Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, Fleadh na gCuach (the Cuckoo Fleadh) is a cherished traditional music and community-based arts festival held in Kinvara, Galway.

Known for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional talent, the festival has garnered a stellar reputation as a showcase for traditional music, attracting musicians from across Ireland and beyond. This eagerly anticipated event has become a treasured tradition, bringing together locals and visitors to revel in music, culture, and community.

The brainchild of Tony Moylan, who founded the festival in 1994, the Cuckoo Fleadh celebrates the music, art, literature, poetry and overall creativity of the village with something for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned session player or a curious newcomer, Fleadh na gCuach welcomes all to join in the fun and camaraderie that defines this magical event. During the festival, Kinvara’s pubs, restaurants and cafés will host over 50 lively sessions, creating an immersive musical experience for all attendees.

A highlight of the Fleadh is its poster, always a testament to local artistry. This year’s poster, crafted by Ryan Lavin, pays homage to the esteemed artist Joe Boske, known for his past iconic Fleadh na gCuach designs. The poster will be available for purchase in local shops, offering everyone a chance to take home a piece of Fleadh memorabilia.

Family-friendly activities abound at the festival, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From traditional music, singing sessions and poetry readings to kids’ activities including a Cuckoo Fun Run, a puppet show with Yourmans Puppets, Art Play and much more, younger attendees can expect a weekend filled with joy and entertainment. In a change from previous years, the festival organisers are hoping to organise return buses, subject to demand, from Galway City and Gort to Kinvara for the evening sessions. They will update the details on this on social media. “We really want to open the festival up to people travelling from further afield and what better way than to offer a bus!”

The festival will be launched by renowned singer/songwriter John Faulkner at 6.30pm on Friday 3rd May in the Pier Head, Kinvara.

Mark your calendars for the May bank holiday weekend (3rd to 6th May) and come to Kinvara for a celebration of music, culture, and community at Fleadh na gCuach.

For further information you can find the festival on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/fleadhnagcuach or online at https://kinvara.ie/fleadh-na-gcuach-the-cuckoo-festival/

Poster Artwork was done by Ryan Lavin, inspired by the Cuckoo Artwork from 1995’s festival done by Joe Boske.