Ballinasloe tuning up for another Larry Reynolds festival
Ballinasloe is tuning up for another unforgettable weekend as the 12th Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds takes place from Thursday, September 4 to Sunday, September 7.
A firm favourite in the national trad calendar, the family-friendly Féile brings the best of Irish music, song, dance, heritage, crafts, and community spirit to the heart of East Galway.
Named after legendary East Galway fiddler Larry Reynolds, who brought the region’s smooth, lyrical style to Boston, the Féile honours both his legacy and the unique East Galway sound. It remains Ireland’s only festival dedicated to preserving this distinct tradition, regularly spotlighting revered regional composers like Paddy Fahey, Eddie Kelly, the Coen Brothers, Martina Mulhaire, and players such as the Ballinakill and Aughrim Slopes Céilí Bands and Joe Burke.
Organised by a passionate volunteer committee, the Féile supports both the arts and the local economy. From accommodation and food to transport and retail, visitor spending circulates through the town, one success feeding another, long after the music ends. With all hotels and B&B’s booked out for the weekend, if you have a room to spare for rent email, secfeilecheoillarryrenolds.com
With over 60 live sessions across pubs, cafés, and venues, Ballinasloe will pulse with music from morning until late. From street tunes to late-night master sessions, the energy will be electric.
Festival Highlights – A Packed Programme
· Opening Concert (Thurs, Sept 4): Gerry Hanley & Carl Hession launch In the Middle of It, showcasing East Galway style in Pillar House Back Lounge on Friday
· CD Launch (Sat, Sept 6): Máirín Fahy & Patsy Broderick – showcase their album - From Galway to Fiji, celebrating Fr. Kelly’s compositions in the Ballinasloe Library on Saturday
· The Branch Line: Broadcaster and musician Claire Keville will be joined by Tony Coen as she hosts a musical talk on Jack & Charlie Coen’s legacy in The Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub on Sunday
· Heritage Walk: Guided by Declan Kelly, exploring Ballinasloe’s rich history and heritage on Saturday
· Workshops: High-quality instruction in fiddle, accordion, concertina, banjo, bodhrán, sean-nós, and set dancing.
· Busking Competition – Music fills the streets as our buskers perform for cash prizes.
· All-Ireland U18 Competitions: Fiddle and Comórtas Labhairt na Gaeilge with cash prizes
· Larry Reynolds Exhibition: Discover Larry’s journey from Shanboley, Ahascragh to Boston – in Ballinasloe Library on Saturday
· Festival Céilí: Set dancers take the floor with the mighty Uí Bhriain Céilí Band – Sunday evening Gullanes Hotel
· Interactive Crafters Village: Irish crafts return to the streets – hands-on fun for all ages. All day Saturday
· Youth Events: Featuring local schools and Brothers of Charity Services.
Festival Chairperson Martina Flanagan said: “Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds isn’t just a festival it’s a celebration of East Galway’s musical heritage, its people, and our deep pride in tradition. It brings the town together and warmly welcomes trad lovers from far and wide. We’re easy to reach by motorway, rail, bus, or even by boat via the River Shannon to the Ballinasloe Marina, just a short stroll from the town square.
The festival costs around €30,000 to run each year, made possible by a nine-member volunteer committee and generous sponsors including Ballinasloe Credit Union, Galway County Council, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, Comhaltas, The Shearwater Hotel, and Gullanes Hotel.
“Most events are free to the public and while we don’t seek funding from local businesses or the community, the support is vital. So if you see a donation bucket or raffle ticket, please consider contributing as every euro helps keep this Féile alive,” Martina said.