Fleadh na gCuach or the Cuckoo Fleadh will transform the south Galway Harbour of Kinvara over this coming May bank holiday weekend.

The traditional music and community-based art festival is known for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional talent, attracting musicians from across Ireland and beyond for the past 30 years.

Always a taster for the Cruinniú na mBád in Kinvara in late summer, the fleadh owes its origins to the same founder,the late Tony Moylan.

As Afloat reported in 2019, a plaque by sculptor John Coll unveiled by Dr Michael Brogan at the head of Kinvara pier drew on cuckoo imagery in remembering Moylan’s seminal role.

A highlight of the Fleadh na gCuachis its poster, always a testament to local artistry

The festival will be launched by renowned singer/songwriter John Faulkner at 6.30pm on Friday May 3rd in the Pier Head, Kinvara. Over the weekend, the harbour’s pubs, restaurants and cafés will host over 50 lively sessions, creating an immersive musical experience.

Other events will include a cuckoo fun run, puppetry by Yourmans Puppets and an art play.

A highlight of the event is its poster, always a testament to local artistry and available for purchase in local shops.

This year’s poster, crafted by Ryan Lavin, pays homage to the esteemed artist Joe Boske, known for his past iconic Fleadh na gCuach designs.

In a change from previous years, the festival organisers are hoping to organise return buses, subject to demand, from Galway City and Gort to Kinvara for the evening sessions. Updates will be posted on social media.

More information from Fleadh na gCuach from May 3rd to 6th can be found here