Joe Mooney Summer School, Drumbshanbo, Co.Leitrim. 2026

July 19, 2026

A Celebration of Tradition: The Joe Mooney Summer School Returns to Drumshanbo

The picturesque town of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, has once again been transformed into a vibrant hub of Irish culture as the 36th annual Joe Mooney Summer School officially kicks off. Running from July 18 to July 25, 2026, this beloved festival continues its long-standing tradition of honoring the memory of Joe Mooney, a local champion of Leitrim’s rich heritage, by bringing together musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.

A Spectacular Opening

There was great excitement with the official Opening in the Mayflower hall in the town by Fionnuala Maxwell the well known singer and tutor. This was followed by a concert, which took place on Sunday, July 19th, in the Community Centre. The evening featured a highly anticipated performance by the acclaimed band Tempest, whose roots in Ulster added a wonderful dimension to the festivities. Their mastery of traditional music set a brilliant, high-energy tone for the week ahead, captivating fans and marking the perfect start to the festival.

Music in Every Corner

While the scheduled concerts and formal classes in fiddle, flute, sean-nós dancing, and more form the backbone of the school, the true soul of the Joe Mooney Summer School lies in its spontaneity. Throughout the week, the entire town of Drumshanbo comes alive with informal music sessions.

From cozy pub corners to bustling open-air spots, musicians of all ages and levels of experience gather to trade tunes, songs, and stories. These "sessions around the town" are where many visitors find the most memorable moments of their trip, as the barriers between performers and listeners dissolve into a shared celebration of Irish tradition. #Joe Mooney Summer School

Why We Return

Now in its 36th year, the school remains one of the most significant events in the Irish traditional music calendar. It is more than just a series of workshops; it is a community. Whether you are a student honing your craft in an advanced class, a family enjoying the junior programmes, or a visitor soaking in the atmosphere of a Leitrim summer, the "céad míle fáilte" (one hundred thousand welcomes) is felt everywhere.

As the week progresses, the town will continue to host a variety of events, including the Grand Traditional Concert on July 23rd, as well as nightly céilithe and cultural talks. For those lucky enough to be in Drumshanbo this July, the music, the laughter, and the spirit of the Joe Mooney Summer School are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.For more information go to www.joemooneysummerschool.com

Photos by David Knight. www.davidknightphotographer.com See less

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Keywords: 2026, Co.Leitrim., Culture, Drumbshanbo, Heritage, Ireland, Irish, Joe, Mooney, Music, School, Summer, Traditional

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Joe Mooney Summer School, Drumbshanbo, Co.Leitrim. 2026