Irish Traditional
Music Festival
In the heart of Sliabh Luachra
Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Ireland — five days of fiddles, sessions and song.
1887–1963
Patrick O’Keeffe, fiddle master
The town of Castleisland comes alive with the sound of tradition
Every October, Castleisland in County Kerry fills with the melodic sounds of traditional Irish music. Held in honour of the legendary fiddler and teacher Patrick O’Keeffe (1887–1963), the festival celebrates the rich heritage of Sliabh Luachra and the vital role O’Keeffe played in preserving it for the generations who followed.
Discover his story →Five days of living tradition
From concert halls to pub corners, the festival brings Sliabh Luachra’s music to life across Castleisland and beyond.
Concerts
Headline performances from masters of the Sliabh Luachra tradition and special guests.
Sessions
Spontaneous music in pubs and venues across town — the beating heart of the festival.
Session Trail
Follow the trail from venue to venue and discover music in every corner of Castleisland.
Workshops
Hands-on tuition in fiddle, accordion, concertina and more with renowned teachers.
“Irish music is the music of emotion and of life, sung by people who know the meaning of both.”
Declan Lynch
Your five days in Sliabh Luachra
Thursday — Opening night
The festival opens with a gala concert celebrating the Sliabh Luachra tradition.
Friday & Saturday — Sessions & concerts
Workshops by day, sessions by night, and headline concerts across the town’s venues.
Sunday — The Session Trail
Follow the trail from pub to pub as music spills onto the streets of Castleisland.
Monday — Closing
A final day of tunes to send the tradition on for another year.
Supported by
The Patrick O’Keeffe Festival is proudly supported by our partners and funders.
Join us this October in Castleisland
Five days of the finest traditional Irish music in the heart of Sliabh Luachra.
Be part of the 32nd Patrick O’Keeffe Festival.