Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds returns to Ballinasloe this weekend

Ballinasloe has again become the destination for visitors from across Ireland and beyond this week, as the 13th annual Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds takes place until Sunday, September 6.

Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s leading destination festivals for traditional Irish music, the Féile celebrates the rich living legacy of East Galway’s traditional Irish music, composers, song, dance, heritage, and culture.

The festival is held in honour of Larry Reynolds, the Ahascragh-born fiddler who played a key role in bringing the distinctive regional style to wider audiences and highlights the distinctive East Galway style of traditional music, recognised internationally and shaped by generations of musicians and composers.

Notable figures include Paddy Fahy, Paddy O’Brien, Tommy Coen, Bill Horan, Eddy Kelly and Martin Mulhaire, alongside the Ballinakill Céilí Band and the Aughrim Slopes Céilí Band. The tradition is also strongly associated with musicians and instrumentalists who helped carry the East Galway sound far beyond its origins.

Running until Sunday, September 6, Ballinasloe will once again become a focal point for this living tradition.

Sessions will spill from pubs into the streets, visitors will become part of the community, and the town will come alive with music, culture and shared heritage.

Across the weekend, the town will host a programme of over 40 music sessions, workshops, competitions, and cultural events. Highlights include the Open All-Ireland Fiddle Competition, Comórtas Labhairt na Gaeilge, Singers’ Circle, Céilí, Busking Competitions, CD Launches, Heritage walks, East Galway Talks, and the Cuimsiú inclusive music session. Check out their website for full details https://feilecheoillarryreynolds.com/

Some 20 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil champions from different generations are expected to take part in the festival, including 23-time All-Ireland Champion Ademar O’Connor.