The Masters of Tradition opens its doors to the very best musicians in the land, presenting a series of performances that cover the full spectrum of Irish traditional music, in its most authentic form. Many of Ireland's foremost traditional musicians have performed at the festival since it began in 2002. Previous performers include; Liam O'Flynn; Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barrar; Steve Cooney; Ke
vin Crawford from Lúnasa; Brendan Begley; Susan McKeown; Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill; Donal Lunny and so many more. As ever the Festival is headlined by Martin Hayes, the fiddler from East Clare, whose distinctive touch and extravagant virtuosity has brought the tradition to new levels. His famous trance-evoking sets with Dennis Cahill, who returns again this year, have mesmerised audiences all over the world. The idea for the festival evolved from Martin Hayes' call to create a 'quiet and intimate space' where the heart of traditional music could be revealed. The concept has evolved over the years to produce an event that encompasses a simpler, less cluttered performance format and involving some of the very best Irish musicians sharing their take on traditional music. There are concerts each evening as well as Irish traditional music workshops, talks and masterclasses. We are delighted to confirm that the masterclasses are now the Bord na Móna Masterclasses. Brendan's Church, set in the heart of Bantry, and in Bantry House, one of Ireland's most striking 18th-century mansions, overlooking Bantry Bay.
