Good to Know

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is now in its 51st year. It provides tuition on the following instruments: uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, concertina, button accordion/melodeon, banjo, harmonica and harp. The school organises workshops on the Irish and English language song traditions and on traditional set dancing, step dancing and Conamara sean-nós dance. It offers a week-long immersion course on the history and evolution of Irish traditional music, song and dance. And this year sees a new course on the programme designed specifically for traditional musicians and teachers and certified by the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The tuition is complemented by a series of lectures on aspects of the Irish and other ethnic musical heritages. And the instrumental and singing recitals and dancing exhibitions showcase the artistic talent gathered at the annual Willie Clancy summer school and festival. The spirit of the school is reflected in the vibrant festival atmosphere to be found in Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point, Quilty and Mullagh.