The Gathering

Stars of the Irish traditional music scene will be out in force in Killarney when the eighth annual Gathering takes place from February 21st - 25th.

Considered by many to be one of the highlights of the year for traditional Irish musicians and fans, The Gathering is an exciting five-day annual festival which celebrates the rich heritage of traditional Irish music. With concerts and ceilis, sessions and songs, dancing and drinking, workshops for both adults and children, guided walks of Kerry national park and a musical tour and lecture on the unique musical style of the Sliabh Luachra area, the event promises to have something for everyone - young or old.

Internationally acclaimed artists feature heavily throughout the jam-packed programme including, The Swallow's Tail Ceili Band, fiddle player Manus McGuire and Ireland's Eurovision hopefuls, Dervish. The Johhny Reidy Ceili Band are one of the groups lined up and organisers expect them to get people dancing with their superb Kerry music.

Traditionalist fans will be most excited to hear that Arcady, famous for their excellent musicianship, have resurfaced and will be showcasing their new line-up - legendary bodhran player Johhny 'Ringo' McDonagh still present. The impressive ten-piece Allow Ceile Band, who have won second and third place in the All-Ireland Ceili Band Competitions for the last two years, will also be appearing at The Gleneagle.

The Gathering takes place in the INEC in Killarney from February 21st to February 25th. For more information please call 064 71 555 or log onto