Popular Mayo music school announces dates for summer 2025

Westport Scoil Cheoil has garnered a reputation over the last number of years as one of Ireland’s best-known Summer Schools – and the organisers have now released the dates for their 2025 event.

Formal classes will run each day for five days from July 14 to 18, from 10am until 1pm in Scoil Phádraig in Westport.

Each evening there are sessions/concerts for the participants. The fantastic tutor concert, sponsored by Knockranny House Hotel, is a highlight of the week. All participants also host their own concert for parents and families on the last morning showcasing the skills they have learnt over the week. This year, Westport Scoil Cheoil promises to be brighter and bigger than ever. Classes in the summer school consist of: Tinwhistle at 3 levels: beginners/intermediate/advanced; Bodhrán and Guitar: 2 levels: beginner and intermediate/advanced;

All other classes are offered at 2 levels: intermediate and advanced: fiddle / box/ concertina/ flute/ harp /banjo/ mandolin. Singing, dance and piano accompaniment. The very popular Kinder Irish-Music Camp with sean-nós dance/ song and beginner tin-whistle (ages between 4-6 inclusive) is a must. Numbers are strictly limited. Early booking is essential.

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The Department of Education recognises WSC as CPD for primary school teachers, awarding them EPV days making this an ideal family event. For young and old, beginners or experts, Westport Scoil Cheoil is the place to be from July 14-18. The website www.westportscoilcheoil.com contains all the relevant details.For further information phone 087 9185838 or email: westportscoilcheoil@gmail.com.

This year musicians will be proudly wearing striking orange T-shirts emblazoned with the Scoil Cheoil logo. These distinctive shirts, generously sponsored by Portwest, symbolise both tradition and modern flair, echoing Westport’s deep musical heritage.

Pictured above at the launch of Westport Scoil Cheoil 2025, were, back, from left: Deirdre Mannion, WSC Tutor; Dr Maura Thornton, MD, Westport Scoil Cheoil; Mr Harry Hughes, CEO, Portwest; Daniel Chapman, Marketing Manager, Portwest; Henry Hughes, Portwest. Also pictured are young musicians wearing this year’s tee-shirts sponsored by Portwest are: Conn, Donnacha, Riain, Rhia, Lowen, Áine and Katie. Pic: Conor McKeown