There are many Irish traditional festivals organised throughout the summer months but there are few people who will dispute that Fleadh Nua which started in Dublin in 1970, is the forerunner of them all. The concept of bringing together concerts, céilithe, music, song and dancing workshops, street entertainment, pageants/parades and much more was innovative in its time. However, it's still a winning formula today as evidenced by the thousands of visitors who flock to the festival every May for a week of unsurpassed traditional entertainment.

All roads, old and new will lead to Ennis and Fleadh Nua in May 2013.

Fleadh Nua will celebrate The Year of the Gathering with a special concert, honouring Brendan Mulkere, a musician and teacher who has played a major role in the promotion and development of Irish traditional music in London for more than 30 years. Many of the great musicians who have emerged from Britain in that period have been taught or influenced by Brendan.

Brendan will be joined in concert  by many of his friends and fellow musicians from London, including John Bowe, Paul Gallagher, James & John Carty, Noel & Sharon Whelton, Claire Egan, Sharon Egan, Terence O’Flaherty and many more.  The concert will also feature a performance by the legendary Thatch Céilí Band. The band are two times All-Ireland Champions and were at the heart of the Irish Traditional music scene in London in the 80's.

Many of the musicians who wil join us from London for this concert will also feature in the Fleadh Nua session trail.