West Mayo set to feature in new TG4 series coming this June
Presented by Corofin musician Enda Scahill, ‘Blas Bluegrass’ traces the development of American roots music traditions in Ireland and examines their relationship with Irish traditional and folk music.
A new Irish television series exploring the growth and influence of Bluegrass and Old-Time music in Ireland is set to air on TG4 this June, with a strong connection to Mayo.
The four-part series, ‘Blas Bluegrass’, is rooted in the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, an annual three-day event that has become one of Ireland’s leading celebrations of Bluegrass, American Old-Time, and folk music since its establishment in 2007. Held each June, the festival attracts performers and audiences from across Ireland, Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Presented by Corofin musician Enda Scahill, ‘Blas Bluegrass’ traces the development of American roots music traditions in Ireland and examines their relationship with Irish traditional and folk music. Scahill, an accomplished banjo, mandolin, and tenor guitar player, is a four-time All-Ireland champion musician.
Throughout the series, Scahill travels across Ireland, meeting musicians who are preserving and developing Bluegrass and American Old-Time traditions. The programme also explores the cultural and musical links between Irish artists and musicians in the United States, highlighting collaborations and exchanges that have shaped both genres over time.
Featuring live performances, informal jam sessions, and interviews with musicians from around the country, ‘Blas Bluegrass’ documents the continued presence of Bluegrass and old-time music in Ireland and the distinctive ways these traditions have evolved alongside Irish folk and traditional music.
Produced by Power Pictures, ‘Blas Bluegrass’ will premiere on TG4 on Sunday, 7 June 2026, at 9:30 pm.