Don't Miss Out: Discover the Magic of the Clifden Traditional Music Festival

At the inaugural Clifden Traditional Music Festival in April 2010, Irene Cunningham from the Cunningham Dancers Connemara and her young student, a Sean Nos dancer, captivated the audience with a traditional Irish ‘brush dance’ performance.

Clifden Traditional Music Festival

The Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a highly anticipated annual event held in Clifden, Ireland. This festival gathers some of the most talented and skilled musicians from all over the country to showcase and celebrate the rich heritage of traditional Irish music. Audiences can enjoy a variety of performances ranging from lively folk music to soulful ballads. The festival also offers a unique opportunity to engage in music workshops and street entertainment. It is an immersive and interactive event that brings together music lovers and enthusiasts, contributing to the vibrant cultural life of Clifden.

Irish Brush Dance

The Irish Brush Dance is an expressive folk dance that is deeply entrenched in the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. First emerging from the Emerald Isle, this traditional dance form is celebrated for its energetic and rhythmic movements, which make it quite distinctive and entertaining to watch. Renowned for being performed with high spirits and vivacity, the Irish Brush Dance is a captivating spectacle that delivers a powerful representation of Irish culture.

The dance can be performed as a solo act or in groups, depending on the occasion. However, regardless of the number of performers, the dance always involves the use of a brush or broom. This prop is not only emblematic of the dance but also an essential part of the performance. The dancer uses the brush or broom to create percussive sounds in tune with the music, adding an additional layer of rhythm and complexity to the performance.