MAY 1st - 4th
MILTOWN MALBAY, COUNTY CLARE

JOANIE MADDEN'S MAY DAY FESTIVAL

A CELEBRATION OF IRISH MUSIC, SONG, DANCE & COMMUNITY

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THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Welcome to the first annual Joanie Madden’s May Day Festival, taking place in beautiful County Clare in the world-renowned town of Miltown Malbay — a true home of Irish music — where there truly is something for everyone!From stirring Irish ballads to world-class traditional music, from lively set dancing and waltzing and jiving to hands-on workshops, the entire town will come alive for a weekend of music, culture, and craic.With concerts, singing sessions and tune sessions, dancing, children’s events, lectures, panel discussions and more - there’s something happening on every corner — and everyone is invited to join the celebration!

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FRIDAY OPENING
CONCERT
7PM
THE VOICES OF IRELAND

The opening night of Joanie Madden’s May Day Festival features the magical voices of Don Stiffe, Ger O’Donnell, and Trevor Sexton live in concert, alongside a showcase of Miltown Malbay’s rising traditional stars—the Shannon, Neylon, and Griffin families with the Eugene Donnellan Set Dancers.Ger O’Donnell, Trevor Sexton and Don Stiffe are three of Ireland’s best ballad singers who have captivated audiences across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and North America with their powerful harmonies and musicianship.

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FRIDAY NIGHT'S
MILTOWN MUSIC TRAIL

SATURDAY DAY TIME

A SHOW FOR THE KIDS
SATURDAY ~ 1PM
YOUR MAN'S PUPPET SHOW
RANDOM ACTS OF PUPPETRY!

We're delighted to offer a special show and something magical for the kids!
We’re thrilled to welcome Thomas Baker with his brilliant show Random Acts of Puppetry — a high-energy, laugh-out-loud family extravaganza packed with amazing puppets and surprises.
Your Man’s Puppets has been delighting audiences since 2002, blending classic charm with fresh, inventive puppetry that keeps everyone — young and old — completely entertained. Expect giggles and plenty of chances for the kids to join in the fun!ADMISSION €5
PAYABLE AT THE DOOR

SATURDAY NIGHT
CONCERT
7:30 pm
CHERISH THE LADIES
FOLLOWED BY SET DANCING

Celebrating 41 years at the forefront of Irish music, Cherish the Ladies have captivated audiences worldwide with their exhilarating blend of traditional tunes, beautiful vocals, and dazzling step dancing. Led by flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a National Heritage Fellow, the group features Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Nollaig Casey (fiddle), Kathleen Boyle (piano, harmony vocals), and Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar).
Emmy Award–winning and Grammy-nominated, they have performed from the White House to the Olympics and now they are delighted to make their debut at the Miltown Malbay Community Centre.