

Main Street Castleisland Co Kerry
Castleisland

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