The 12th annual Féile na Samhna will take place in Swinford from October 25th to 28th 2024. This vibrant celebration of Irish music, culture, and heritage promises a weekend packed with events for all ages.
The festival will kick off on Friday evening, October 25th, at 7pm in Campbell’s White House with Seisiún na nÓg, a youth music session, followed by the official opening led by Comhaltas National Youth Officer, Breege Gleeson. From 9pm, attendees can enjoy an open traditional music session.
Workshops Galore at Swinford Festival
Saturday offers a series of exciting workshops at Swinford National School. All workshops are free and open to participants of all ages.
- 11:00am – Singing lessons from Anthony Kavanagh
- 12.30pm – Bodhrán instruction with Junior Davey
- 2:00pm – Dancing workshops with James Frayne
There is still availability on the above workshops
Film Premiere: All Our Yesterdays
In the evening, the Gateway Hotel will host the premiere of the much-anticipated documentary, All Our Yesterdays, produced by Breege Rowley. This beautifully crafted film is the result of years of dedication, and the festival is proud to present it as part of the weekend’s events. Find out more about this documentary here.
Later on Saturday night, music lovers can head to Boland’s at 9:30pm for Oíche Amhránaíochta (a traditional singing session), an annual highlight that always draws a crowd.
Music Recitals, Sessions, and The Rambling House
Sunday’s schedule includes a recital by The Midfield Pipe Band following the last Mass, with performances continuing on Main Street and a session in Padraic Horkan’s at 3pm. The festival’s flagship event, The Rambling House, will take place on Sunday evening from 5pm, offering a feast of traditional entertainment and bia blasta (delicious traditional fare).
History Walk and Festival Finale
On Monday, the festival will conclude with Siúlóid Sráide, a local history ramble led by Patricia Conway and Maura Sweeney, starting outside The Coffee Doc at 11am. The walk will end with a Cupán agus Comhrá (cup of tea and chat) and a final music session in Padraic Horkan’s.
Throughout the weekend, sessions will be organised by local pubs and musicians, with all events and workshops free of charge, except for a €5 door raffle at The Rambling House and a cover charge for the film screening. The festival extends its gratitude to local sponsors, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts for their support.
Féile na Samhna 2024 promises to be a weekend filled with ceol agus craic (music and fun) in Swinford. Don’t miss out! Bígí linn!
Full schedule for the weekend
