Killaloe Music Festival 2026 - Festivals Near Me
- Ralph Quinlan Forde BSc Hons MA
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The annual music festival is back and once again will run for a week in Killaloe for those looking for 'festivals near me'.
Nestled between the historic twin towns of Ballina-Killaloe, St. Flannan’s Cathedral will celebrate the 14th annual SCS Killaloe Music Festival on 29th May to 1st June 2026.
Last year, new Artistic Director Diane Daly took the helm, putting her own original spin on the festival to great success. Daly looks forward to sharing another wonderful weekend of music with you this summer. She said,' There’s something so special about Killaloe and Ballina; the people, the river, the hills, the history around every corner. From the Festival base within the historic walls of St Flannan’s Cathedral, the Festival weaves across our twin towns.'
Festivals Near Me - Killaloe Music Festival
Musical artists from across Ireland and from all around the world will be joining the festival in their beautiful cathedral space. Daly went on to say, 'At the heart of the Festival is a remarkable group of musicians. These are artists who lead major orchestras, appear at international festivals and collaborate with some of the finest performers of their generation. They rehearse, explore, experiment and create something unique to this week. It’s a rare chance to experience world-class artistry at close quarters, in an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet electric.'
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything
— Plato
Wednesday 27th of May
10.30am - Lakeside Hotel, Ballina
A gathering of children from local national schools in a joyful celebration of music and creativity.
Friday 29th of May
7.00PM - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
Copland, Lanzilotti, Dvořák, Barber and Bernstein. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, reflecting hope, dynamism and diversity.
10.00PM - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
A late-night, surround sound experience in the historic nave of the cathedral, blending poetry, projections, song and beautiful music.
Saturday 30th of May
11.00AM - Lakeside Hotel, Ballina
Join two of Ireland’s most exciting young ensembles, Banshee Brass and the Tara String Quartet. Free Admission.
3.00pm - Killaloe Catholic Church, Killaloe
Students from local music schools take to the stage in a showcase of emerging talent. Curated by Áine Doolan. Free Admission.
7.00pm - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
von Bingen, Harron, Shostakovich, Wagner & Brahms. With Limerick Chamber Choir, a violin and dancer duet and a World Premiere.
10.00pm - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
An iconic performer and Pulitzer Prize winner, Rhiannon Giddens brings her unmistakable voice and vision to a rare, intimate late night concert.
Sunday 31st of May
2.00PM - OUR LADY & ST. LUA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Ballina
Six local choirs perform to and with each other in a celebration of community music making. Free admission.
4.00pm - Liam O’Riain’s pub, Ballina
Facilitated by Deirdre Scanlon. Musicians welcome to join. Free admission.
7.00Pm - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
Our final evening concert transports us to Paris, a city of revolution, reinvention and artistic daring. With music from Satie, Stravinsky, Debussy and more.
10.00Pm - ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL, Killaloe
Two of Ireland’s most compelling young voices, Denise Chaila and Sibéal Ní Chasaide, meet for the first time in a late-night encounter of word and song in the nave of the cathedral.
Monday 1st of June
4.00Pm - Lakeside hotel, Ballina
A joyful, large-scale theatrical celebration involving professional actors and musicians alongside community performers of all ages, combining music, movement and storytelling.
Killaloe Music Concert Packages
The best value way to experience the Festival.
Festival Pass – €90 Admission to all six ticketed concerts. Experience the complete arc of the Festival across five unforgettable days.
Evening Pass – €50 All three 7pm main evening concerts for a reduced combined price.
From America to Paris, with a bold, boundary-breaking Saturday in between, this pass brings together the Festival’s headline performances.
Late Night Pass – €40 Three late-night concerts, one special atmosphere.
Experience the magic of candlelight in St. Flannan’s Cathedral across three intimate and immersive performances.
Discover More Tune in to the Festival Podcast (new edition released in April) and explore the Killaloe Music Festival Playlist — featuring all the music in this year’s programme. www.killaloemusicfestival.com
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