Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival Festival runs from the 27th of October to the 31st inclusive. Mr.

More details at patrickokeeffefestival.com

The origins of the festival

The festival came into being just as the fall of 1993 approached. RTE Radio 1 presenter / producer, Peter Browne prompted that some event or other should be held to honour O’Keeffe - as that year marked the 30th anniversary of his death. Though unwell for a period during the harsh winter of 1962 / 63, and confined in St. Cat

herine’s Hospital in Tralee, it was with great surprise to many in the locality and well beyond that the news of his death was greeted on February 22-1963 at the age of 75. That 30th anniversary prompted Peter Browne to take a closer look at the life and times of the man who lived and died at a time when broadcasting and recording in rural areas presented great obstacles to the pioneering spirits who undertook these tasks. There did and indeed does, however, exist a few precious recordings made by the likes of Seamus Ennis and later by Ciarán Mac Mathúna. And, for Peter Browne, the timing could hardly have been a minute too soon. In 1993 there were many who remembered Patrick O’Keeffe, his life and habits – and they gave both memories and opinions freely. Patrick O’Keeffe was wedded to his fiddle and was a genius at getting the best out of ‘her’ – as he might say himself. He did, in fact, refer to the instrument as ‘The Missus’ in broadly quoted stories from highly regarded sources. Browne’s landmark documentary was broadcast in a four part series on RTE Radio 1 over the four Saturday nights of November of 1993; the publicity windfall ensured that the Castleisland festival never had to look over its shoulder since.

22/07/2026

Con Herbert (RIP) and friends including John McNulty, Emma O’Leary, Jonathan Roche, Eilis Murpby and Cathal Flood play in Tom McCarthys Bar during the 2024 Patrick O’Keeffe Festival. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

The Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Con...
21/07/2026

The Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Con Herbert. Con was a regular visitor to the festival, a fantastic musician and a fine gentleman. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

09/07/2026

A fantastic tribute to our two local legends Nicky and Anne in Miltown Malbay on Tuesday.

We’ve been fielding lots of questions about this year’s festival line-up… and plenty of people, including our great frie...
01/07/2026

We’ve been fielding lots of questions about this year’s festival line-up… and plenty of people, including our great friend Liam, are dying to know what’s in store! 👀🎻🪗

We’re nearly ready to reveal everything, so keep an eye on our pages over the next while. Plenty of exciting announcements are coming very soon! 🎶🔥

New video added to our YouTube channel… Bríd Harper and Dermot Byrne in concert at last years festival.
18/06/2026

New video added to our YouTube channel… Bríd Harper and Dermot Byrne in concert at last years festival.

Bríd Harper and Dermot Byrne performing on Sunday night at the 2025...

07/06/2026

Diarmuid O’Brien will continue our series of Online Sliabh Luachra Workshops on June 10th at 20:00 Irish time. The focus of the workshop will be the music of West Limerick and Sliabh Luachra.
Participation is FREE. Email [email protected] with your name and country to register.

Diarmuid O’Brien is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading traditional fiddle players. A native of Limerick, he began learning music at the age of nine and had achieved All-Ireland success by fifteen. Deeply rooted in the West Limerick/Sliabh Luachra tradition, his playing is renowned for its rhythmic lift, energy and distinctive style.

Diarmuid has toured extensively throughout Ireland and internationally, performing across Europe, North America, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, including appearances at the National Concert Hall. He has performed for numerous dignitaries, including the President of Ireland, An Taoiseach and the Australian Prime Minister.

His 2007 album Cairde Caradín received widespread critical acclaim, while his 2021 collaboration Abroad in the Back Kitchen with Dónal O’Sullivan showcases the rich musical heritage of the West Limerick tradition. He has also featured regularly on television and radio, including multiple appearances on the TG4 programme Geantraí.

Best wishes
15/05/2026

Best wishes

Address

Main Street Castleisland Co Kerry
Castleisland

Telephone

+353872731441

Website

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