Traditional song and dance was in full swing in Gorey, Co. Wexford recently as the Cuisle Cheoil weekend made its anticipated return.
Cuisle Cheoil first began in 2012 as traditional musicians from Gorey who met regularly at local music sessions wanted to bring accomplished traditional music performers to Gorey to give rare and unforgettable performances.
The official opening and recital of the revived Cuisle Cheoil weekend took place in Gorey Library on Thursday, August 20, where a number of musicians took to the stage to welcome the return of the Cuisle Cheoil Weekend.
The official opening saw Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Mary Farrell open the musical weekend with her very own performance.
MC for the evening was WexTrad Chairperson Senan Lillis, while renowned uilleann piper Mark Redmond, served as a guest speaker for the evening.
Throughout the weekend, visitors got to enjoy a four-day packed programme of recitals, music and singing sessions, workshops, set dancing, a céilí, lectures and presentations, across venues along Gorey Main Street.
Cuisle Cheoil came to a close for 2026 as trad lovers made their way to the Loch Garman Arms Hotel for a farewell session filled with traditional tunes.
Following the weekend, Mark Redmond hailed the weekend’s revival a success. “It was a memorable weekend of Irish culture in Gorey,” he said.
A special thanks was given to the community and local representatives who supported and contributed to the successful revival of the Cuisle Cheoil weekend.
Cuisle Cheoil Weekend 2026 is supported through Culture Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme 2026 and by Wexford Traditional Weekend CLG.