Event News
SCS Killaloe Music Festival launches 2025 programme running May 28 to June 2
SCS Killaloe Music Festival 2025 launched its programme with an event held in the Lakeside Hotel. Picture: Keith Wiseman
The SCS Killaloe Music Festival celebrates the launch of its 2025 programme with new Artistic Director Diane Daly
The highly anticipated Killaloe Music Festival returns this June bank holiday weekend with an extraordinary lineup of performances designed to captivate music lovers of all ages. We are also excited to continue our partnership with Limerick-based company Shannon Coiled Springs (SCS).
Running from Wednesday, May 28th, to Monday, June 2nd, the festival offers a rich and diverse program, featuring everything from classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions to folk, jazz, and innovative cross-genre collaborations.
This year’s festival marks the first program curated by new Artistic Director, acclaimed violinist Diane Daly. Building on the festival’s twelve-year legacy, Daly is preserving the beloved tradition of world-class musicians performing timeless classics while introducing exciting new elements.
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Highlights include performances of classic works by Dvorak, Bruch, Boccherini and Smetana
The expansion of the popular candlelit late-night concerts from one evening to three – including renowned folk artist Karan Casey and one of the country’s most electrifying vocalists, Camille O’Sullivan. A brand-new large-scale family show, set to take place at the Lakeside Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Killaloe Music Festival is more than just a concert series; it’s a celebration of musical heritage, artistic innovation, and community connection. Whether you are a lifelong classical music enthusiast, a lover of contemporary and folk sounds, or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, the festival offers something special for everyone.
The festival welcomes attendees to join the five days of unforgettable performances, inspiring collaborations, and a true celebration of music in the heart of Killaloe.
The SCS Killaloe Music Festival is made possible thanks to support from the Arts Council of Ireland with tickets and further information available on the festival website.
This year’s festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 28 with the Schools Summit at 10:00 AM in the Lakeside Hotel. The festival launches with a special musical celebration featuring performances from all local National Schools, bringing young musicians together in a unique showcase.
On Friday, May 30, Life Stories runs from 7:00 PM at St Flannan’s Cathedral, featuring readings from Cypresses by Gustav Pfleger-Moravsky and musical selections by Dvořák, Caroline Shaw, Diane Daly, and Smetana, this concert intertwines literature and music to explore themes of personal narrative and artistic inspiration.
Also on Friday is the Late Night Concert – Tavener Four Quartets from 10:00 PM at St. Flannan’s Cathedral promising a breathtaking performance of Tavener’s Towards Silence, featuring four string quartets positioned around the cathedral’s nave, enhanced by atmospheric lighting.
Saturday, May 31, will see Rising Stars Coffee Concert from 11:00 AM at the Lakeside Hotel – Two of Ireland’s most exciting young quartets, selected by the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Cork School of Music, perform in a scenic setting overlooking Killaloe.
Musicians of the Future from 3:00 PM, Church of St. Flannan, Drama and Serenity from 7:00 PM, and Camille O’Sullivan & Guests from 10:00 PM, St. Flannan’s Cathedral – The acclaimed singer delivers an intimate late-night concert celebrating legendary female artists of the past century.
Sunday, June 1, will see a Choral Celebration from 1:00 PM, Church of Our Lady & St. Lua, Ballina – A gathering of six local choirs, showcasing the region’s rich choral tradition through diverse repertoire.
Other Saturday events include Rhythm is a Dancer from 7:00 PM, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, and Karan Casey and Festival Friends (10:00 PM, St. Flannan’s Cathedral) – The internationally celebrated folk artist joins an array of musicians from across the festival for a stunning collaborative finale.
Monday, June 2, an All Ages Event – Around the Musical World in 80 Minutes from 4:00 PM at St. Flannan’s Cathedral – A grand festival finale featuring actors, internationally recognised musicians, local artists, and community ensembles in an interactive musical adventure where the audience helps solve the story’s mystery.
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