Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre

Music & Folk Festival

Sat 25^th June

Gates open: 2 pm

Showtime: 3 pm

Ticket price: €45 plus booking fee

Bar facilities available on site

Kicking off the stellar 2022 season will be “Pilgrims and Players”, a one-day traditional and folk music festival in the spectacular setting of the amphitheatre.

Taking to the main stage will be Altan, long-established as the best and foremost traditional Irish to come out of Ireland. The group will treat the amphitheatre audience to their incomparable sound, ranging dynamically from the most sensitive and touching ancient ballads, all the way to energetic foot-tapping reels and jigs.

Fans will also be treated to the repertoire of giants of the Irish trad scene, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny. Between them, Irvine and Lunny have been at the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men, Planxty, The Bothy Band, Mozaik, LAPD, and recently Usher’s Island. Their unique style of
accompaniment is an ongoing influence in the wider world of Irish music.

Another exciting addition to the Pilgrims and Players line-up is sibling folk duo Ye Vagabonds, brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. They have been busy touring Ireland, the UK, and Europe, and have just released their third album.

We’re also looking forward to the incredible Cormac Begley, a highly accomplished concertina player from west Kerry who plays 13 concertinas that range from bass to piccolo register.

Local legends Reel to Reel are bound to get feet tapping. This 10-piece Kilkenny-based band boasts a unique traditional Irish sound fused with Celtic Rock. Instruments include piano, acoustic guitar, uilleann pipes, two fiddles, mandolin, drums, double bass, lead guitar, and vocals. The band was originally formed over 30 years ago and some of the founding members are still part of the lineup. The band plays some original music that was composed by two of the founding members, Dave Prim and Michael “MOG” O’ Grady.

We’re also looking forward to the incredible Cormac Begley, a highly accomplished concertina player from west Kerry who plays 13 concertinas that range from bass to piccolo register.

On the day, a second stage will feature conversations with the players, the story of Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre past, present, and future, a musical instrument-making workshop, and more…

Running Order

2pm: Doors
3pm: Reel to Reel
4pm: Cormac Begley
5:15pm: Ye Vagabonds
6:30pm: Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny
8:15pm: Altan

• Full bar and food will be available on-site.
• We have extra covers to keep you dry and cool!
• Kindly sponsored by St. Canice’s Credit Union