Killaloe Music Festival starts this week

Running from May 27 to June 1, the annual Killaloe Music Festival, has become one of the region’s standout cultural events, transforming St Flannan’s Cathedral and venues across the twin towns into intimate performance spaces for an ambitious programme spanning classical music, folk traditions, spoken word, immersive late-night concerts and family events.

Grammy and Pulitzer prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, acclaimed rapper and poet Denise Chaila, sean-nós singer Sibéal Ní Chasaide and some of Europe’s finest chamber musicians will take part in the 2026 festival.

Alongside its headline concerts, the festival continues its strong emphasis on accessibility and community participation. Monday afternoon’s family event, Choose Your Own Adventure, led by Jean McGlynn at the Lakeside Hotel, invites children and families into an interactive musical adventure where the audience helps shape the story and soundtrack in real time.

Temporary Road Closure

To facilitate the Killaloe Music Festival, Clare County Council intends to close the L4001, from its junction with Church Street to its junction with Abbey Street on May 29 to May 31 from 6pm to 11.30pm each evening.

Please note the following alternative routes: Travelling south, use L4001 north to L3086 Cottage Road, New Street, Thomas Street, Crossroads, Abbey Street, to L4001. Travelling north, use Abbey Street, Crossroads, Thomas Street, New Street to L3086 Cottage Road to L4001. A diversion route map is available on www.clarecoco.ie.