Irish musical group to perform in Tipperary as part of return tour

‘Cairdeas’, a new show from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, with a focus on friendship and celebrating connections, will take to stages across the island this autumn.

Through words and music, song and dance, ‘Cairdeas’ will bring the audience on a unique journey celebrating how the ancient Irish concept of cairdeas or friendship is central to our culture, forging connections between people and communities throughout our history and down to the present day.

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Once an annual event, this is the first tour of Ireland by a Comhaltas group since covid restrictions forced their cancellation.

This welcome return features some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, singers and dancers.

Many of those performing are multi-instrumentalists and, between them, have claimed more than fifty All-Ireland titles.

Produced by Ray Conway, with music arranged and directed by Cian Kearins, ‘Cairdeas’ will also feature a rich weave of prose, poetry and song.

Narration will be delivered by Ciana Campbell, former RTÉ broadcaster and acclaimed actor Diarmuid De Faoite, known for his compelling stage and screen work.

Joining them are celebrated vocalists, Antony Kearns of the Irish Tenors, and the renowned Kerry songster Karen Trench, completing an exceptional lineup.

Speaking at a recent rehearsal Ray Conway talked about his enthusiasm for bringing ‘Cairdeas’ to select venues around Ireland: “We are excited to bring this tour on the road. It is a great opportunity for traditional music enthusiasts to witness the very best of Irish talent on one stage. We want audiences leaving each performance feeling the joy and connection that music brings to our communities.”

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The ‘Cairdeas’ tour will start at Cultúrlann na hÉireann, the Comhaltas headquarters in Monkstown Dublin on Saturday October 25th and this will be followed by performances in Dundalk, Belfast, Letterkenny, Ballina and Ennis, finishing at Brú Ború in Cashel on Friday October 31.

The venues and dates for the ‘Cairdeas’ tour are as follows;
Saturday, October 25: Cultúrlann na hÉireann, Monkstown, Co Dublin;
Sunday, October 26: Táin Theatre, Dundalk, Co Louth;
Monday, October 27: Assembly Buildings, Belfast, Co Antrim;
Tuesday, October 28: An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co Donegal;
Wednesday, October 29: Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina, Co Mayo;
Thursday, October 30: Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, Co Clare;
Friday, October 31: Brú Ború, Cashel, Co Tipperary.