The Belfast Traditional Music Trail, Belfast, County Antrim

The Gathering Festival of Music and Arts

Events in Killarney

In 2024, the Gathering Festival of Music & Arts will celebrate it’s 23rd edition in the Gleneagle Hotel from February 28th – March 3rd 2024. The festival has a tradition of bringing the best of Irish traditional music together to celebrate trad culture in Kerry.

Trad musicians, singers, dancers and lyricists will join in the heart of Killarney for a weekend of festivities. The Gathering festival programme will include Irish music concerts, céilís, sessions and interactive workshops for beginners along with advanced music players.

The much loved late night festival club returns to Killarney for another year. In 2023, Imar & Kinnaris quintet had a toe-tapping, roof raising celebration that entertained hundreds of Irish music devotees late into the night.

Traditional musicians will help to teach the next music generation in the interactive workshops that take place in the venue. Schools with also receive an incredible music lesson with thanks to the Gathering sponsors.

The previous edition saw amazing bands, solo perfomances from Jackie Daly, Derek Hickey and Liam Flannigan. The Gathering weekend is a brilliant celebration of Irish Bands and dancers with no shortage of opportunity for attendees to try their hand at becoming an Irish musician themselves.

The Gathering Festival of Music and Arts Line Up

Concerts

In 2024, there are a number of electrifying concerts lined up in the INEC with huge names like Altan, Sí Fiddlers and Tim Edey, Dermot Byrne & Gino Lupari to name but a few.

While set times and dates are yet to be confirmed, you can find the full concert line up on the INEC website.

Sessions

This year will see the return of many of the fan favourites from 2023's event. Gearóid A Dineen, Greta Curtin and Jackie Daly will all return to the INEC for sessions. The sessions happen all around the venue on top of the concerts, céilís and a whole lot more!

Céilís

Killarney will feel the shake of the feet moving to the Céilí bands once again. There are five Céilí bands announced for the 2024 edition. With Shandrum Céilí Band, Johnny Reidy & Neilí O’Connor all confirmed as well as two others.

Times are not yet confirmed for the dances, but you can check the site for more details.

Workshops

Teaching the next generation of Irish trad stars is important in what the event stands for. Whether it's learning to play an instrument for a band or sparking an interest in set dancing. The workshops will help to evolve the talent of the youth and fine tune the ability of some advanced players.

Full workshop details will be known closer to the time of the event.

Gathering FAQs

When is the Gathering Festival taking place?
The Gathering will take place from February 28th – March 3rd 2024.

What does the programme include?
The Gathering festival programme will include Irish music concerts, céilís, sessions and interactive workshops for beginners along with advanced music players.

What bands are performing at the concert?
The concert line up for the 2024 festival includes Altan, Sí Fiddlers and Tim Edey, Dermot Byrne & Gino Lupari.

Are there workshops happening at the festival?
Yes! There will be workshops to help teach the next generation of Irish trad stars and spark an interest in set dancing.

How can I book a hotel for the festival?
You can book your hotel online for the Gathering Festival of Music and Arts.

Explore Other Things

There is so much to see and do in Killarney, it’s no wonder the town has been welcoming tourists for over 250 years!

Things To Do For Families

Our playground is designed with a pirate ship in the centre where children can have memorable adventures.

Things For Couples

Killarney Riding Stables offer hacking, trekking & trail riding in Killarney national Park taking in views of Ross Castle, Ross Island and the beautiful views of Killarney Lakes & mountains.

Things To Do In The Rain

Our Juniors Club offers a specially designed entertainment programme to suit your child's age & abilities. This gives all children the opportunity to explore new games, learn different skills and lose themselves in imaginative play.

Things To Do in Kerry

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Local Events

Attractions and Events In Killarney