IMBOLC 2024 by Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin

Maoinitheoirí | Funders

Comhpháirtí | Partners

Comhpháirtí sna hóstáin | Hotel Partner

Urraitheoirí | Sponsors

CLÁR Contents CEOL 09 Music FOGHLAIM & RANNPHÁIRTÍOCHT Learning & Participation

IMEACHTAÍ EILE 36 Other Events EOLAS PRAITICIÚIL 39 Practical Information EOLAS DO CHUAIRTEOIRÍ Visitor Information

TICÉID A CHUR IN ÁIRTHE / EOLAS EILE / NA MÉAIN SHÓISIALTA Booking Tickets / Other info / Social media

DO THICÉID A CHUR IN ÁIRTHE HOW TO BOOK A TICKET? AR LÍNE / ONLINE

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CÁ BHFUIL MUID? / HOW TO FIND US

BÍ I DTEAGMHÁIL / GET IN TOUCH

Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin 37 Great James Street / 37 Mórshráid Shéamais. Derry / Doire. BT48 7DF

+44 (0)2871 264 132 info@imbolcfestival.com www.imbolcfestival.com

Maidir le IMBOLC - Féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta About IMBOLC International Music Festival

Tá Féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC ina buaicphointe d’féilire cultúrtha an Iarthuaiscirt ar cheann de phríomhfhéilte ceoil na hÉireann. Bunaíodh an fhéile in 2016 agus mheall sí mórán gradam agus dúradh fúithi roimhe gur “féile bheag ar ardchaighdeán [í] do chathair bheag ar ardchaighdeán - arna cur le chéile go hilghnéitheach agus le ceol analógach, rud is annamh is iontach.” Táimid go fóill ag cur lena rath ag cruthú pobal ceoil ionchuimsitheach a cheiliúrann an traidisiún ina chruthanna uile, agus ag an am chéanna ag glacadh leis an ilghnéitheacht. Tá clú agus cáil ar an fhéile as ní hamháin seónna a chur i láthair i ndálaí iontacha ó ealaíontóirí den chéad scoith, ach tacú le hoirfidigh a bhfuil gealladh fúthu i seánraí éagsúla. Is ábhar mór mórtais é coimisiúin cheoil shaindeartha a chur ar fáil, i gcomhar le raon leathan cumadóirí tréitheacha. Mar gheall ar fhorbairt seo ar shaothar nua cuirtear ar a gcumas do lucht féachana teacht ar cheol nua agus é a chluinstin, agus do cheoltóirí óga a gcruthaitheacht cheoil a fhiosrú. Thig leat a bheith ag dréim le clár iomlán ceolchoirmeacha, ceardlann, clubanna féile go domhain san oíche, chomh maith le cosán seisiún ceoil thraidisiúnta sna ionaid, tábhairní agus caiféanna ar dóigh a bhfuil clú ar Dhoire astu - an áit fhoirfe fá choinne féile cruthaithe go foirfe. Tugann Comhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann agus Comhairle Chathair Dhoire agus Cheantar an tSratha Báin tacaíocht fhial ar fáil d’Fhéile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC.

IMBOLC International Music Festival is a highlight of the North West cultural calendar and one of Ireland's foremost music festivals. Established in 2016 the festival has attracted numerous accolades and has been described as “a boutique festival for a boutique city eclectically curated and refreshingly analogue.” We continue to build on its success in creating an inclusive music community that celebrates tradition in all its many forms - whilst embracing variety. The festival is renowned for not only presenting performances in a great atmosphere by world class artists but in championing upand-coming talent in a range of genres. It’s a great source of pride to deliver bespoke music commissions, in collaboration with a wide range of talented composers. This development of new work enables audiences to discover and experience new music and musicians to explore their music creativity. You can expect a full programme of concerts, workshops, late night festival clubs, as well as a trad session trail in the fantastic venues, pubs and cafes that Derry is famous for the perfect setting for a perfectly formed Festival. IMBOLC International Music Festival is generously supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

FOIREANN AGUS OIBRITHE DEONACHA NA FÉILE Festival staff and volunteers

FEIDHMEANNACH / EXECUTIVE

Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, Festival Director

CLÁREAGRÚ & RIARACHÁN / PROGRAMMING & ADMINISTRATION Peter O’Doherty, Programmer and producer Paul McIntyre, Education & participation manager Carleen Morrison, Festival administrator Ryan Harling, Marketing manager

OIBRÍOCHTAÍ & LÉIRIÚCHÁIN / OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION Pól Sheeran, Sound & Light technician (PS Audio) Danny Kelly & Rory McSwiggan, Video Production (R&D Media)

DEARTHÓIRÍ / DESIGNERS

Ciaran Harley & Richard Walsh (Zoocreative)

Réamhrá le Stiúrthóir na Féile | Foreword by the Festival Director

Ag teacht le méin IMBOLC - ceiliúradh ar fhuinneamh agus spreagadh na séasúr ag athrú - tugann féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC léi a fuinneamh, inspioráid agus cruthaitheacht féin go Doire. Mar sin is mór an pléisiúr dúinn Féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC 2024 a chur i láthair, féile cheoil atá dírithe go mór ar phobal, arna sheachadadh ag foireann ealaíonta thiomanta a oibríonn go crua i rith na bliana le clár ealaíonta ar ardchaighdeán a sheachadadh. Tugann an fhéile i mbliana an deis le cáil idirnáisiúnta an tsaothair seo a thaispeáint. Mar gheall ar an obair seo i rith na bliana bhí Féile IMBOLC in ann a bheith ina féile ceoil tíre, ceoil thraidisiúnta agus ceoil ar an tseanstíl. Ár mbuíochas leis na healaíontóirí uilig a chomhroinneann a gcruthaitheacht agus a bpaisean linn, agus lenár gcairde uilig, ár saorálaithe agus achan duine a thacaíonn go fóill leis an fhéile.

In the spirit of IMBOLC - a celebration of the energy and excitement of the changing seasons - IMBOLC International Music festival brings its own energy, inspiration and creativity to Derry. So it gives us great pleasure to present IMBOLC International Music Festival 2024, a music festival that is very much a communitycentred festival, delivered by a committed artistic team who work hard throughout the year to deliver high quality artistic programming. This year’s festival provides the opportunity to showcase the international quality of this work. This work throughout the year has enabled the IMBOLC Festival to become the unique folk, trad and roots music festival that it is. Our thanks to all the artists who share their creativity and their passion with us, and to all our friends, volunteers and all who continue to support the festival.

Ba mhaith linn tacaíocht ár maoinitheoirí, urraitheoirí agus comhpháirtithe a aithint, go háirithe ár bpríomhmhaoinitheoirí Comhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann agus Comhairle Chathair Dhoire agus Cheantar an tSrátha Báin, ar fhág a dtacaíocht gurbh fhéidir an t-imeacht ardchaighdeán seo a chur i láthair le 8 mbliana anuas. Daoibhse uilig a thacaíonn linn go fóill - go raibh maith agaibh!

We would like to acknowledge the support of our funders, sponsors and partners, in particular our key funders Arts Council of Northern Ireland through their National Lottery funds and Derry and Strabane District council whose support has made it possible to present this quality event these past 8 years. To all of you who continue to support us - thank you!

Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh Stiúrthóir na Féile | Festival Director

Réamhrá le Príomhfheidhmeannach, Comhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann | Foreword by Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland Tá lúcháir ar Chomhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann, mar phríomh-mhaoinitheoir trínár gcistí Crannchuir Náisiúnta, tacú le Féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC 2024. Tá an fhéile seo, a bhfuil cáil uirthi as bheith ag tacú le ceoltóirí nua agus saothar nua a choimisiúnú agus a chur ar taispeáint, i ndiaidh cuidiú an t-iarthuaisceart a chur i lár an aonaigh i dtaca le healaíona traidisiúnta áitiúla agus idirnáisiúnta. Díreach agus an traidisiún beo ag forbairt leis, tá IMBOLC ag forbairt chomh maith. Cuireann sé i láthair don lucht féachana taisce luachmhar d’eispéiris cheoil den chéad scoith, agus ealaíontóirí seanbhunaithe agus ag teacht chun cinn ag teacht le chéile sa timpeallacht chruthaitheach spreagúil seo le bheith ag comhoibriú agus ag fiosrú treonna nua ceoil. Fágann sin féile a dhéanann níos mó ná ceol a sheinm, ach a dhéanann ceol a chruthú chomh maith. Tá IMOLC mar chuid den fhorbairt. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, as principal funder through our National Lottery funds, is delighted to support the IMBOLC International Music Festival 2024. This festival, known for its championing of new talent and commissioning and showcasing of new work, has helped to place the North West at the centre of a vibrant local and international Traditional Arts scene. Just as the living tradition continues to evolve, so IMBOLC evolves. It introduces audiences to a trove of world-class musical experiences, as established and emerging artists from various genres come together in this charged creative environment, to collaborate and explore new musical directions. This makes for a festival that doesn’t just play music - it makes music. IMBOLC is part of the evolution.

Roisín McDonough Príomhfheidhmeannach, Comhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

CEOL Music

Kila Kids Family concert

Dé Domhnaigh 28 Eanáir Sunday 28 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin

 Doirse/Doors: 13:30 | Am/Start: 14:00  5 per child / One accompanying adult free / Additional adults £5 each

Ligeann an cheolchoirm dhátheangach speisialta seo do pháistí páirt a ghlacadh sa cheol ar bhealaí spraíúla, idirghníomhacha agus neamhghnácha, agus is cinnte go gcuirfidh sí lucht féachana faoi dhraíocht lena cleasghleacaíocht bheoga cheoil. Beidh an deis ag páistí chomh maith ceol a chluinstin a chum Kíla don scannán Amhrán na Mara á sheinm beo le linn an scannáin beochana seo agus scannáin eile. Cuireadh Kíla ar bun i mBaile Átha Cliath i ndeireadh na 1980idí agus tá gradaim buaite acu, agus tá a bhfuaim ar leith ag forbairt i rith an ama, fréamhaithe sa traidisiún, ach spreagtha ag an iomad tionchar agus smaointe ó fud fad an domhain. Is minic a shainmhínítear Kíla mar cheol domhanda Éireannach comhaimseartha, agus tarraingíonn Kíla tionchair a bhfoinn féin agus liricí Gaeilge, uirlisí ceoil tíre Éireannacha leithéid fideoga, fidleacha, píb uilleann, cnámha agus bodhrán le djembe, conga, drumaí, mandailín, uirlisí prais, agus giotáir acústacha agus leictreacha agus dordghiotáir. Is é an toradh meascán úr d’uirlisí réchúiseacha, poirt mhire, agus rithimí príomhúla a sháraíonn teorainneacha traidisiúnta an cheoil Ghaelaigh.

This special bilingual concert allows children to engage with music in fun, interactive and unusual ways, and is sure to enthral audiences with its lively musical acrobatics. Children will also have the opportunity to hear music Kíla composed for the film The Song of the Sea performed live along with this and other animated films. Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Award-winning band, Kíla’s unique sound has been ever-evolving, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world. Often defined as contemporary Irish World music, Kíla fuse the effects of their own melodies and Irish lyrics, Irish folk instruments such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass, and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars. The result is a fresh blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs, and primal rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music.

Sounds of Solidarity Kaia Kater / Kíla / Gráinne Holland & other performers

Dé Domhnaigh 28 Eanáir Sunday 28 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 19:00 | Am/Start: 19:30  20

Tig scata de phríomhealaíontóirí agus ceoltóir le chéile lena gcomhghuaillíocht agus taithí a chur in iúl trína gcomhghuthanna cruthaitheacha i bhfianaise imeachtaí a tharla in Gaza. Ní hamháin gur ceiliúradh ceoil agus cultúr atá san ócáid, ach is ócáid tiomsaithe airgid é le riachtanais phrainneacha chabhrach leighis agus daonnúla in Gaza. Rugadh Kaia Kater in Montreal agus is Ceanadach de bhunadh Ghreanáda é, agus thuill a ghlór snagcheoil agus a cheardaíocht oilte amhránaíochta ardmholadh ó Tiny Desk NPR, The Guardian, Rolling Stone agus No Depression. Trína seinm ealaíonta bhainseó agus scríbhneoireacht álainn amhrán, tarraingíonn Kaia ar thionchair atá fréamhaithe in Quebec, i Muir Chairib agus sna Sléibhte Apaláiseacha, a léiríonn go léir ilghnéitheacht a cúlra; naisc láidre a teaghlaigh le saol ceoil tíre Cheanada; a blianta sa choláiste caite ag sú isteach cheol na Sléibhte Apaláiseacha in West Virginia agus eispéireas a hathar ag fás aníos i nGreanáda, a tháinig go Ceanada in 1986, i ndiaidh ionradh na Stát Aontaithe. D’eisigh Kaia a céad EP, Old Soul (2013), nuair a bhí sí díreach i ndiaidh an ardscoil a fhágáil. Ó shin i leith, lean sí uirthi gur eisigh sí trí albam eile, Sorrow Bound (2015), Nine Pin (2016) agus Grenades (2018) agus tiocfaidh a céad albam eile, a taifeadadh in Montreal le Joe Grass mar chomhléiritheoir, amach i mbliana. "...caointeach, draíochtúil... scríobhann sí le bua seanfhondúra..." - Rolling Stone Cuireadh Kíla ar bun i mBaile Átha Cliath i ndeireadh na 1980idí agus tá gradaim buaite acu, agus tá a bhfuaim ar leith ag forbairt i rith an ama, fréamhaithe sa traidisiún, ach spreagtha ag an iomad tionchar agus smaointe ó fud fad an domhain.

Is minic a shainmhínítear Kíla mar cheol domhanda Éireannach comhaimseartha, agus tarraingíonn Kíla tionchair a bhfoinn féin agus liricí Gaeilge, uirlisí ceoil tíre Éireannacha leithéid fideoga, fidleacha, píb uilleann, cnámha agus bodhrán le djembe, conga, drumaí, mandailín, uirlisí prais, agus giotáir acústacha agus leictreacha agus dordghiotáir. Is é an toradh meascán úr d’uirlisí réchúiseacha, poirt mhire, agus rithimí príomhúla a sháraíonn teorainneacha traidisiúnta an cheoil Ghaelaigh. Tá an t-amhránaí agus cumadóir ceoil, Gráinne Holland, arb as Béal Feirste ó thús anois ina cónaí i Ríocht álainn Mhúrn ii gContae an Dúin. Thart timpeall uirthi tá sléibhte, foraoiseacha, lochanna, aibhneacha agus an fharraige agus tarraingíonn sí inspioráid ón tírdhreach álainn seo. Tá ceithre albam taifeadta ag Gráinne go sea, ceann acu eisithe ar lipéad Ghael Linn. Tá amhráin thraidisiúnta agus a cuid amhrán nua féin taifeadta aici. Tá a foilseachán is déanaí, Ceol na Sióg, faoi dhraíocht an tsaoil thart orainn. Arna fhoilsiú ag An tSnatháid Mhór agus arna mhaisiú ag Mr Ando, is bailiúchán de thrí amhrán déag é scríofa i nGaeilge ag Gráinne, agus is féidir le gach aois sult a bhaint as. Rinneadh Ceol na Sióg a ghearrliostú fá choinne Ghradam Réics Carló Leabhar Gaeilge na Bliana do Pháistí.

A number of leading artists and musicians come together to express through their collective creative voices, their solidarity and support in the face of events that have unfolded in Gaza. The event is not only a celebration of music and culture but a fundraising event to meet the urgent medical aid and humanitarian needs in Gaza. Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian Kaia Kater's jazzfueled voice and deft songcraft have garnered acclaim from NPR's Tiny Desk, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and No Depression. Through her artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kaia draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean, and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background; her family’s deep ties to the Canadian folk music scene; her college years spent soaking up Appalachian music in West Virginia and her father’s experience growing up in Grenada, arriving in Canada in 1986, after the U.S. invasion. Kaia released her first EP Old Soul (2013) when she was just out of high school. Since then, she’s gone on to release three more albums, Sorrow Bound (2015), Nine Pin (2016) and Grenades (2018) and her next album, recorded in Montreal with Joe Grass as co-producer, will come out this year. "...plaintive, mesmerizing...writes and performs with the skill of a folk-circuit veteran..." - Rolling Stone Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Award-winning band, Kíla’s unique sound has been ever-evolving, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world.

Often defined as contemporary Irish World music, Kíla fuse the effects of their own melodies and Irish lyrics, Irish folk instruments such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass, and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars. The result is a fresh blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs, and primal rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music. Singer-songwriter Gráinne Holland, originally from Belfast, now lives in the beautiful Kingdom of Mourne in County Down. She is surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and the sea and draws inspiration from this beautiful landscape. Gráinne has recorded four albums to date, one of which was released on the Gael Linn label. She has recorded both traditional songs and her own original songs. Her latest publication, Ceol na Sióg, meaning the music of the fairies, is about the magic of the world around us. Published by An tSnatháid Mhór and illustrated by Mr Ando it is a collection of 13 songs written in Irish by Gráinne and can be enjoyed by all ages. Ceol na Sióg was shortlisted for the Réics Carló Irish Language Children’s Book of the Year Award.

Dé Luain 29 Eanáir Monday 29 January

Citadels of the Sun

 An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin

 Doirse/Doors: 19:00 | Am/Start: 19:30  15

Comhshaothar beirte ag eascairt ón iomad nasc ceoil tíre agus stairiúil idir an India agus Éire, ó bhunús fhidil na hÉireann agus na hIndia go dtí ár stair choilíneach chomhroinnte. Choimisiúnaigh Féile Ealaíon an Eagail an chéad chomhshaothar in 2019 agus chríochnaigh sé ag Jodhpur RIFF an bhliain sin. Ach lean na healaíontóirí ar aghaidh lena gcomhphairtíocht i ndiaidh a gceol a chomhroinnt agus a fhorbairt ar líne i rith na dianghlasála, ag pilleadh ar phríomhardán Jodhpur RIFF in 2022. Anois, mothaítear go bhfuil an comhshaothar seo de cheol te ach álainn críochnaithe agus tá cuid de na ceoltóirí is fearr ann ó Dhún na nGall agus Rajasthan.

A two-part creative collaboration emerging from the many folk and historical connections between India and Ireland, from the origins of the Irish and Indian fiddle to our shared colonial past. The initial collaboration in 2019 was commissioned by Earagail Arts Festival and culminated at Jodhpur RIFF that year. But the artists continued their engagement after sharing and developing their music online throughout the lockdown returning to Jodhpur RIFF mainstage 2022. Now, this collaboration of warm, yet exquisite music feels complete and features some of the best musicians from Donegal and Rajasthan.

Ag comhroinnt téamaí agus scéalta comónta a nascann cultúir an dá réigiúin, tagraíonn ‘Citadels of the Sun’ do struchtur athfhillteach sa dá chultúr: Dún Mehrangarh (dún na gréine) in Rajasthan, agus Grianán Ailigh, dún gréine Dhún na nGall. Ag nascadh an dá láthair aitheanta seo domhan ar shiúl óna chéile, is é atá in Citadels of the Sun glórtha éagsúla ach nasctha ag teacht le chéile, a bhfuil de thoradh air fuaim a sháraíonn agus a thugann faoi go cróga críocha nua sa cheol.

Sharing common themes and stories that connect the cultures of the two regions, ‘Citadels of the Sun’ refers to a recurring edifice in both cultures: Mehrangarh fort (fort of the sun) in Rajasthan, and Grianán of Aileach, Donegal’s own fort of the sun. Bridging these two iconic locations a world apart, Citadels of the Sun is a coming together of diverse but connected voices, the result of which is a sound that transcends and braves new territories in music.

Martin Coyle (bouzouki) Paul Cutliffe (uilleann pipes, whistles) Sarah E Cullen (fiddle, vocals) Asin Khan Langa (Sindhi sarangi and vocals) Sawai Khan Manganiyar (dholak, morchang, bhapang, khartal and vocals) Divya Bhatia / Jodhpur RIFF (producer) Paul Brown / Earagail Arts Festival (producer)

Dance morning with “Food for the Soul” Mary McGuiggan, Maura Johnson & Paraig O'Brien

Do Mary McGuiggan, is ionann damhsa agus “bia don anam”. Tógadh í i bpobal tuaithe, ina raibh saibhreas teanga, ceoil, filíochta, scéalaíochta agus amhránaíochta. Sa taibhiú seo fiosraíonn sí cad é mar a d’imir a fréamhacha tionchar ar a cuid damhsa - mar bhean níos sine, máthair, seanmháthair, gníomhaí pobail agus comhshaoil, tá sí go fóill ag aimsiú bealaí lena cuid paisean a phósadh le chéile. Don taibhiú seo, chomhoibrigh Mary le Maura Johnson agus Paraig O’Brien, a bhfuil a comhspéis acu beirt agus, rud níos tábhachtaí b’fhéidir, a thagann ó na bólaí céanna. Is damhsóir céime í Mary McGuiggan ó Bhaile Naosa, pobal tuaithe ar bhruacha na Banna. Tá sí ag damhsa i gcomórtais ag leibhéal áitiúil agus náisiúnta agus bhí gairm aici mar mhúinteoir damhsa ag an bhunleibhéal, an dara leibhéal agus do chomórtais. Is é an rud is mó a bhfuil dúil aici ann gach duine a spreagadh damhsa ar son spraoi agus grinn, le muinín a thógáil chomh maith le scil nua a fhoghlaim. Is fidleoir, múinteoir ceoil agus teiripeoir ceoil é Paraig O’Brien a bhfuil oiliúint thraidisiúnta agus chlasaiceach araon aige ó Phort Chluain Eoghain ar abhainn na Banna. Is as an Muine Mór i gContae Dhoire í Maura Johnson. Is scríbhneoir foilsithe filíochta agus gearrscéalta í. Is éascaitheoir ceardlann scríbhneoireachta agus cuimhní cinn í a bhfuil taithí fhada aici. Roimh an taibhiú seo beidh ceardlann damhsa seannóis faoi stiúir Joe McGuiggan. Féach áiteanna eile sa leabhrán seo fá choinne tuilleadh eolais. Choimisiúnaithe Féile Echo Echo Food for the Soul agus léiriú é den chéad uair ag Féile Tradition and Beyond i Meán Fómhair 2023.

Dé Máirt 30 Eanáir Tuesday 30 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin

 Am/Start: 11:00  5 - performance only | £10 - combined ticket for sean-nós dance workshop & performance of “Food for the Soul”

For Mary McGuiggan, dance is “Food for the Soul”. She was raised in a rural community, rich in language, music, poetry, storytelling and song. In this performance she explores how her roots have influenced her dance - as an older woman, a mother, grandmother, community and environmental activist, she continues to find avenues to marry her passions. For this performance, Mary has collaborated with Maura Johnson and Paraig O’Brien, both of whom share her interest and, maybe more importantly, come from her own “neck of the woods.” Mary McGuiggan is a traditional step dancer from Ballynease, a rural community on the banks of the river Bann. She has been dancing competitively at local, national and All-Ireland level and has had a career as a dance teacher both at primary, secondary and competition level. Her greatest love is to encourage everyone to dance for joy and fun, building confidence as well as learning a new skill. Paraig O’Brien is both a traditional and classically trained violin player, music teacher and music therapist from Portglenone on the river Bann. Maura Johnson is from Moneymore, Co. Derry. She is a published writer of poetry and short stories. She is also an experienced facilitator of writing and reminiscence workshops. This performance will be preceded by a Sean-nós dance workshop led by Joe McGuiggan. See elsewhere in this booklet for more information. Food for the Soul was commissioned by Echo Echo Festival and first performed at Tradition and Beyond Festival in September 2023.

'po(e)sies' Una Lee and Landless

Is taibhiú beo dátheangach é ‘po(e)sies’ i gCóiréis agus i mBéarla, arna chumadh agus a léiriú ag Una Lee i gcomhar le Landless. Cuireann sé i láthair an t-am a chuaigh thart, caomhnaíonn sé an t-am i láthair agus sa deireadh tagraíonn sé don todhchaí, ag druidim na bearna sa spás-am, chomh maith le cleachtais aonair cheoil agus chultúrtha Landless agus Lee a nascadh. Athbheonn sé foirm ársa filíochta/amhránaíochta Hyangga (a chiallaíonn ‘amhrán baile’) ar tháinig deireadh lena ré corradh is míle bliain ó shin, agus baintear triail ann as a chóras scríbhneoireachta dátheangach a bhaineann go sonrach le ré, agus é oiriúnaithe i mBéarla. Glacann an saothar féilire bláthaithe ó ghairdín i bhfad ar shiúl mar scór ceoil, ag insint scéal seanmhná a cheolann lena bláthanna ina gairdín faoi neamhbhuaine gach rud agus mian dhaonna le choinneáil i gcuimhne. Is ealaíontóir í Una Lee a oibríonn le fuaimeanna, scéalta agus mothuithe, sa tóir shíoraí ar scéalaíocht mhalartach. Lorgaíonn sí nuálaíocht sa phósadh comhaimseartha idir taibhiú agus filíocht, ag fiosrú riocht daonna, cuimhne, ama agus ár gcaidrimh le healaín agus éiceolaíocht, ag tarraing go minic ar a himeachtaí dírbheathaisnéise agus a féiniúlacht reatha mar dhuine neamhdhúchasach ina gnáthóg Fuair sí ainmniúchán fá choinne Ghradam Ivor Noello do Chumadóirí in 2022, agus tá tacaíocht faighte aici ó ACNI, ACE, Fondúireacht PRS, agus New BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Tá taibhiú agus taispeántais déanta aici ar fud an leasféir thuaidh, agus bhí sí ar Raidió 3 BBC & Raidió Uladh, agus ar Lyric FM RTÉ. Is ceathairéad a capella iad Landless ina bhfuil Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch agus Lily Power, a cheolann amhráin thraidisiúnta Éireannacha, Albanacha agus Shasana i ndlúth-harmóin ceithre pháirt ó 2013 i leith. Ina stór amhrán tá amhráin ghrá, bháis agus olagóin, chomh maith le hamhráin tíre a scríobhadh níos deireanaí. Ceolann siad in suíomhanna éagsúla, in Éirinn agus thar lear, mar pháirt de chiorcail amhránaíochta, grúpaí ceoil tíre, ócáidí tiomsaithe airgid, cuimhneacháin staire, cónaitheachtaí, imeachtaí ceiliúrtha cultúrtha, imeachtaí taibhithe grúpa agus féilte. D’eisigh siad EP a raibh a n-ainm féin mar theideal air in 2014, d’eisigh siad a gcéad albam, ‘Bleaching Bones’, in 2018, agus tá an dara halbam acu le heisiúint in 2024. Tugann Women Make Music de chuid Fhondúireacht PRS agus an Crannchur Náisiúnta trí Chomhairle Ealaíon Thuaisceart Éireann tacaíocht fhial don tionscadal seo.

Dé Máirt 30 Eanáir Tuesday 30 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 19:00 | Am/Start: 19:30  12

'po(e)sies' is a bilingual live performance in Korean and English, composed and performed by Una Lee in collaboration with Landless. It invokes the past, preserves the present and ultimately points to the future, bridging the gap in time-space, as well as fusing the individual musical and cultural practices of Landless and Lee. It reincarnates the Korean ancient poetry/song form of Hyangga (meaning 'home song') that died out over a millennium ago, and experiments with its eraspecific, bilingual writing system adapted into English. The work takes the blossoming calendar from a faraway garden as a musical score, telling the story of an elderly woman who sings to her flowers in her garden about the ephemerality of everything and human desire to be remembered. Una Lee is an artist working with sounds, stories and sensations, in perpetual pursuit of alternative storytelling. She seeks innovation in the contemporary marriage between performance and poetry, exploring human condition, memory, time, and our relationship with art and ecology, often drawing from her autobiographical events and her present identity as nonnative in her habitat. She is an Ivor Novello Composers Award 2022 nominee, and has gained support from ACNI, ACE, PRS Foundation, and New BBC Radiophonic Workshop. She has performed and exhibited across the Northern hemisphere, and been featured on BBC Radio 3 & Ulster and RTÉ lyric fm. Landless is an A-Cappella quartet made of Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch and Lily Power, singing Irish, Scottish, English and American traditional songs in close four part harmony since 2013. Their repertoire features songs of love, death, lamentation as well as more recently penned folk songs. They perform in a variety of settings, both in Ireland and abroad, as part of singing circles, folk groups, fundraisers, historical commemorations, residencies, cultural celebration events, group performance events and festivals. They released a self-titled EP in 2014, their first album ‘Bleaching Bones’ in 2018, and their second album is due for release in 2024. This project is generously supported by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

IMBOLC Unsigned George Houston / Haidee Doyle Polar Bolero / Rebecca Mulhern Tugann IMBOLC Gan Síniú ardán ar fáil do cheoltóirí óga agus ag teacht chun cinn le cuidiú leo lucht éisteachta níos forleithne a bhaint amach, ag tacú leo ina ngairmeacha seinnte agus á bhfeabhsú ina bhforbairt mar ealaíontóirí. Thosaigh an ceoltóir agus an scríbhneoir amhrán as Dún na nGall, George Houston, a ghairm sa cheol i Meán Fómhair 2020 lena chéad singil ceoil tíre malartaí Boo Fucking Hoo. Bhí rath ar an amhrán láithreach go hálainn, rud a spreag é a chéad albam, Cold Toast, a thaifeadadh, agus ina dhiaidh sin an dara halbam stiúideo aige Undesired an bhliain dár gcionn, rud a dhaingnigh a fhuaim shuaithinseach le guthanna síoraí agus mothú buan ina chuid amhrán a mhúsclaíonn cumha síos tríd. Fuair an t-ealaíontóir aird agus fás leanúnach i líon na n-éisteoirí ar fud na tíre agus níos faide i gcéin. Is amhránaí agus scríbhneoir amhrán í Haidee Doyle, as Maigh Eo ó thús, atá i ndiaidh aistriú go Doire le deireanas. Rinne sí staidéar agus d’oibir sí mar cheoltóir i gCathair Chorcaí ar feadh cúig bliana, agus léiríonn a ceol na daoine agus na tírdhreacha ar oibir sí leo, agus iontu. Is féidir colláis de phopcheol

clasaiceach, snagcheol agus ceol tíre a aimsiú i stíleáil phianó Haidee, agus cuireann a liricí i láthair móitífeanna teaghlaigh, rómánsúla agus mothúchánacha. Tógann Haidee inspioráid ó ealaíontóirí eile ina saol, ag comhoibriú go minic le spásanna dlúthchairdiúla a chruthú a spreagann spontáineacht agus féinfhiosrú. Tá lúcháir uirthi a bheith ag seinm ag IMBOLC Gan Síniú 2024. Cuireadh Polar Bolero ar an ghearrliosta fá choinne na duaise ceoil i dTuaisceart Éireann in 2023, “amhránaí beo na bliana”, agus is comharghrúpa ceoil tíre malartaí iad faoi stiúir na seinnteoirí iluirlise Cahir McLaughlin agus Pearse Donaghy. Tá an banna ainmnithe as an leabhar ab ansa le Pearse nuair a bhí sé ina pháiste, le beannú an údair Debi Gliori. Thoisigh siad i dtús 2022 agus le plean uaillmhianach a gcéad albam, ‘A Conversation’, a thaifeadadh, agus aidhm acu é a eisiúint i lár 2024, i ndiaidh dhá shingil bolscaireachta. Pléann ‘A Conversation’ go coincheapúil le saincheisteanna a bhaineann le díomá agus brón ag maireachtáil i dTuaisceart Éireann i ndiaidh paindéime agus i ndiaidh na dTrioblóidí. Ceanglaíonn an banna a n-amhráin bhunaidh le chéile le gearrtháin d’agallaimh ionraice le baill de phobal Thuaisceart Éireann,

Dé Céadaoin 31 Eanáir Wednesday 31 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 19:00 | Am/Start: 19:30 8

a bhfuil aoiseanna, inscní, ciníocha agus tionchair phoiblí éagsúla acu le leibhéal réaltachta agus ilghnéitheachta riachtanaí i léargas a chruthú agus iad ag déileáil leis an ábhar seo. Tá Rebecca Mulhern i ndiaidh céim a fháil le deireanas mar antraipeolaí comhshaoil, agus tá sí ag scríobh ceoil ó bhí sí ina leanbh. D’eisigh sí a céad EP ceoil tíre nuair a bhí sí 16 bliana. Insíonn a céad singil ‘Escape’ (as ar ainmníodh an EP), faoi thuiscint i bhforaois agus go gcaithfidh muid éalú as ‘caighean’ an chórais chaipitlígh faoina bhfuil muid go léir inár ‘róbait’. I ndiaidh an EP bhí sraith comhoibrithe ann, an singil phopcheoil-soul ‘Control’ san áireamh, comhoibriú leis an léiritheoir snagcheoil David Lyttle. Ina dhiaidh seo bhí comhoibriú dhá amhrán le Ceolfhoireann Uladh, a rabh ceann de na hamhráin faoi scéal na dteifeach sa Fhrainc ag an am (ag tabhairt faoi théamaí ábhartha i ndomhan atá ag dréim le 1.4 billiún teifeach comhshaoil faoi 2060).

IMBOLC Unsigned provides a platform for young and upand-coming musical talent to help them reach a wider audience, supporting them in their performing careers and enhancing their development as artists. Donegal singer songwriter George Houston started his music career in September 2020 with his debut alternative folk single Boo Fucking Hoo. The track had instant local success pushing him to record his debut album Cold Toast followed by his second studio album Undesired the following year cementing his distinctive sound with ageless vocals and a timeless feel to his tracks that evokes nostalgia throughout. The artist has seen traction and a steady growth of listeners across the country and beyond. nunc mi Haidee Doyle vitae aliquet nec ullamcorper sit amet risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse potenti nullam ac tortor vitae purus faucibus ornare suspendisse sed nisi lacus sed viverra tellus in hac habitasse

platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at augue eget arcu dictum varius duis at consectetur lorem donec massa sapien faucibus et molestie ac feugiat sed lectus vestibulum mattis ullamcorper velit sed ullamcorper morbi tincidunt ornare massa eget egestas. Shortlisted for NI music prize 2023 “live act of the year” Polar Bolero, is a new Alt Folk collective led by multiinstrumentalists Cahir McLaughlin and Pearse Donaghy. The band is named after Pearse’s favourite childhood book with the blessing of the author Debi Gliori. Starting in early 2022 they embarked on an ambitious plan of recording their debut album ‘A Conversation,’ with aim to release in mid 2024, following promotional singles. ‘A Conversation’ conceptually deals with issues of disillusionment and melancholy whilst living in post-pandemic, postTroubles NI. The band tethers their original songs together with snippets of candid interviews with members of the NI public, varying in age, gender, race and public influence to provide a level of necessary reality and diversity in perspective while dealing with this subject matter.

A recently graduated environmental anthropologist, Rebecca Mulhern has been writing music since childhood, releasing her debut folk EP at 16 years old. Her debut single ‘Escape’ (after which the EP was named), tells the story of a realisation in a forest that we need to escape the ‘cage’ that is the capitalist system we ‘robots’ are all under. The EP was followed by a string of collaborations, including the pop-soul single ‘Control’, a collaboration with jazz producer David Lyttle. This was followed by a two-song collaboration with the ulster orchestra, one of which was about the refugee situation in France at the time (with relevant themes addressed in a world expecting 1.4 billion climate refugees by 2060).

Brigid 1500

Déardaoin 1 Feabhra Thursday 1 February

Armagh Rhymers on Brigid’s Day

 Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Am/Start: 10:00 - 10:45 & 11:00 - 11:45  Saor in Aisce/Free

Mar cheiliúradh ar chothrom 1500 bliain ó bhás Bhríd, agus ar a tábhacht sa Chultúr Cheilteach, cuirimid i láthair clár imeachtaí agus gníomhaíochtaí a dhéanfaidh ceiliúradh ar a hoidhreacht a thaitneoidh le lucht féachana agus rannpháirtithe ilghnéitheacha.

In celebration of the 1500 anniversary of Brigid, and her importance in Celtic Culture, we present a programme of events and activities celebrating her legacy that will appeal to diverse audiences and participants.

Tá Cleamairí Ard Mhacha ar cheann de na grúpaí is mó clú agus cáil ar oileán na hÉireann ó thaobh an cheoil thraidisiúnta agus na hamharclannaíochta de. Ón am ar bunaíodh an eagraíocht sna 1970idí, tá scoileanna agus féilte ar fud na hÉireann agus an domhain i ndiaidh sult agus pléisiúr a bhaint as a gcuid seónna. Tríd an cheol, an scéalaíocht agus an drámaíocht, cuireann siad eispéireas ar fáil atá siamsúil, oideachasúil agus cultúrtha. Spreagann a gcuid feistis daite mothúcháin a théann siar sa stair agus sa traidisiún, agus léiríonn siad spiorad Lucht an Dreoilín agus spiorad an airneáil tí a bhíodh ann fadó in Éirinn, an áit a ndéantaí stáitse den chistin!

The Armagh Rhymers is one of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles on the island of Ireland. Since the organisation was founded in the 1970s, they have delighted audiences in schools, festivals throughout Ireland and around the world. Through music, storytelling and drama, they provide an experience that is entertaining, educational and cultural. Their colourful costumes evoke a sense of tradition and history and encapsulate the spirit of the Wren boys and the ancient house visiting traditions of Ireland, where the kitchen floor became the stage.

Clamairí Ard Mhacha a chruthaigh an léiriú speisialta seo do Lá Fhéile Bríde mar chuid dár gceiliúradh Lá Fhéile Bríde, agus is meascán iontach é de cheol, amhránaíocht, filíocht, scéalaíocht agus drámaíocht don teaghlach uilig.

This special Brigid’s Day performance has been created by the Armagh Rhymers as part of our Brigid’s Day celebrations and is an exciting mixture of music, song, poetry, storytelling and drama for the whole family.

Brigid 1500 Concert

Déardaoin 1 Feabhra Thursday 1 February

Megan Nic Ruairí / Inni-K & guests Hosted by Caitlín Nic Gabhann

 An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 19:30 | Am/Start: 19:00  15

Is ceiliúradh é an t-imeacht seo ar an mhéid chruthaitheach a chuireann na mná leis na healaíona, leis an chultúr agus leis an chruthaitheacht, a thaitneoidh le lucht féachana ilghnéitheach agus comhaimseartha.

This event is a celebration of the creative contribution of women to arts, culture and creativity that will resonate with a diverse and contemporary audience.

Is as Rann na Feirste ó dhúchas do Megan Nic Ruairí, atá anois ina cónaí i mBaile Átha Cliath. Tagann sí ó theaghlach ceolmhar, a bhfuil cáil orthu as a bhfuil déanta i saol ceoil na hÉireann agus a bhfuil mórán camchuairteanna déanta acu ar fud an domhain. Chomh maith le bheith ag seinm lena teaghlach, bhí sí ar mhórán léiriúcháin de chuid an BBC, ag seinm ‘Can’t Trust the Moon’, agus cheol sí ar an raidió náisiúnta, rud a thuill di lucht leanúna ollmhór ar fud an domhain mar ealaíontóir aonair.

Originally from Rann na Feirste, Megan Nic Ruairí now lives in Dublin. She comes from a musical family, well known for their contribution to the Irish music scene having toured extensively throughout the world. Aside from performing alongside her family, she has appeared on many BBC productions - performing ‘Can’t Trust the Moon’ and has sung on national radio gaining her a vast universal following as a solo artist.

Dúirt RTÉ faoi Inni-K go bhfuil sí “ar dhuine de dheichniúr ban fíochmhar atá ag sainmhíniú chultúr na hÉireann”. Tarraingíonn ceol an amhránaí, an tseinnteora iluirlise agus an scríbhneora amhrán ar a cúlra leitheadach sa cheol tíre agus sa cheol thraidisiúnta Ghaelach, fiú agus í ag tabhairt aghaidh ar chríocha nua ceoil. Ina gairmré neamhghnách ag scríobh amhrán (‘The Hare & the Line’ 2019 agus ‘The King has Two Horse’s Ears’ 2015), measctar guthanna ainglí le cumas ceoil oilte, liricí cumhachtacha agus cur chuige ar leith maidir leis an scríbhneoireacht amhrán. Is seinnteoir consairtín, oirfideach, múinteoir, cumadóir agus damhsóir buailteach í Caitlín Nic Gabhann. Chuaigh Caitlín ar camchuairt le Riverdance ar feadh trí bliana, is curadh consairtín uile-Éireann trí huaire í agus tá sí ag seinm go rialta ag féilte agus i hallaí ceolchoirme ó Mheiriceá chun na hÁise le cúig bliana déag anuas. Tugadh aitheantas do shaothar saoil Chaitlín nuair a roghnaíodh í mar Ealaíontóir Traidisiúnta Cónaitheach Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh do 2022.

Named by RTÉ.ie as “one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture”, Dublin-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Inni-K’s music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her original songwriting career (‘The Hare & the Line’ 2019 and ‘The King has Two Horse’s Ears’ 2015), combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics and a unique approach to song-writing. Caitlín Nic Gabhann is a concertina player, performer, teacher, composer and percussive dancer. Having toured for years as a dancer with Riverdance, 3 time All-Ireland concertina champion Caitlín is a regular performer at festivals and concert halls from North America to Asia over the last 15 years. Caitlín’s life’s work to date has been recognised with her being chosen as UCC Traditional Artist in Residence for 2022.

SuperCéilí Schools / Family concert

Is é SuperCéilí an t-eispéireas damhsa cóisire is fearr ar fad le blaiseadh Gaelach. Meascann an seó foinn thraidisiúnta Ghaelacha le popamhráin damhsa mhór-ráchairte. Tá ceoltóirí a bhfuil taithí fhada acu in SuperCéilí a bhrúnn críocha ag úsáid teicneolaíochta, agus tá a láithreacht ar an ardán gan sárú. Cuireann seó amhairc sioncróinithe a thuilleadh le taispeántas a thug isteach mórán nithe den chéad uair: uirlisí digiteacha, bolgáin cheo, beochaintí léasair, cumhacht agus iompair seó atá 100% in-athnuaite, agus a lán eile.

Dé hAoine 2 Feabhra Friday 2 February  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Am/Start: 10:00 5

SuperCéilí is the ultimate dance party experience with an Irish twist. The show mixes traditional Irish tunes with electronic and pop dance hits. Featuring experienced musicians who push boundaries using technology, the stage presence of SuperCéilí is unmatched. A synchronised visual show further enhances a spectacle that has introduced many firsts in Irish music: digital instruments, fog bubbles, laser animations, 100% renewable show power and transport, and lots more.

Dé hAoine 2 Feabhra Friday 2 February

Alfi / Billow Wood

Is tionscadal comhoibríoch é an tríréad Alfi, a bhfuil lear gradam buaite acu, leis na ceoltóirí Fiachra Meek, Ryan McAuley agus Alannah Thornburgh. Le meascán as an ghnáth de chruit, bainseó cúig shreang agus píb uilleann, déanann Alfi iniúchadh ar chomhcheangal idir an ceol agus amhránaíocht thraidisiúnta Ghaelach agus an seannós Apaláiseach. D’eisigh Alfi a gcéad albam, Say Old Man, i mí Iúil 2023 agus tugadh moladh mór dó; ‘le faobhar turgnamhach, agus fuinneamh dána craiceáilte, tá an tríréad Éireannach Alfi i ndiaidh a mbealach féin a réiteach, trí iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar na naisc agus na difríochtaí idir traidisiúin an cheoil tíre in Éirinn agus i Meiriceá’ (Hot Press). Ainmníodh Alfi don ghradam An tEalaíontóir Ceoil Tíre is Fearr ag Teacht Chun Cinn ag Gradaim Ceoil Tíre RTÉ, agus chomh maith leis sin fuair siad Gradam Intinní Cruthaitheacha Ambasáid SAM, Gradam Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh ag Féile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta Imbolc agus Gradam Molloy ag Birmingham TradFest. Snoite ó fhiántas Iarthar amh garbh na hÉireann, tagann an fhuaim is úire an taobh seo den Atlantach. Cruthaíonn Billow Wood draíocht nua-aimseartha lena meascán neamhghnách den cheol tíre, ceol traidisiúnta Gaelach agus rac-cheol pop indie. Is seinnteoirí iluirlisí agus ilamhránaithe iad Mark O’Donnell, Ciara O’Donnell, Harry Lawlor agus Bríd O’Donnell a dhéanann speisialtóireacht de chomhcheol. Chomh maith le máistreacht ar a n-uirlisí, an chruit, an fhidil, an fhliúit, an fhideog stáin agus an cairdín san áireamh, tá mothú spreagúil acu atá fréamhaithe go domhain sa cheol thraidisiúnta ach a bhfuil tionchair air ón cheol nua-aimseartha, ceol tíre agus popcheol. Cuireann a bhfuaim fíneáltacht shaibhir agus brí le chéile, nó tá dóigh ag an cheathairéad as an ghnáth seo lena bhfuil traidisiúnta a choinneáil ach go fóill féin casadh úr neamhghnách a thabhairt dá bhfuaim.

 An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 19:30 | Am/Start: 20:00  15

Multi-award winning trio Alfi is the collaborative project of musicians Fiachra Meek, Ryan McAuley and Alannah Thornburgh. Featuring an unusual line-up of harp, five string banjo and uilleann pipes, Alfi explores a combination of traditional Irish and Appalachian oldtime music and song. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim - ‘with an experimental edge, and a brazen, madcap energy, Irish trio Alfi have carved out their own path, by exploring the connections and the contrasts between the folk traditions of Ireland and America’ (Hot Press). Nominated for ‘Best Emerging Folk Artist’ at the RTÉ Folk Awards, Alfi have also received numerous accolades including the ‘US Embassy Creative Minds Award’, The ‘Caoimhin O Dochartaigh Award’ at Imbolc International Music Festival and Molloy Award at “Birmingham TradFest”. Chiselled from the wilds of the raw and rugged West of Ireland, comes the freshest sound this side of the Atlantic. Billow Wood, create a modern magic with their original fusion of folk, traditional Irish music and indie pop rock. Mark O’Donnell, Ciara O’Donnell, Harry Lawlor and Bríd O’Donnell are multi-instrumentalists and multi-vocalists who specialise in harmonies. Coupled with the mastery of their instruments including the harp, fiddle, flute, tin whistle and accordion, they have an uplifting vibe deeply rooted in trad but with modern, folk and pop influences. Their sound is a juxtaposition of rich delicacy and vigour as this quirky quartet has a way of maintaining the traditional, yet; still giving their sound a fresh and original twist.

Festival Club

Dé hAoine 2 Feabhra Friday 2 February  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 22:00 | Am/Start: 22:30  10

Cinntíonn ár Club Féile go mall san oíche go bhfuil fiú níos mó ceoil ann le sult a bhaint as i lár na hoíche! Ar oícheanta an chlub beidh príomhealaíontóirí féile ag seinm. San áireamh sa chlár Dé hAoine beidh Huartan, SuperCéilí agus aíonna speisialta eile.

Our late night Festival Club ensures that there is even more music to enjoy into the wee small hours! The club nights will feature performances from key festival artists. Included in the line-up on Friday will be Huartan, SuperCéilí and other special guests.

Is grúpa ardfhuinnimh Tradtronica bunaithe i mBéal Feirste iad Huartan, a cheolann i nGaeilge. Tá trí cheoltóir/ amhránaí ceoil thraidisiúnta oilte sa bhanna, Stiofán Loughran, Catríona Gribben agus Miadhachlughain (Múlú) O’Donnell. Is é a sprioc amhráin thraidisiúnta Ghaelacha ársa atá i mbaol a ghlacadh agus iad a chur i gcomhthéacs an cheoil damhsa leictreonaigh chun iad a chomhroinnt le lucht féachana nua-aimseartha.

Huartan is a Belfast based, high energy, Tradtronica group who sing in the Irish language. The band consists of three skilful trad musicians/singers, Stíofán Loughran, Catriona Gribben and Miadhachlughain (Múlú) O’Donnell. Their goal is to take ancient and endangered Irish traditional songs and put them in the context of electronic dance music to share them with a modern audience.

IMBOLC Supper Club With special guest performers

I spiorad chlár pobaldírithe IMBOLC, iarraimid ort a bheith linn don chéad Chlub Suipéir IMBOLC riamh, oíche itheacháin shóisialta, chomhrá agus cheoil inár gCaifé. Bí le cairde agus lucht aitheantais fá choinne oíche shultmhar, thumthach bhia, chomhrá agus cheoil – le biachlár faoi inspioráid IMBOLC, leann ceirde áitiúil agus deochanna speisialtachta i gcuideachta theanga uilíoch an cheoil. Le haoicheoltóirí, scéalaithe agus amhránaithe.

Dé Sathairn 3 Feabhra Saturday 3 February  Bácús, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin

 Am/Start: 19:00 - 21:00

In the spirit of IMBOLC’s community centred programme, we invite you to join us for our first ever IMBOLC Supper Club, an evening of social dining, conversation and music in our Cafe. Join friends and acquaintances for an enjoyable, immersive evening of food, conversation and music - with an IMBOLC-inspired menu, local craft beers and specialty drinks accompanied by the universal language of music. With guest musicians, storytellers and singers.

Festival Club

Dé Sathairn 3 Feabhra Saturday 3 February  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Doirse/Doors: 22:00 | Am/Start: 22:30  10

Cuireann NxNW (North by Northwest) meascán bríomhar comhaimseartha d’fhoinn i láthair agus tá na ceoltóirí ó Mhaigh Eo David Doocey (fidil) agus Stephen Doherty (flute/cairdín) chomh maith le Ryan Molloy as Tír Eoghain (méarchlár) agus Kieran Leonard as Fear Manach (drumaí/bodhrán). Tá cuidiú ag línte siansa sreabhacha Doocey agus Doherty ó thionlacan fuinniúil agus comhcheolmhar Ryan Molloy ar an mhéarchlár agus rithimí tiomáinte Kieran Leonard ar dhrumaí. Astu féin is máistrí iad ar a gceirdeanna faoi leith, agus tá siad tagtha i ceann a chéile le fuaim úr agus nua a chruthú.

Presenting a vibrant, contemporary fusion of tunes, NxNW (North by Northwest) features Mayo musicians David Doocey (fiddle) & Stephen Doherty (flute/accordion) aswell as Tyrone’s Ryan Molloy (keys) and Fermanagh’s Kieran Leonard (drums/bodhrán). The energetic and fluid melody lines of Doocey and Doherty are assisted by the dynamic & harmonious accompaniment of Ryan Molloy on keys and the driving grooves of Kieran Leonard on drums. Individually masters of their respective crafts, they have joined forces to create a fresh, new sound.

A Deep Ravine, Reflections on a Divided Ireland Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan Cross Border Youth Orchestra and Michael Rooney Tá lúcháir ar Fhéile Cheoil Idirnáisiúnta IMBOLC, i gcomhar le Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan, A Deep Ravine, Reflections on a Divided Ireland a thabhairt go Doire. An ceoltóir, cumadóir agus stiúrthóir ceoil a bhfuil cáil air, Michael Rooney, atá ag stiúradh an tionscadail iontaigh seo, le script an-spéisiúil leis an scríbhneoir a bhfuil ardmheas air, Tommy McArdle. Tá gealladh faoin tsraith nuálach seo go dtabharfaidh sí freagairt chruthaitheach ar an chríochdheighilt agus fírinní an tsaoil ar feadh na teorann, ag tabhairt léargais níos doimhne dúinn ar eachtraí suntasacha na ré sin. Music Generation Cavan Monaghan atá ag stiúradh an tionscadail seo agus Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin agus Comhairle Contae an Chabháin a choimisiúnaigh é, le maoiniú ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán faoin tSnáithe Pobail de Chlár Deich mBliana de Chuimhneacháin 1923 agus Clár Éire Ildánach 2023 i gcomhpháirtíocht le Music Generation Cavan Monaghan.

Dé Domhnaigh 4 Feabhra Sunday 4 February  Guildhall  Doirse/Doors: 17:30 | Am/Start: 18:00  15

IMBOLC International Music Festival, in association with Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan, is thrilled to bring A Deep Ravine, Reflections on a Divided Ireland to Derry. This remarkable project is led by the renowned musician, composer and musical director, Michael Rooney, with a compelling script crafted by the highly esteemed writer, Tommy Mc Ardle. This innovative suite promises to offer a profound creative response to partition and the realities of life along the border, providing us with deeper insights into the significant events of that era. This project is led by Music Generation Cavan Monaghan and commissioned by Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council, funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under The Community Strand of the 2023 Decade of Centenaries Programme and Creative Ireland Programme 2023 in partnership with Music Generation Cavan Monaghan.

FOGHLAIM & RANNPHÁIRTÍOCHT Learning & Participation

Trad do Chách | All-Access Trad Workshop

Díríonn ceardlanna neamhfhoirmiúla All Access Trad ar phríomhghnéithe an cheoil sa cheol thraidisiúnta, is é sin rithim, séis, tionlacan agus damhsa. Is é ár n-aidhm tacú le rochtain ar dhéanamh ceoil do dhaoine ag gach aois atá faoi mhíchumas mar léiriú ríthábhachtach ar an fhealsúnacht atá taobh thiar d’Fhéile Imbolc. Tá ár ngníomhaíochtaí deartha le haird a tharraingt ar an cheolmhaireacht atá ann inár rannpháirtithe agus scileanna nua a thógáil trí shúgradh cruthaitheach agus ionchuimsitheach. Ceoltóirí a bhfuil taithí agus cumas acu a éascaíonn ár seisiúin go léir lena chinntiú go bhfuil caighdeán an eispéiris dodhearmadta.

Dé Luain 29 Eanáir - Dé hAoine 2 Feabhra Monday 29 January - Friday 2 February

 Am/Start: 10:00 - 13:00

The informal workshops of All Access Trad focus on key musical elements within traditional music such as rhythm, melody, accompaniment and dance. Our aim is to support access to music-making for people of all ages with disabilities as a vital expression of the philosophy behind the Imbolc Festival. Our activities are designed to highlight the existing musicality within our participants and build new skills through creative and inclusive play. All sessions are facilitated by experienced and accomplished musicians to ensure the quality of the experience is unforgettable.

Draíocht an Dúlra le Gráinne Holland Schools / Family concert

Dé Luain 29 Eanáir Monday 29 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Am/Start: 10:30 - 11:30 & 11:45 - 12:45 5

Tá roth na bliana ag tiontú i gcónaí agus tá Gráinne Holland agus a cairde ceolmhara ag iarraidh sibh a thabhairt ar thuras fríd na séasúr le go dtig libh Draíocht an Dúlra a fheiceáil, a chluinstin agus a mhothú.

The wheel of the year is always turning and Gráinne Holland and her musical friends would like to take you on a journey through the seasons so that you may experience, feel and hear the magic of nature.

Seó 50 bomainte do theaghlaigh le scéalaíocht, amhránaíocht, ceol agus damhsa.

A 50-minute show combining storytelling, songs, music and dance.

Sean-nós dance workshop with Joe McGuiggan

Dé Máirt 30 Eanáir Tuesday 30 January  An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin

 Am/Start: 10:00 - 11:00  5 - workshop only | £10 - combined ticket for sean-nós dance workshop & performance of “Food for the Soul”

Le blianta fada thacaigh muid le damhsa céime ar an tsean-nós sa chathair agus tugann an t-imeacht seo deis do gach duine a bhfuil spéis acu sa damhsa céime, ní hamháin damhsaí a bhfuil taithí orthu, teacht, sult a bhaint astu agus páirt a ghlacadh. I gceardlann Joe beidh damhsaí éagsúla, ríleanna ar an tsean-nós san áireamh.

For many years we have championed old style step dancing in the city and this event offers an opportunity for everyone interested in step dancing - not just seasoned dances - to come along, enjoy and participate. Joe’s workshop will include a variety of dances including sean-nós reels.

I ndiaidh na ceardlainne seo beidh “Food for the Soul”, léiriú comhoibríoch le Mary McGuiggan, Maura Johnson agus Paraig O’Brien. Sa taibhiú fiosraítear cad é mar a d’imir a fréamhacha Mháire tionchar ar a cuid damhsa – mar bhean níos sine, máthair, seanmháthair, gníomhaí pobail agus comhshaoil.

This workshop is followed by a performance of “Food for the Soul”, a collaborative performance by Mary McGuiggan, Maura Johnson and Paraig O’Brien. The performance explores how Mary’s roots have influenced her dance - as an older woman, a mother, grandmother, community and environmental activist.

Singing Workshop with Landless

Agus é ag tarraingt ar chleachtais thrialacha agus na tobchumadóireachta, chomh maith le cleachtais an cheoil thraidisiúnta, treoróidh Landless ceardlanna trí sheisiún de chomhamhránaíocht agus de dhéanamh fuaime bunaithe ar éisteacht agus tiúnáil isteach aireach in situ. Is ceathairéad a capella iad Landless ina bhfuil Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch agus Lily Power, a cheolann amhráin thraidisiúnta Éireannacha, Albanacha agus Shasana i ndlúth-harmóin ceithre pháirt ó 2013 i leith. Ina stór amhrán tá amhráin ghrá, bháis agus olagóin, chomh maith le hamhráin tíre a scríobhadh níos deireanaí. Ceolann siad in suíomhanna éagsúla, in Éirinn agus thar lear, mar pháirt de chiorcail amhránaíochta, grúpaí ceoil tíre, ócáidí tiomsaithe airgid, cuimhneacháin staire, cónaitheachtaí, imeachtaí ceiliúrtha cultúrtha, imeachtaí taibhithe grúpa agus féilte. D’eisigh siad EP a raibh a n-ainm féin mar theideal air in 2014, d’eisigh siad a gcéad albam, ‘Bleaching Bones’, in 2018, agus tá an dara halbam acu le heisiúint in 2024.

Dé Máirt 30 Eanáir Tuesday 30 January  Acadamh Ceoil Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh

 Am/Start: 11:00 - 12:00  10

Drawing on experimental, improvisational as well as traditional music practices, Landless will guide workshop participants through a session of collective singing and sound-making based on attentive in-situ listening and tuning in. Landless is an A-Cappella quartet made of Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch and Lily Power, singing Irish, Scottish, English and American traditional songs in close four part harmony since 2013. Their repertoire features songs of love, death, lamentation as well as more recently penned folk songs. They perform in a variety of settings, both in Ireland and abroad, as part of singing circles, folk groups, fundraisers, historical commemorations, residencies, cultural celebration events, group performance events and festivals. They released a selftitled EP in 2014, their first album ‘Bleaching Bones’ in 2018, and their second album is due for release in 2024.

Brigid 1500 Bilingual, interactive workshop for A-level students

Déardaoin 1 Feabhra Thursday 1 February  Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin  Am/Start: 13:00 - 14:30

“Cé thú dar linn a Bhríd?”

“Who do you think you are, Brigid?”

Is é an chéad lá d’Fheabhra Lá Fhéile Bríde, príomhbhan-naomh na hÉireann. Dhéantaí é a cheiliúradh go traidisiúnta mar an chéad lá den earrach nó Imbolc, agus tá nósanna agus gnásanna éagsúla ag baint leis. Ach cad é atá ar eolas againn dáiríre faoin Bhríd, an naomh, an duine, an bandia? Cad é a mhúnlaigh ár dtuigbheáil air agus an bhfuil sé ábhartha dúinn sa lá atá inniu ann? Bí linn agus sinn ag cíoradh smaoineamh atá neadaithe go domhain i sochaí na hÉireann agus sinn ag cur na ceiste, “Cé thú dar linn a Bhríd?”

The first of February is Lá Fhéile Bríde, the feast day of St Brigid, Ireland’s foremost female Saint. It has also traditionally been celebrated as the first day of Spring or Imbolc, and brings with it a wide variety of customs and rituals. But what do we really know about Brigid, the saint, the person, the goddess? What has shaped our understanding and is it of any relevance to us today? Join us as we tease apart an idea that is deeply embedded in Irish society and ask the question, “Who do you think you are Brigid?”

Ceardlanna Uirlisí | Instrument workshops

Inár bhfoireann ceardlainne tá taibheoirí a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta orthu a bhfuil saibhreas taithí acu mar mhúinteoirí agus ceannairí ceardlainne. Beidh ceardlanna againn i réimse uirlisí lena n-áirítear fidil, cruit, píb uilleann, bainseó, bodhrán chomh maith le ceardlann speisialta grúpa ceoil ag díriú ar sheinm agus cóiriú ensemble. Tá ár gceardlanna uilig fóirsteanach do cheoltóirí de gach aois agus ag meánleibhéal agus ardleibhéal.

Dé Sathairn 3 Feabhra Saturday 3 February  Acadamh Ceoil Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh

 Am/Start: 11:00 - 15:00  20

Our team of workshop tutors is made up of internationally renowned performers with a wealth of experience as teachers and workshop leaders. We will have workshops in a range of instruments including fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes, banjo, bodhran as well as a special grúpa ceoil workshop focusing on ensemble playing and arranging. All our workshops are suitable for players of all ages at intermediate & advanced level.

IMEACHTAÍ EILE Other Events

Seisiúin Bhosca Lóin | Lunchbox Sessions

Dé Luain 29 Eanáir - Dé hAoine 2 Feabhra Monday 29 January - Friday 2 February  Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin  Am/Start: 12:30 - 14:00

Is é traidisiún Éireannach na seisiún ceoil, iad ag tarlú ar an toirt agus díphlugáilte, cnámh droma na féile, ag cinntiú go mbeidh na cuairteoirí is fánaí tumtha i dtraidisiún cultúrtha uathúil i rith na féile. Sa chaifé i gCultúrlann Uí Chanáin, An Bácús, beidh ceoltóirí den chéad scoth i lár na séisiún am lóin seo, agus beidh fáilte roimh cheoltóir ar bith teacht isteach chun seinm leo. The Irish tradition of spontaneous, unplugged traditional music sessions is the backbone of the festival, ensuring that even the most casual visitors will be immersed in a unique cultural tradition throughout the festival. In Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s café, Bácús, top quality musicians will form the core of our daily lunchtime session, and warmly welcome other musicians to join them.

Slí na Seisiún | Session Trail

Dé hAoine 2 - Dé Domhnaigh 4 Feabhra Friday 2 - Sunday 4 February  Ionaid ar fud an bhaile | Venues and locations in town

Tabhair leat d’Uirlis ar Shlí na Seisiún!

Bring your instrument and join the Trad Trail!

Cuirfidh Slí na Seisiún brí agus beocht san fhéile ar fud na cathrach, lena sceideal lán de sheisiúin cheoil thraidisiúnta Ghaelacha i dtithe tábhairne, i gcaiféanna agus in óstáin. Tá cuid de na ceoltóirí is fearr dá bhfuil ann roghnaithe againn le bheith páirteach sa tslí, agus tá na seisiúin oscailte do gach ceoltóir ar mian leo a bheith páirteach iontu.

The Trad Trail will bring the festival to life across the city with a jam-packed schedule of traditional Irish music sessions in pubs, cafes and hotels. We've chosen some of the best musicians around to take part in the trail, and the sessions are open to all musicians who want to join in.

Bain Úsáid as do chuid Gaeilge!

There will be a number of Irish conversation circles running in conjunction with the Trad Trail. Learners and native speakers can come along and use their Irish whilst enjoying some first class traditional music.

Beidh roinnt ciorcail chomhrá Gaeilge ar siúl i gcomhar le Slí na Seisiún. Thig le foghlaimeoirí agus cainteoirí dúchais bualadh isteach agus a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid fad agus atá siad ag éisteacht le ceol traidisiúnta den chéad scoth. Tabhair spléachadh ar shuíomh gréasáin na féile agus ar an Treoir Speisialta do Shlí na Seisiún fá choinne tuilleadh eolais faoi Shlí na Seisiún agus faoi na Ciorcail Chomhrá Gaeilge, chomh maith leis na tithe tábhairne agus caiféanna a bheas páirteach agus na ceoltóirí a bheas ag seinm.

Use your Irish!

Check the festival website and the special Session Trail Guide for more details on the Trad Trail and Irish conversation circles as well as participating pubs, cafés and the musicians who will be playing.

Bróinse Mór Trad IMBOLC | Big IMBOLC Trad Brunch

Dé Sathairn 3 agus Dé Domhnaigh 4 Feabhra Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February  Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin  Am/Start: 11:00 - 14:00

Bróinse ar do sháimhín só le ceol beo ó cheoltóirí cumasacha na féile. Bain sult as an bhia bhlasta agus as na deochanna fuara - bí linn don Domhnach is mó sáimhín só! A laid-back brunch with live music from our multi-talented festival musicians. With delicious food and refreshing beverages - join us for the ultimate chilled weekend!

EOLAS PRAITICIÚIL | Practical information

BÍGÍ AR AN EOLAS | STAY INFORMED Bígí ag leanúint Facebook agus Twitter le haghaidh fógraí faoin fhéile 2024.

TÁILLÍ RIARACHÁIN | ADMINISTRATION CHARGES Caithfidh muid táille riaracháin a chur ar na ticéid. Cuidíonn siad seo le oifig na dticéad a chur ar fáil i rith na féile.

Follow Facebook or Twitter for updates and announcements on our 2024 festival.

We have to charge a transaction fee for tickets. These help us meet the costs of running our box office during the festival.

ÁIRITHINTÍ AR LÍNE | HOW TO BOOK

Aisíoc / Refunds Ní féidir an fhéile aisíoc a dhéanamh nó ticéid a mhalartú ach amháin i gcásanna ina gcuirtear imeachtaí ar ceal.

AR LÍNE / ONLINE www.imbolcfestival.com Ticéid gan pháipéar: Tá IMBOLC ag déanamh réidhe leis an pháipéar - moltar daoibh áiteanna a chur in áirithe ar líne nuair is féidir. Sábhálaigí páipéar agus taispeánaigí bhur dticéid ar bhur ngutháin. Paperless tickets: IMBOLC is going paperless - where possible you are encouraged to book online. Save paper and show your ticket on your phone. LASCAINÍ | DISCOUNTS Faigheann duine ar bith a bhfuil Cárta na gCeoltóirí Óga acu ticéad amháin saor in aisce agus is féidir ticéad do dhuine fásta a fháil ar leathphraghas do cheolchoirm ar bith i rith na féile. Young Musician’s Card holders are entitled to one free ticket plus one half price adult ticket to any concert during the festival. TAIRISCINTÍ SPEISIALTA | SPECIAL OFFERS Agus an fhéile ag druidim orainn, beidh tairiscintí speisialta againn ar líne. Coinnígí i dteagmháil linn agus cláraígí do liosta seoltaí na féile. Coinnígí súil ar na meáin shóisialta le haghaidh níos mó eolais ar na tairiscintí seo. As the festival approaches, we will run temporary promotions and special offers online. Keep in touch with us by signing up to the festival mailing list and joining our social media channels for information on these offers.

The festival can only refund money or exchange tickets in the case of a cancelled event. Cuidiú speisialta / Special assistance Má tá aon riachtanais speisialta nó riachtanais suíocháin agat, ná bíodh leisce ort sin a lua agus tú ag déanamh áirithinte. If you have any special needs or seating requirements, please do not hesitate to let us know at the time of booking. AMANNA TOSAITHE | START TIMES Bígí in am le bhur dtoil! Tá dhá am fógartha: an t-am a n-osclófar na doirse gur féidir na lucht féachana a suíocháin a aimsiú (de ghnáth 30 bomaite roimh thús an imeachta) agus an t-am a thósaíonn an t-imeacht. Nuair is féidir, tosóidh na himeachtaí uilig in am. Beidh ar dhaoine a thagann mall fanacht go dtí sos fóirsteanach sa chlár le dul isteach. Please arrive on time! Times advertised indicate the actual start time of the event. The doors open to allow audience members to find their seats 30 minutes before the start of the event. Where possible all events will start on time and latecomers may only be admitted at a suitable break in the programme.

EOLAS PRAITICIÚIL | Practical information

INROCHTAINEACHT | ACCESSIBILITY Tá rochtain ag cathaoireacha rothaí ar Chultúrlann Uí Chanáin agus The Guildhall. Tá rochtain theoranta ar Acadamh Ceoil Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh. Sa dóigh is go dtig linn an tseirbhís is fearr a chur ar fáil duit, molann muid go gcuireann tú ar an eolas muid agus tú ag déanamh áirithinte faoi riachtanais speisialta nó cuidiú a bheas de dhíth ort. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and The Guildhall are both fully wheelchair accessible. Acadamh Ceoil Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh has restricted access. In order to offer you the best possible service we recommend you notify us at the time of booking of any special requirements or assistance you may need. MEÁIN SHÓISIALTA | SOCIAL MEDIA Coinnigh i dteagmháil leis an fhéile. Inis dúinn faoi do chuid ama ag an fhéile ach sinn a leanstan ar na cainéil seo sna meáin shóisialta: Stay connected during the festival and tell us about your festival experiences by following us on these social media channels:  Facebook imbolcfest  Twitter @imbolcfest  Instagram imbolcfest OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #imbolcfest

DÉANAIGÍ TEAGMHÁIL LINN | CONTACT US Guthán / Telephone 028 7126 4132 Láthair / In Person Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin 37 Mórshráid Shéamais 37 Great James Street Doire | Derry - BT48 7DF Ríomhphost / Email eolas@culturlann.org SONRAÍ MAIDIR LEIS NA PRÍOMHIONAID | MAIN VENUE DETAILS Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin 37 Mórshráid Shéamais | 37 Great James Street Doire | Derry BT48 7DF 028 7126 4132 Acadamh Ceoil Chaoimhín Uí Dhochartaigh 35 Mórshráid Shéamais | 35 Great James Street Doire | Derry BT48 7DF 028 7126 4132 The Guildhall Sráid Guildhall | Guildhall St. BT48 6DQ Doire | Derry 028 7125 3253

EOLAS DO CHUAIRTEOIRÍ | Visitor information

Bealach Chósta an Chabhsa / Causeway Coastal Route Ag síneadh ó Bhéal Feirste go Doire le cinn de na radhairc is ansa in Éirinn, tá clú agus cáil ar Bhealach Chósta an Chabhsa. Tá tránna gainmheacha, sráidbhailte iascaireachta, gleannta lán d’aiteann agus cosáin ar bharr aille le feiceáil ar Bhealach Chósta an Chabhsa ó Dhoire go Béal Feirste agus a mhalairt. Tóg isteach an tírdhreach iontach ón charr, ach ná déan dearmad ar na céadfaí eile! Fuaimeanna na dtonnta ag pléascadh, na héin ag eitilt os do chionn, an blas goirt ón fharraige ar do liopaí agus an ghaoth ag feadaíl thar do chluasa - tá na rudaí seo uilig mar chuid d’áilleacht na háite cáiliúla seo. Stretching from Belfast to Derry and taking in some of Ireland's most incredible sights, the Causeway Coastal Route is a true legend. Hugging the Atlantic coast from Derry to Belfast - or vice versa - the Causeway Coastal Route is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and fuchsiaedged clifftop paths. Absorbing this epic landscape from the car is wonderful, but the other senses could be missing out! The sounds of the crashing waves, the birds soaring up above, the salty taste from the sea on your lips and the wind whistling past your ears – these are all part of this legendary land’s beauty.

Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin / Wild Atlantic Way Lán de charachtar dothuigthe, atmaisféar ríshoiléir, eispéiris dodhearmadta agus cuimhní síoraí. Dún na nGall: gan láimhseáil agus gan chuardach, tá an réigiún iargúlta agus galánta seo suite i bhfad ó thuaidh Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin. Ní nach aonadh gur ainmníodh Dún na nGall mar ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ ag National Geographic Traveller. Is mórthaibhseach an dúlra anseo, ós na ballaí eibhir de chuid de na haillte is airde san Eoraip, ag Sliabh Liag, go na Gealáin Thuaidh ag damhsa i spéartha geala an gheimhridh, go na milliúin éin mara in inbhir iontacha, ar an tslí thart faoin domhain. Tá meon láidir pobail sa reigiún iargúlta seo; tá an Ghaeltacht is mó in Éirinn le fáil sna cladaí is fiáine - áit a bhfuil an Ghaeilge labhartha mar theanga dhúchais go fóill agus tá an cultúr traidisiúnta beo beathach. Brimming with enigmatic character, atmosphere, unforgettable encounters memories.

unmistakable and lasting

Donegal: untouched and virtually unexplored, this ruggedly beautiful and remote region lies at the far north of the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s no wonder Donegal was named the ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by National Geographic Traveller. Nature is spectacular and bracing here, from the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, at Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), to the Northern Lights dancing in clear winter skies, to the millions of seabirds gathering in great estuaries, en route across the globe. There’s a strong sense of community in this sparsely populated region; Ireland’s wildest shores are home to its largest Gaeltacht - where Irish is still the mother tongue and traditional culture thrives.

EOLAS DO CHUAIRTEOIRÍ | Visitor information

Tabhair cuairt chuig Doire / Visit Derry Nochtann siúl thart faoi bhallaí Dhoire cathair atá lán de stair, oidhreacht, suim agus saol cultúrtha bríomhar. Is é seo an t-aon chathair mhúrtha fágtha in Éirinn agus ceann de na samplaí is fearr de chathracha múrtha san Eoraip. Tógadh na ballaí i rith na tréimhse 1613-1618 ag An tOnórach, An Cumann Éireannach mar chosaint do lonnaitheoirí ó Sasana agus Albain sa 19ú haois. Déanann na ballaí, a bhfuil imlíne de thart ar 1.5 ciliméadar aige, bealach siúil thart faoin chathair inmheánach agus cuireann siad promanáid uathúil ar fáil chun leagan amach an bunbhaile a fheiceáil, a bhfuil stíl sráide an Renaissance go fóill aige go dtí an lá inniu. Is iad na ceithre bhungheataí chuig an chathair mhúrtha ná Geata an Easpaig, Geata Ché an Chalaidh, Geata an Bhúistéara agus Geata Ché na Long. Tógadh trí gheataí sa bhreis -– Geata na hArmlainne, Geata an Chaisleáin agus an Geata Nua. Athraíonn leithead na mballaí ó 12 go 35 troithe agus tá siad ar na ballaí is iomláine in Éirinn agus ar cheann de na samplaí is fearr san Eoraip de chathracha múrtha. Maíonn an chathair go bhfuil an bailiúchán canóna is mó acu agus go bhfuil bunús na gcanónacha ar eolas acu. Scaoil cuid mhaith acu le fearg i rith an dá léigir sa 17ú haois.

A walk around the walls in Derry reveals a splendid city crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene. This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by The Honourable, The Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added - Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate. The Walls vary in width between 12 and 35 feet and are the most complete in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe of Walled Cities. The city claims Europe’s largest collection of cannon whose origins are known precisely. Many of them thundered in anger over the two seventeenth century sieges.

EOLAS DO CHUAIRTEOIRÍ | Visitor information

Do chuairt a phleanáil | Planning your visit TAISTEAL / TRAVEL Sa charr | By car Glacann turas ó Bhaile Átha Cliath go Doire thart faoi 3 uair tríd an N2 agus A5. Glacann turas ó Bhéal Feirste go Doire thart faoi uair go leith tríd an A6. From Dublin to Derry takes approx 3 hours via N2 and A5. Belfast to Derry takes approx 1 hour 30 mins via A6. Ar an bhus | By bus á bus rialta ag Translink idir Béal Feirste agus Doire (212) le seirbhís mall san oíche ó Dhoire go Béal Feirste, Luan go Satharn ag 11pm, agus ag 9pm Dé Domhnaigh. Téann an Translink X3/X4 idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Doire. Le níos mó eolais a fháil, gabh chuig www.translink.co.uk & www. buseireann.ie Translink operates a regular bus service between Belfast and Derry (212) with a late night Derry to Belfast service from Monday to Saturday at 11pm, and 9pm on Sunday. The Translink X4 route also operates between Dublin and Derry. Visit www.translink.co.uk & www.buseireann.ie for full details.

LÓISTÍN / ACCOMMODATION Visit Derry 1-3 Waterloo Place Derry, BT48 6BT www.visitderry.com 028 7126 7284

Ar eitleán | By plane Tá Aerfort Chathair Dhoire suite go háisiúil seacht míle ón chathair agus níl ach turas gairid idir é agus Bealach Chósta an Chabhsa i dtreo amháin, agus Tír Chonaill, tús Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin, sa treo eile. Thig eitilt as Aerfort Chathair Dhoire go Manchester (le Ryanair) agus go Dún Éideann, Glaschú, Liverpool agus Londain Stansted (le Loganair). City of Derry Airport is conveniently located 7 miles from Derry and is a short drive from the Causeway Coastal Route and Donegal, the starting point to the Wild Atlantic Way touring route. You can fly to the City's airport from Manchester (with Ryanair) and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London Stansted (with Loganair).