There’s a Fiddle Fair happening by the seaside (and you can even take a fiddle yoga class)
It’s been going since 1992.
The brainchild of Declan McCarthy, who envisioned a weeklong celebration of music at Jacob’s Bar in the heart of the village, The Baltimore Fiddle Fair has since grown beyond its humble beginnings, now attracting people from around the world.
And this year it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
While the open sessions in bars still hold a special place in the fairgoers’ hearts, the festivities have expanded to include more formal concerts in a large marquee, local churches, and the serene Glebe Gardens alongside some gorgeously alternative events also happening around the seaside town.
This year festival-goers are spoilt for choice: you can take off on a magical, musical cruise around the harbour on the beautiful 50-foot Bavaria Inishbeg, while listening to some great live music by a handful of Fiddle Fair artists; head downstream on the Ilen River River cruise and take part in an Appalachian Flatfoot Dance Workshop with award-winning flatfoot dancer Julie Shepherd-Powell.
Stretch your legs and strike off on the historical walking tour or take part in an outdoor yoga class with yoga medicine teacher Níamh Ní Chonghaile complete with fiddle musicians and stunning Glebe Garden surrounds.
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Among the musical acts will be the infamous Ye Vagabonds, Aidan O’Rourke, and Brìghde Chaimbeul, as well as the fair’s first Estonian act Duo Ruut, Blazin’ Fiddles.
The Baltimore Fiddle Fair takes place across four days from Thursday, May 4th to Sunday, May 7th. To check out the full programme of events and to buy tickets, head to their website here.
