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An 23ú Féile Ceoil Tradisiúnta
"Cup of Tae"

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Clár imeachtaí 2026 (programme of events)

Friday 1st May

The Beehive 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Registration for Music Classes

Music classes can be BOOKED ONLINE or enroll on Friday evening or Saturday morning. If you wish to attend Concertina class you must register online

Beginners and intermediate class in Fiddle, Tin Whistle and Bodhran
Moderate & Advanced classes in Fiddle
Concertina and Button Accordion

Fee: Adult €80.00 Children: €40.00
Family Rates available

The Beehive 8.00pm.

Opening Concert

This concert will feature our guests of honour Jim and Fiona Byrne joined by a number of his musician freinds.
Doors open 8.00 p.m. (Performance starts 8.30 p.m.)

This is a ticket only Concert – Contact Pat at the Beehive 0876900714 to book


Traditional music sessions in pubs till late

Saturday 2nd May

Registration for Music Classes

St. Mary’s School. 9.30am – 10.00am

Music classes can be BOOKED ONLINEor enroll on Friday evening or Saturday morning. If you wish to attend Concertins clases you must register online

Beginners class in various instruments
Moderate and advanced class on Fiddle
Button Accordion and Concertina classes also

Class Times: 10.00am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm

The Heritage Centre. 1.00pm

Music in the Heritage Centre

This is a unique event in the Centre at lunchtime
a wonderful opportunity to see and hear traditional Irish music in a relaxed and joyful environment.

A free Event – Not to be missed.

Upstairs in The Beeive bar at 7.30pm.

An informal evening of songs and music

A very special event honouring the late Packie Manus Byrne.

Traditional music sessions in pubs till late

Sunday 3rd May

The Sunday of the festival is dedicated to the memory of the late Stephen McCahill.
A founding member and Chairperson of the “Cup of Tae” committee.

The beautiful poem that follows was written for Stephen by Frank Galligan poet and broadcaster



Stephen: In Memoriam

‘I see you, on that glorious festival afternoon,
Directing the young Guard who is directing traffic,
And I laugh…"Now that’s clout, Stephen!"

Later, under the Johnny Doherty memorial,
As you smiled and said your words of welcome,
Donegal fiddles rising in the Ardara sun,
It was your turn to laugh, that way you did,
Big shoulders heaving with warmth,

As the ‘Yank’ enquires of you,
“Are you guys celebrating
A one-armed fiddle player”
You pointed at me…”Ask your man?”
And chortled off into the Corner House.

I would give my right arm, old friend
To get that double shake hands once more,
I hope Johnny Doherty plays you ‘The Donegal Reel’,
“A good lively one” as he said himself,
As living the lively is what you were about,
Didn’t Tommy Peoples play ‘McCahill’s Reels’?
Get him to rosin that bow too,

Ardara will soldier on, as you would wish,
The King is dead, long live the Kingdom!’

Music Classes/Workshop continue

10.00am – 12.30pm

Music Classes/Workshop continue

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Heritage Centre. 1.00pm

Music Recital

Music recital by traditional Musicians
This Recital has limited number of seats

The Diamond – 3.00 p.m.

Open Air Recital

Open Air Musical Recital which will include the Students and Teachers from the Music classes.

The Nesbitt Arms Hotel – 8.00pm

This event will be a tribute to the late Stephen McCahill, featuring many of his Singer and Musician friends from the Corner House bar and past performers who have graced the stage of the Sunday Night "Cup of Tae" Concert



Traditional music sessions in pubs till late(see Posters)

Monday 5th May

The Fairwell Sessions!!

Visit thecupoftaefestival.ie