Marian Bradfield is often described as ‘one of Ireland’s hidden musical treasures’.  Her list of appearances on live shows reads like the who's who of the Irish TV and Radio scene. In concerts at home and abroad she has appeared with the likes of Altan, Maire Brennan, The Furey's, Liam O'Flynn, Mary Black, Kieran Goss, Aslan, Donal Lunny, Paddy Glacken, Andy Irvine, Jimmy Mc Carthy and The Chieftains to name a few. 

Thom Moore is probably best known as an Irish songwriter, with hit songs for Mary Black such as Carolina Rua and Prayer for Love, and for Maura O'Connell the likes of The Scholar and Saw You Running, as well as such generally-recorded classics as Cavan Girl.

Recent years have seen Hothouse Flowers play festivals in Europe and take on concert tours across North America where Rolling Stone Magazine once dubbed them as ‘the best unsigned band in Europe’.  Hothouse Flowers are planning to steal their way into the hearts everywhere, including those of their Celtic Fusion audience

A rare opportunity to see some of the worlds finest musicians perform together.  Born in Manchester to Irish parents, Mike McGoldrick had already won numerous All -Ireland Championships by the age of 15. A master of the flute, whistle and Uillean pipes, Mike is a founding member of Toss the Feathers and Flook, Mike currently plays with Capercaillie, Sharon Shannon as well as his own band. His most recent album ‘Wired’ won him the title of Musician of the year at the Radio 2 Folk awards 2006.   Tonight he will perform material from his previous and current albums and will be joined on stage by some of the top names in folk music.

Tommy Sands has developed into one of the most powerful songwriters and enchanting solo performers in Ireland today.  His brother, Colum Sands has performed in over thirty countries around the world, confirming the universal appeal for the songs and stories with which he observes the minute and often humorous details of life.

Twenty five years ago, on its first appearance, John B. Keane’s The Matchmaker was both funny and daring, and it remains so today. The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of Ireland.  At the centre of the production is John B Keane’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words.The play is run through with hilariously unabashed descriptions of characters and situations which are usually dead on target and laced with witty satire.  The production stars Mary McEvoy and Mick Lally and features an introduction by John B Keane himself on tape.

* Suitable for age 16+
(Contains themes of a sexual nature)

Three great bands make up an afternoon of diverse musical entertainment…Koshka are a world class act, distinguished by the individual members’ virtuosity, and also that they play almost entirely original material, composed by Oleg Ponomarev, one of the leading composers of contemporary world music…

Park Bench Social Club mix musical genres with abandon.  Their energetic and exhilarating performance style is a joy to watch and, as the audience can clearly tell, a joy to perform…

The Rapparees are on a mission to keep Irish folk music ‘live and alive’ and their musicianship coupled with their boundless energy makes their performances unforgettable experiences. 

Celtic Fusion ’08 comes to a close with Beoga, one of Ireland’s hottest musical experiences.  The bedrock of Beoga’s music lies firmly within Irish tradition but they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances. Beoga’s popularity continues to flourish as they captivate audiences on a global scale with their blend of passion, energy and vitality.