After the colour and spectacle of the St Patrick’s Day parade, Galway’s Bádóirí an Chladaigh will keep the celebrations going with a special musical gathering at the Claddagh Basin.
Supported by Galway City Council, this event will bring together Irish and Nova Scotian Gaelic traditions, featuring a performance from Joanne MacIntyre, a renowned Gaelic singer and educator from Mabou Coal Mines, Cape Breton Island, Canada.
MacIntyre, who teaches at Dalbrae Academy, is in Ireland on a cultural exchange with her students, passing on her deep knowledge of the Gaelic language, music, and heritage. She is also a member of The Rankin Family, a household name in Celtic music. She will be joined by fellow teacher and fluent Gaelic speaker Bernard Cameron, with Sean Ó Coisdealbha, Connemara poet and community activist, guiding their visit.
Cape Breton, home to the Celtic Colours International Festival, has strong Irish roots, with one in four Nova Scotians claiming Irish ancestry. Since the 1660s, Irish fishermen travelled there for seasonal work, referring to the region as Talamh an Éisc (‘The Land of the Fish’ ). Today, institutions like Colaisde na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic College ) and Nova Scotia’s public schools continue to keep the Gaelic language and culture alive.
The Claddagh event will also feature performances from local musicians, with the iconic Galway Hookers in full sail, adding to the spectacle. Bádóirí an Chladaigh, custodians of Galway’s maritime heritage, are known for their stunning light displays on the Claddagh Basin during Christmas and St Patrick’s week.
The event kicks off at 2pm, celebrating the deep cultural ties between Ireland and Nova Scotia—weather permitting. All are welcome to join in this unique blend of music, tradition, and community spirit.
