Desmond O’Halloran Music Weekend

The 2025 Desmond O’ Halloran Music Weekend runs from Friday 29th August – Sunday 31st August 2025.

Welcome to a weekend full of music to celebrate the life and legacy of singer, musician, performer and islander Desmond O’Halloran. Traditional Irish music can be heard in sessions all around the island throughout the whole weekend. Details on concerts below. In addition Graveside Visit for Sunday at 2:00 PM

Set on the stunning Connemara island of Inishbofin, this folk and trad festival celebrates the life and music of one of the island’s most well-known musicians.

Friday 29th August

• The Galley
  • 3:00 PM – Tommy McCarthy, Louise Costello & Martin O’Malley
• The Dolphin
  • 5:00 PM – John Quinn & Kevin Abeyta
• Inishbofin House Hotel
  • 7:00 PM – Kate Staunton, Brian Ó Nualláin & Melissa Clarke
• Beach Bar
  • 9:30 PM – John O’Halloran Mick Crehan & Greg Cotter
• Doonmore Hotel
  • 9:30 PM – Francis O’Halloran & Paddy Joe King, Kevin Abeyta & Michael Joe O’Halloran
• Oliver’s Cleggan
  • 12:30 PM – FÁILTE Joe Carey Marie Walsh

Saturday 30th August

• The Galley
  • 3:00 PM – Tommy Keane, Jackie McCarthy & Geraldine King
• The Dolphin
  • 5:00 PM – Joe Carey & Marie Walsh
• Inishbofin House Hotel
  • 7:00 PM – Greg Cotter & Mary Flanagan
• Beach Bar
  • 9:30 PM – Kate Staunton, Brian O Nualláin & Melissa Clarke
• Doonmore Hotel
  • 8:00 PM – DESMOND O’HALLORAN MEMORIAL CONCERT. ADMISSION: €15
  • 9:30 PM – Liam King, Kevin Abeyta & Luke Murray

Sunday 31st August

• The Dolphin
  • 5:00 PM – Tommy Keane & Jackie McCarthy
• Inishbofin House Hotel
  • 3:00 PM – SINGER’S SESSION Geraldine King, Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin, Dick Hogan including CD LAUNCH “The John King Song Collection”
• Beach Bar
  • 9:30 PM – John Quinn & Kevin Abeta
• Doonmore Hotel
  • 9:30 PM – John O’Halloran, Mick Crehan & Dick Hogan
• Oliver’s Cleggan
  • 3:00 PM – SLÁN ABHAILE. Greg Cotter, Mary Flanagan & Francis O’Halloran

How to Get There: You can reach Inishbofin by taking the ferry from Cleggan. Ferries run regularly, and the short 30-minute journey itself is a scenic experience.

We strongly recommend reserving accommodation on Inishbofin before booking any festival or events tickets to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation: Check out accommodation options here.