Ancient fort to host traditional concert

Traditional music will reverberate in one of the county’s most unlikely locations later this month. Castleconnell Stone Fort, thought to date back to between 400 and 1,200 AD, will host an Irish traditional music concert on Tuesday, June 19 at 9.30pm.

Organised by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, as part of The Burren Rocks series of events this month, Cuaird na hOiche will feature some of the county’s best-known traditional artists performing traditional music, song and dance in the ancient setting of Caherconnell.
Dating back to the beginning of the fifth century, Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen, is one of the best-preserved stone forts in the West of Ireland.
Artists lined up to perform on the evening include concertina player Chris Droney, whose music has been resonating from the landscape of the Burren for more than 80 years, innovative sean nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan and pipers Michael O’Connell, Micky Dunne and Pat Broderick, representing the many rich strands of piping in Irish traditional music.
“The upcoming concert is one of a number of events featured in the The Burren Rocks festival, a month-long celebration of the geology and landscape of the Burren. The concert will showcase the connection between the Burren’s landscape, its heritage and the people of the region. It promises to be a unique and special experience for everyone who attends,” according to Carol Gleeson, project manager, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.
Pat Costello is a local musician, broadcaster and MC for the evening.
“Caherconnell Stone Fort will provide an atmospheric and appropriate setting for the upcoming celebration of Irish traditional music, dance and song. Traditional music is as intertwined with the history and heritage of the Burren as Caherconnell Stone Fort, which is what makes the upcoming concert so special,” he said.
Tickets for Cuaird na hOiche are available from the Fort and more information on the Burren Rocks festival is available from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark website, www.burren.ie.