Experience the Virtual IÚR CINN FLEADH 2020 – Rescheduled Dates to be Confirmed (See story below)

Press Pause for Iúr Cinn Fleadh

Covid and tech issues have meant Iúr Cinn Fleadh has had to be rescheduled. Newry’s first ever virtual Fleadh will run from 6th-7th November, instead of this coming weekend.

Rapidly changing restrictions and the advanced technology being used to construct the 3D Fleadh have caused setbacks. But the Fleadh team is working hard through the technical challenges to create an event that’s tried and tested and ready to launch.

The Fleadh committee apologises to those who have set aside time to visit the electronic realm this weekend. They are still committed to launching this fully interactive extravaganza! Keep monitoring the official Facebook page for developments.

NOTE: Postponed to Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November

A spectacular state-of-the-art 3D ‘Avatar’-style world will rise up from the waters of Newry’s Albert Basin to launch the first ever virtual Iúr Cinn Fleadh this month (October).

Using up-to-the-minute technology, Newry will host its own online festival where attendees can chat to each other as well as watch gigs – just like the real thing. Though the physical Iúr Cinn Fleadh 2020was postponed due to the Covid crisis, the Fleadh’s high-tech counterpart will set the city singing, screening artists from Ireland, England, Denmark, Australia and America – against the backdrop of the mountain scenery – and Newry’s planned park.

Running from 16th-17th October at 8-10pm each night, the digital show will offer a safe environment with screens placed around the proposed city park, on which the concerts will be presented. From the comfort and security of home, festivalgoers will log onto the event at iurcinnfleadh.com, explore the 3D realm and converse with friends at the gigs.

Free of charge and without the need for tickets, Fleadh fans will be able to enjoy not only two nights of craic and camaraderie – but also the electronic wonder of the visionary Newry 2020-inspired Albert Basin Park project that’s planned to take the city into a new future. Headlining Saturday evening will be Hilltown singer-songwriter Matt McGinn, whose warm, powerful voice has drawn praise from Whispering Bob Harris. Matt’s set will be the only ‘live’ concert. All other acts are submitting exclusive recorded performances for the Fleadh.

Newry’s The 4 Of Us will bring their acoustic rock back to their hometown. The duo have been listed among TV3’s Top Irish Bands Ever – along with U2 and Thin Lizzy. There will be a return performance from local artist Aisling McAteer, who opened for Paul Brady at last year’s Fleadh. Also taking part are Irish traditional musicians Justin Toner and Paul Meehan, Conor Mallon and Jack Warnock, Traditional Arts Partnership and Warrenpoint Comhaltas. Acts from other nations include – Liverpool jazz band Green Tangerines, Danish band Almost Irish, Dylan Foley from the USA and Australian folk/pop singer Jodi Martin.

Iúr Cinn Fleadhthank Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Newry BID for their sponsorship. SRC Business Support Innovation Team helped Newry.ie and Kitchen Operating Systems Ltd develop virtual reality experiences through the Department of the Economy NI InnovateUsprogramme. Newry.ie and Kitchen Operating Systems Ltd have applied the knowledge acquired on the InnovateUsprogramme to help create this cutting edge event. The focus of InnovateUsis to enable small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, to get the skills to engage in innovation activities across the business.

‘Festivalgoers will recognise the setting,’ said committee member Neil Bradley, ‘based on the 3D rendering for Newry’s city park project. But they won’t just be watching a video – as wonderful as that is – they’ll also be able to walk round, watch gigs and chat to friends. This is new technology and, as far as we know, one of the first places in Ireland to apply it on the scale of a major city festival like Iúr Cinn Fleadh. Newry is breaking new ground.’

We are sorry to announce that Iúr Cinn Fleadh 2020 due to take place 10-13 September is postponed. 

Everyone’s safety is our foremost concern and we will be looking at other dates when it is safe to do so. 

Thanks to all our wonderful musicians, venues and supporters over the past 6 years and we look forward to seeing you all when we return.

Iúr Cinn Fleadh Committee.

Firmly stamped as a landmark on Ireland’s trad and folk map, Iúr Cinn Fleadh will set Newry singing and dancing again with more than 100 events from 10th to 13th September 2020.

After last year’s event, social media was spinning with such accolades as – ‘fabulous weekend’, ‘a job well done’ and ‘fair play to you all’.

And so the four-day feast of music and culture will delight punters afresh with tune-fuelled trains, ballad-driven boats and crooning coffee bars.

Now in its seventh year, the citywide festival plans to feature an Irish school, musical icon award, comedy night, wellbeing forum and impressive headliners.

Iúr Cinn Fleadh has already hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music including – Frances Black and Kieran Goss, Hothouse Flowers, Moxie, Paddy Casey, The 4 Of Us, Sharon Shannon – and welcomed Paul Brady in 2019.

Great as it is to invite the famous folk, the celebration is founded on the local treasure trove of singers, musicians and dancers. So there will be a wealth of spectacular sessions across the coffee bars, cafes and pubs – even the bus station!

Both seasoned and budding musicians are welcome to sing and play the days away. They will join an impressive line-up of world class performers from across this island and from overseas.

Located between Dublin and Belfast, Newry is the ideal spot for a music-filled weekend. For details, check out the website www.iurcinnfleadh.com or email info@newry2020.com

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For it’s final concert of 2019 Iúr Cinn Fleadh is hosting a very special concert and lecture from acclaimed fiddle player, Gerry O’Connor. 

The concert takes place on Sunday 8 September at 7.30pm in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry, Admission £12.50.

Gerry from Ravensdale, Dundalk will present the concert based on a recent publication of traditional Instrumental music from the South East Ulster area “The Rose in the Gap”