Ceol Aneas Irish Music Festival
Traditional Irish music, song, and dance.
Ceol Aneas, The Free House
Traditional Irish music, song, and dance.
Ceol Aneas is a festival of traditional Irish music, song, and dance. Ceol Aneas (pronounced key-ol an-ass), which means Music of the South in the Irish language, attracts traditional Irish musicians from around Aotearoa/New Zealand and abroad.
The festival offers high-quality tuition in traditional Irish instruments, including the Irish flute, tin whistle, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion, concertina, guitar, bouzouki, and traditional singing. Whether you're picking up your instrument for the first time or looking to refine your technique, there are workshops for all levels.
Beyond the classes, the real magic happens around town. Enjoy informal live lounge concerts, family-friendly singing sessions, and traditional music sessions that spill out of bars and cafés. These spontaneous pub sessions are free to attend, and no two are ever the same.
A highlight of the weekend is the Saturday night ceilidh (or céilí)—a social night of dancing, live music, and big laughs, open to everyone. Then on Sunday night, don't miss the Festival Highlight Concert, showcasing some of the finest performers from the weekend.
From the heartfelt ballads to the high-energy jigs, Ceol Aneas is packed with warmth, talent, and good old Irish craic (that’s Gaelic for a good time).
