The broad musical offering at this year’s Clifden Arts Festival stretches from powerful Irish rock and folk acts to world-class chamber music, traditional song, contemporary composition and immersive choral performances.
The 49th Clifden Arts Festival, from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 27, has lined up its most ambitious and wide-ranging music schedule to date, beyond its multidisciplinary programme of literature, visual arts, theatre, film, architecture and ideas across Clifden and Connemara.
Opening the festival's musical celebrations are Galway favourites The Stunning, whose electrifying live performances and enduring catalogue have made them one of Ireland's most beloved bands.
One of the festival's most anticipated performances sees Niall Breslin and The Polaris Quartet bring their acclaimed production The Place That Has Never Been Wounded to Clifden. Following a sold-out national tour, the work combines music, spoken word and immersive visuals in a deeply personal exploration of resilience, presence and connection.
The programme also celebrates Ireland's rich musical heritage with acclaimed harper Laoise Kelly joined by multi-instrumentalist Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh, while Tom Dunne, Fiachna Ó Braonáin
and Alan Connor reunite audiences with songs from Something Happens and Hothouse Flowers in an evening of music, stories and memories.
Internationally acclaimed Scottish singer Eddi Reader, of Fairground Attraction fame, joins accordion virtuoso Alan Kelly and his celebrated band for a unique collaboration blending Irish and Scottish musical traditions through powerful instrumentals, captivating songs and evocative storytelling.
Celebrating the depth of Ireland's choral and traditional heritage, Cantairí Chonamara present A Lifetime of Notes, a moving tribute to the late musician, singer and composer Tomás Ó Canainn. The concert honours one of Ireland's great musical figures through choral works, traditional music, poetry and instrumental performance, reflecting the festival's enduring connection to the cultural traditions of Connemara.
Classical music features strongly throughout the festival, with performances by the Lir Quartet and Solas Quartet, presenting programmes that pair timeless masterpieces with contemporary Irish compositions, including works by award-winning composer Linda Buckley.
Music and poetry meet in RECITE, where composer and multi-instrumentalist Emer Mayock joins poet Terry McDonagh in a unique conversation between music and verse, while Sean-nós ar an Loch brings together three of the country's foremost sean-nós singers in a celebration of one of Ireland's oldest and most treasured musical traditions.
Pushing musical boundaries further is The Pale Blue Dot, a striking new multimedia production inspired by NASA's Voyager Golden Record. Blending new Irish composition, electronics, international musical traditions and live visuals, it reflects the festival's commitment to presenting adventurous contemporary work alongside established favourites.
"Music has always been at the heart of Clifden Arts Festival,” says festival director Desmond Lally. "This year’s programme embraces extraordinary diversity – from rock, folk and traditional music, to classical performance and contemporary composition. It reflects our 2026 theme, OPEN, inviting audiences to discover new sounds while celebrating the music that continues to bring people together."
Running from 17–27 September, Clifden Arts Festival transforms Connemara into one of Ireland's most vibrant cultural destinations, where music fills concert halls, churches, theatres and intimate venues throughout the town.
For ticket sales and additional information visit www.ClifdenArtsFestival.ie
