Joanie Madden brings inaugural May Day festival to Miltown Malbay

MILTOWN MALBAY hosts the inaugural Joanie Madden May Day Festival this Bank Holiday weekend.

Regarded as one of Ireland’s most iconic musical towns, Miltown Malbay tunes up this weekend for Joanie Madden’s May Day Festival from May 1st to 4th.

At the heart of the festival is the world-renowned ensemble Cherish the Ladies, led by Joanie, whose global influence and four-decade career have helped shape the landscape of Irish traditional music. They will be joined by the celebrated singers of The Voices of Ireland, Don Stiffe, Ger O’Donnell, and Trevor Sexton alongside a stellar gathering of musicians, singers, and dancers from across Ireland and beyond.

The festival will feature an immersive programme of concerts, céilís, set dancing, workshops, song circles, and sessions, transforming Miltown Malbay into a living stage where music flows through every street, pub, and venue. From intimate ballad sessions to high-energy performances, there will be something for everyone.

Highlights include a headline concert by Cherish the Ladies at the Community Centre, followed by set dancing, as well as a céilí with the acclaimed Cortina Céilí Band. The weekend will also showcase celebrated traditional artists including Eileen O’Brien, Jackie Daly, Donal Murphy, Niall Murphy, Keelan McGrath, John Paul Reynolds, Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella, and many more, alongside a strong focus on emerging local talent from the Browne, Shannon, Neylon, and Griffin families. There will also be unforgettable ballads and social dancing with waltzes and jives led by PJ Murrihy & Seamus Shannon, as well as Patrick O’Sullivan.

Adding to the festival’s broad appeal, a dedicated family programme will feature Your Man’s Puppets, while a wide range of workshops will offer opportunities for all ages to engage directly with the tradition from learning tunes and songs to exploring the art of accompaniment and the uilleann pipes.

Festival founder Joanie told The Clare Echo, “Miltown Malbay is my home away from home and has always been a very special place for music, community, and tradition. This festival is about creating something that feels both rooted and alive where the very best artists come together with the next generation, and where everyone feels welcome”.

Events will be held across various venues including the Community Centre, The Westbridge, Clancy’s, Friels, Hillery’s, Cleary’s, The Forge, The Design Bank, Oidhreacht an Chláir, and more.

Friday evening sees the opening concert take place in the Community Centre at 19:00 with the farewell session planned for 15:00 on Monday.