Leitrim Folk Listeners Club
Experience the Magic: The Leitrim Folk Listeners Club Summer Series
The Leitrim Folk Listeners Club at The Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge is proud to present a stellar summer and early autumn schedule of acoustic performances. With a dedicated listening room atmosphere, the club provides an immersive environment for folk enthusiasts.
Doors open at 8:30 PM for all events, and entry is managed via payment at the door on the night of the show. Starts at 9.00PM.
20th June Elanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan
What a Night at the Leitrim Folk Listeners Club! 
We are still floating after our absolute gem of an evening with Irish folk royalty, Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan!A massive thank you to everyone who packed out the room and made it such a special night. Eleanor and Mike completely mesmerized us all with a beautiful blend of cherished classics, storytelling, and brilliant tracks from their brand new EP, The Ghost of You.
- July 11th: Trinity Island, Michael Banahan, and Bill Shanley
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- Magic Under the Rafters: Leitrim Folk Listeners Club Delivers a Masterclass at the Leitrim The Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge Co. Leitrim — There is a distinct kind of alchemy that happens when a room full of dedicated music lovers meets a lineup of seasoned storytellers, and that is exactly what unfolded on Saturday night, July 11th. The Leitrim Folk Listeners Club held its latest showcase at the intimate, welcoming surroundings of the Leitrim Inn and Blueway Lodge.
- Special thanks to Martin Costello for sound and audio visuals and to Adeline and Karen from the Leitrim Inn for hosting the club and to Johnny Markey for his help on the night.
- Featuring everything from seasoned industry legends debuting new material to a captivating fresh collective, the evening proved that the regional folk scene is as vital and resonant as ever.
- A Legendary Partnership Takes the Stage
- The headline drew massive anticipation, bringing together multi-instrumentalist Michael Banahan (celebrated for his deep folk roots and tenure with Rig The Jig) and the internationally renowned guitarist and producer Bill Shanley.
- Banahan, who has recently stepped out from behind his decades-long career as an industry manager and promoter to release his highly-praised debut solo album Broken Heart, treated the audience to a profoundly honest, soul-baring performance. Bolstered by Shanley's masterful, intuitive guitar work, Banahan's warm, velvet baritone and evocative harmonica melodies filled the room. Songs like the bittersweet "The Tango" and the deeply reflective "Winter in the City" highlighted a collaborative chemistry honed over years in the studio, demonstrating why the duo's live performances are currently some of the most sought-after on the Irish acoustic circuit.
- For the Leitrim audience, having Shanley on the bill was a massive treat. Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s elite session and touring guitarists, Shanley has spent decades anchoring the sound of some of the world's most iconic artists. He has long served as the musical director for Mary Black, and his world-class credentials include a 10-year tenure as musical director for The Kinks’ Sir Ray Davies—even performing "Waterloo Sunset" alongside him at the closing ceremony of the London Olympic Games. Having contributed to albums and global tours for everyone from Gilbert O'Sullivan and Paul Brady to Sinéad O'Connor, Shanley brought a masterclass in accompaniment to the Leitrim Inn stage.
- Adding a heavy dose of excitement to the bill was the debut of Trinity Island, an exceptional new band making waves locally. Striking a beautiful balance between traditional elements and contemporary folk arrangements, their set was dynamic, lush, and technically flawless. Judging by the rapturous applause from the Leitrim crowd, this is a group whose trajectory is pointing straight up.
- The strength of any true folk club lies in the depth of its supporting bill, and Saturday night spared no talent.
- • Louise Killeen: The acclaimed singer-songwriter commanded the room with her raw, evocative vocals and sharp lyrical sensibilities. Killeen’s ability to weave everyday human truths into catchy, emotionally gripping acoustic melodies provided a stunning contrast and held the audience in absolute silence. Louise will feature in the club with Donal O'Connor on the 8th August .
- • Fergus McGovern: Bringing plenty of heart and a wealth of local charm, singer Fergus McGovern delivered a unique soulful performance. His storytelling and rich vocal delivery anchored the evening beautifully; he received a massive homegrown reception.
- The Leitrim Folk Listeners Club continues to curate some of the finest acoustic spaces in the West of Ireland. Between the stellar acoustics of the Leitrim Inn and a flawless lineup that bridged folk royalty with emerging powerhouses, July 11th was a definitive win for local live music.
- The next Folk club night is the Saturday 25th July .Please share,like follow and come along and support live music.
- Join us this summer for an incredible series of sessions featuring these talented artists:
- July 25th: Ceol na Ceangail, Niko, Christina Ginter, and Eleanor Quaine
- August 8th: Louise Killeen and Donal O’Connor
- August 15th: Boyle Trad group and Donal O’Connor
- August 22nd: Declan Courell, Philip Duffy, Liam Kelly, and The Cats Meow
- September 5th: Dots O’Connor, Aoife Duignan, Michael McKenna, and Mossie Martin
Plan Your Visit
- Venue: The Leitrim Inn and Blueway Lodge,Leitrim Village, Co.Leitrim N41 V1K2
We look forward to seeing you at the lodge for these upcoming sessions. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot for these unforgettable evenings of live folk music!
© David Knight Photography