Get strumming at the International Guitar Festival on in Clonakilty from the 19th to 22nd of September! Clonakilty is celebrating 20 years of fretting, and is doing so with an incredible lineup of gigs, workshops and open-mic sessions during this International Guitar Festival.
What’s On
The Clonakilty International Guitar Festival is all about celebrating music in all its forms. Here’s a look at what’s in store this year:
1. Incredible Live Performances
At the heart of the festival are the live gigs. Expect to see world-class musicians from all over, playing everything from folk and blues to jazz, rock, and classical guitar. The performances take place in a variety of venues around town, from intimate pub gigs to bigger shows in local spots like De Barra’s Folk Club.
2. Workshops for Everyone
Want to improve your guitar skills? The festival hosts a series of workshops aimed at players of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to hone a specific style, you’ll find sessions on everything from fingerstyle techniques to songwriting. Even if you don’t play yet, these workshops are a great way to learn something new!
3. Open Mic Sessions
Feeling brave? The festival’s open mic sessions give you the chance to get up and play in front of an enthusiastic (and very friendly) crowd. It’s a laid-back way to share your music, meet fellow musicians, and maybe even spark some new creative connections. Who knows—maybe this could be your moment!
5. Workshops for Kids
Got young guitarists in the family? The festival doesn’t forget about the little ones, with kids’ workshops designed to spark their musical creativity. These sessions are hands-on, engaging, and a fantastic way to introduce kids to the joy of making music.
6. Sessions Across Town
One of the best things about the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival is the impromptu sessions that pop up all over town, you’ll be sure to spot at least one while getting around.
When and Where?
This year’s Clonakilty International Guitar Festival is happening from September 19th to 22nd. The whole town gets involved, with events taking place in pubs, cafés, outdoor spaces, and larger venues across Clonakilty. It’s a small town, so everything is within walking distance, making it super easy to hop from one event to the next.
Tickets
One of the best things about this festival is how affordable it is! Many of the events and performances are completely free, making it accessible for everyone. For the paid gigs and workshops, ticket prices are usually very reasonable—think between €10 and €25 for headline acts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see top-quality musicians without breaking the bank. For the latest details on ticket prices and availability, head over to the festival’s official website here.
