Around the Celtic world

Source checked October 13, 2026

Clash gives The Wran's debut The Stone Man 8/10

Waterford band The Wran's debut album, The Stone Man, received an 8/10 review from Clash on October 12. The four Dunford brothers bring traditional Irish songs together with punk and psychedelia. Clash's review draws particular attention to emigration and longing for home in songs including 'Aird Uí Chuain'.

Distributor Republic of Music announced the record on October 9. The rating and listening judgments belong to Clash; this is a news note about the release and its reception, not a CelticMFF album review.

Source checked October 13, 2026

Cathal Caulfield's Finvola video draws on banshee lore

Nialler9 premiered the video for Cathal Caulfield's 'Finvola, the Gem of the Roe' on October 12. Directed by Ruth Clinton of Landless and Poor Creature, the film accompanies a fiddle-and-voice song rooted in an old O'Cahan poem. Nialler9 describes how Caulfield uses the fiddle to evoke the banshee known in parts of Leinster as 'The Bow'.

Caulfield's own site confirms that his debut solo album, Welcome the Stranger into Tipsy House, releases on Bandcamp on Friday, October 16, 2026. The Cobblestone lists the Dublin Backroom album launch for Saturday, November 14. The release date and launch date are separate.

Source checked October 13, 2026

Cill Stuifín brings West Clare folklore to TG4 on October 13

TG4 lists its West Clare reef documentary for Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 9:30pm Ireland time. Cill Stuifín brings together drowned-village folklore, marine science, geology and big-wave surfing. The sunken village is a legend being explored, not an established historical event.

Clare Echo reports that folklorist Aindrias de Staic follows the story associated with the reef and the work of his late father, Eddie Stack. Its report credits Kev L Smith as director, Moisés Mas García for the original score, and traditional music from Tara Howley, de Staic and the late Micho Russell. These production credits are attributed to the regional report.

Source checked October 13, 2026

Lo & the High Road announce Standing Stones

Cobourg, Ontario duo Lo & the High Road announced their second album, Standing Stones, in an artist-issued release on October 12. The 14-track record includes an arrangement of 'Wild Mountain Thyme' alongside songs drawing on mythology and history.

The duo's announcement names guest musicians Saskia Tomkins on nyckelharpa and Steáfán Hannigan on uilleann pipes, Irish flute and whistle. This brief is based on their publicity release, not our own listening review; audience and streaming claims are not repeated here.

Source checked October 13, 2026

Illawarra announces its 40th ruby festival programme

Illawarra Folk Festival has announced nearly 90 acts, including 13 international acts, for its ruby celebrations at Bulli Showground in New South Wales. Enda Kenny and Jessica Pearson and the East Wind are among the names in the programme announcement.

The organizer's Humanitix listing confirms the main festival runs January 15-17, 2027. A separate charity concert starts the celebrations on January 14. The lineup report in The Illawarra Flame was contributed by festival publicity officer Nick Hartgerink, so it is organizer-supplied news, not an independent review.

Source checked October 11, 2026

Madra Salach announces debut album Gorta for January 2027

Dublin six-piece Madra Salach has announced its debut album, Gorta, for Friday, January 15, 2027, through Island Records. The label describes a record about inheritance and the many forms of hunger, produced by Loren Humphrey in New York.

The announcement arrives with the single "Ribbon Factory." Gorta is a forthcoming release, not an album already out; the label's listing confirms the 2027 year.

Source checked October 11, 2026

Ceol 1798 brings Ireland's rebellion songs to TG4

Ceol 1798 begins on TG4 on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9pm, broadcaster local time. The four-part musical documentary from Imagine Media explores the song traditions of the 1798 Rebellion through live performance, archive material and historical reflection, in Irish and English.

The series examines Unionist and Yeomanry songs alongside the more familiar rebel tradition. Performers include Ríoghnach Connolly and Steve Cooney, Stephen Rea and Neil Martin, John Spillane and Onóir. Check TG4 for broadcast and viewing availability in your region; this announcement does not establish worldwide streaming access.

Source checked October 11, 2026

Ortigueira announces July 7-11 dates for 2027

The Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta de Ortigueira has announced its next edition for Wednesday through Sunday, July 7-11, 2027, in Galicia. The organizer says more music and cultural programme details will follow in the coming months.

This is a date announcement: the 2027 lineup and ticket arrangements have not been established by this notice.

Source checked October 11, 2026

Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE brings Welsh and Irish music to Cardigan

Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE takes place in Cardigan on Friday and Saturday, October 30-31, 2026. The grassroots music weekend brings Welsh and Irish artists together across local venues, with a lineup including Cerys Hafana, Lemoncello and Dani Larkin, alongside cultural talks and late-night sets.

Use the two-day dates when making plans: the festival overview and Mwldan event description both confirm October 30 and 31, although Mwldan's top date header currently lists only October 30.

Source checked October 11, 2026

Geelong Highland Games heads to Bannockburn on October 24

The Geelong Highland Games & Celtic Festival will hold its inaugural event under the new association on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Golden Plains Soccer Club in Bannockburn, Victoria. The programme includes the IHGF Australian National Heavy Games Championships, pipe bands and Celtic performances.

This is a new chapter for the Geelong games, not a claim that the region has never held a Highland gathering. The organizer homepage confirms October 24; its older FAQ still says the date is to be announced.

Source checked October 10, 2026

Rollers Forever returns to Glasgow: October 2026 tickets

The tartan scarves are coming back out. Rollers Forever returns to The Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow from Wednesday October 14 to Saturday October 17, 2026, celebrating the music and devoted fandom of the Bay City Rollers. Written by Danny McCahon and directed by Liz Carruthers, the musical follows two lifelong friends who reconnect on a Saturday night and revisit their teenage Roller-mania.

The theatre bills this as a return "Back by Huge Public Demand", not a premiere. Its official booking page currently lists tickets from £26.50. Check the theatre for current performance times, prices and available seats before making plans.

Source checked October 10, 2026

Guinness Open Gate Brewery near Baltimore to close November 1

Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland, will close to visitors on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The brewery's official website says it will serve its "final pint" that day, after more than eight years in the Baltimore area.

The Maryland destination opened in August 2018, combining experimental brewing with a taproom and visitor experience. This closure concerns the Baltimore-area site, not Guinness' home in Dublin.

Anyone planning a final visit should check the brewery's official website and its linked social channels for the latest opening hours before travelling.

Source checked October 9, 2026

Gaelic ferry horror Wolf Bay launches October 23

Loch nam Madadh / Wolf Bay arrives on BBC iPlayer and the BBC ALBA YouTube channel on October 23, 2026. The six ten-minute episodes follow Angus, returning to North Uist for his grandfather's funeral, as a ferry journey with his ex-girlfriend becomes a fight for survival. The Gaelic drama mixes horror, dark humour and romance. Claire Aza-Selinger created and wrote the series, with Maureen Macleod as co-writer; Alasdair MacLean directs. Storyboard Studios produced it, with co-funding from MG ALBA, BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland. Availability may depend on your location; the announced platforms are not a promise of worldwide iPlayer access.

Source checked October 9, 2026

Glasgow welcomes the Royal National Mòd, October 9-17

The Royal National Mòd runs in Glasgow from October 9 to 17, 2026, bringing Gaelic song, music, competitions, concerts and cèilidhs to the city. The opening concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Ar Cànan 's Ar Ceòl, celebrates 40 years of Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow through music, song and film. Presenters Phil MacHugh and Catrìona (Carrie) MacNeil, both among the early pupils at the Sir John Maxwell Gaelic unit, host the evening. The organiser's programme page has current event information and ticket links.

Source checked October 9, 2026

The Mary Wallopers announce May 2027 Australia and New Zealand tour

The Mary Wallopers are returning to Australia and making their New Zealand debut with Paddywhackery Live in May 2027. Frontier Touring lists Christchurch at James Hay Theatre on May 15, Brisbane at The Tivoli on May 18, Sydney at Enmore Theatre on May 21, Melbourne at The Forum on May 22, and Metropolis Fremantle on May 25. Frontier Member presales begin October 9, 2026 at 11am local time and run for 24 hours or until the presale allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale October 12 at noon local time. Check the promoter for the ticket link and age restrictions for your show.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Celtic Connections reveals its 2027 programme; first general tickets October 8

Celtic Connections announced its 2027 programme on October 6. Glasgow hosts the festival January 14-31, 2027. The first general ticket release is Thursday October 8 at 10am Glasgow time, with further shows going on sale each Thursday in October. Highlights include the GRIT Orchestra opening concert and Ye Vagabonds with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Asturias is the international partner. The festival also announces New Roots, a £1 membership for under-26s offering up to 50% off selected shows.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Belfast Film Festival launches its October 29-November 7 programme

Belfast Film Festival unveiled its 26th-edition programme on October 6. It runs October 29-November 7, 2026, across the city. The opening film is the world premiere of Lost City, Seán Murray's first feature drama. Stephen Rea receives the 2026 Réalta Award and takes part in an opening-night conversation at Queen's Film Theatre. Irish features in the programme include Kieron J Walsh's Skintown and Terry Loane's Faraway Home.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Candelas announce Pop Cymraeg for November 20

Candelas' fourth album, Pop Cymraeg, is due November 20, 2026, according to Nation.Cymru. A launch show follows November 28 at Theatr Derek Williams in Bala, with support from Tew Tew Tennau. The theatre lists a 7.30pm start.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Ranagri set November 20 release for Say Hello

Ranagri's Bandcamp page lists November 20, 2026, as the release date for Say Hello. Its description presents 11 tracks tracing the Ranagri story since 1658 and journeys to distant shores in search of a different life. Digital, CD and limited-edition vinyl preorders are listed on the band's page.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Dinard's future is under review; this year's festival goes ahead

Screen reports that the Dinard Festival of British and Irish Film is awaiting an independent review commissioned by the mayor's office into its future beyond 2026. This is not a cancellation of the current edition: the 37th festival runs October 7-11, 2026. Artistic director Dominique Green's tenure ends this year; Screen reports that no replacement has been appointed and recruitment has not begun. Mayor Arnaud Salmon told Screen it was premature to say whether the festival would continue beyond 2026.

Source checked October 7, 2026

Skerryvore return to Australia with Beautiful Mistakes in 2027

RoadTales announces Skerryvore's Beautiful Mistakes Australian tour for February and March 2027. Dates include Bunbury February 25, Adelaide February 28, Port Fairy Folk Festival March 7-8 and Blue Mountains Music Festival March 13-14. The Note's October 6 tour report lists the wider routing, ending at Crowbar Sydney on March 21. Check the promoter and individual venues for tickets and any changes.

Source checked October 7, 2026

DLÙ join the Blue Mountains Music Festival lineup

Happy Mag reports on October 7 that Glasgow five-piece DLÙ will bring Scottish Gaelic vocals, fiddle, accordion, disco and electronic production to Blue Mountains Music Festival in Katoomba. The festival's own news page confirms its 30th edition runs March 12-14, 2027. Happy Mag names DLÙ alongside the Milk Carton Kids, Kate Rusby, Luka Bloom and The Maes, and says a third artist announcement is set for October 22.

Source checked October 5, 2026

Welsh veterans and families share their stories on A Space in the Woods

A new album of 18 original songs brings together the experiences of veterans, their families and community members across Wales. Welsh arts charity Re-Live produced it through songwriting groups working with professional songwriters and musicians over two years. A Space in the Woods will be introduced at a listening event at Llanover Hall in Cardiff on October 14, 6pm to 7.30pm, with a playback of all 18 songs and a conversation with some of the people who made them. Tickets are listed at £10, £7 concessions and £5 for the Armed Forces community.

Source checked October 5, 2026

Bróna McVittie’s Supernatural turns fairy folklore into song

Bróna McVittie’s album Supernatural pairs harp, voice and electronics with stories from her illustrated folklore anthology A Way with the Fairies. It is due October 16, with a launch at Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre that evening, listed from 7.30pm to 11pm. The ten tracks include The Stolen Child, The Fairy Boy and The Wooing of Étaín, with contributions from Jausmė, Bandura Girl and Antonia Jiménez. Her artist page credits her as producer, with mixing by Thomas Gandey. Digital and limited-edition vinyl preorders are on her Bandcamp page.

Source checked October 5, 2026

Dingle Film Festival previews November screenings and filmmaker talks

Dingle Film Festival is preparing a November 13-15 weekend of films, conversations and workshops, according to an October 4 programme preview in the Irish Independent. The newspaper reports a screening of Everybody Digs Bill Evans at An Díseart followed by a Q&A with screenwriter Mark O’Halloran, a conversation with Kerry actor Timothy V. Murphy, and a scriptwriting workshop with Fiona Doyle on November 13 at the Dingle Skellig Hotel. The festival’s own site confirms its IFTA-qualifying status, but some submission details there still refer to earlier dates, so check the current programme before planning travel.

Source checked October 5, 2026

Derry Halloween 2026: how to book the free City Walls trail

The official Derry Halloween website now directs visitors to Millennium Forum for free City Walls tickets for October 28-30. A waiting-room queue was in place when checked on October 5 at 1.19pm Derry time; time-slot availability could not be confirmed. The rest of the trail does not require a ticket.

Source checked October 5, 2026

South Australian Celtic club plans a Samhain céilí for October 17

The Celtic Music Club of South Australia is marking Samhain early with a Halloween-themed céilí on October 17. In its October 3 announcement, the club says the CMC Céilí Band will play live with dances called by experienced leaders, no dancing experience needed, with prizes for the best scary costumes. Doors open at 7pm, with the band playing from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Entry is listed at A$10 for adults, free under 18. The announcement’s readable text gives no venue address, so check with the club for the venue before setting out.

Source checked September 27, 2026

The Mary Wallopers’ Paddywhackery enters Irish chart at No. 4

The Dundalk band’s third album, Paddywhackery, debuted at No. 4 on the Irish albums chart, according to Hot Press. The outlet also reports a 3Arena Dublin show on December 10 and a European tour beginning in January 2027.

Source checked September 27, 2026

Ennis Trad Fest sets a five-day meeting of old and new voices

Ennis Trad Fest returns November 5-9. Festival chair David Stone, speaking to the Clare Herald, outlined concerts by Peter Street, Scottish group Cala, Buttons & Bows, the Máirtín O’Connor Band and the Karan Casey Trio. He also described a programme with musicians from across Europe and more than 100 sessions around town. The official festival site confirms the dates; the lineup details here come from the chair’s reported account, not a complete official programme.

Source checked September 27, 2026

Dingle Film Festival names first films for November

The Dingle Film Festival’s first 2026 programme announcement names Everybody Digs Bill Evans as its opening film, with a Q&A with screenwriter Mark O’Halloran. The November 13-15 edition also lists Irish and Irish-language work, including Trad, and a bilingual panel on Irish-language filmmaking; more films are still to come. These details are reported by the Irish Film & Television Network.

Source checked September 27, 2026

New Irish-language festival announced for Donegal

Ar Scáth a Chéile is planned for January 29-31, 2027 in Dungloe, with music, language events and sessions across four Rosses venues. Arcade Dungloe creative director Gary McGarvey says its first edition will bring traditional, contemporary and experimental music together; more artists are still to be announced. The linked festival domain currently leads to Instagram rather than a detailed standalone site.

Source checked September 27, 2026

CelticFest Warwick sets its 2027 return

CelticFest Warwick is returning to Queensland after a year off in 2026. Its official site gives October 1-3, 2027; an organizer-supplied local announcement says the main Warwick Showgrounds festival runs October 2-3, with separately hosted CelticFringe events beginning October 1. More programme details are due in the coming months.

Source checked September 26, 2026

Celtic Media Festival heads to A Coruña in 2027

The 48th Celtic Media Festival is set for June 1-3, 2027 at Palexco in A Coruña, Galicia. The festival has confirmed the host city and venue on its official site.

Source checked September 26, 2026

Galway Film Fleadh opens 2027 film submissions

Feature and short film submissions for the 2027 Galway Film Fleadh are open. The early-bird deadline is December 7, 2026 for features; shorts have a separate January 25, 2027 early-bird deadline.

Source checked September 26, 2026

Scotfest Oklahoma closes after 46 years

Scotfest Oklahoma says its 2026 festival was its last after 46 years of Scottish music, athletics and community in Broken Arrow. In its farewell, the volunteer-run organization describes rising production and insurance costs, the theft of equipment built up over years, and the strain of paying for a festival before late ticket sales arrive. It also names the hours carried by a small group of volunteers. It is a hard ending for a gathering that brought generations through its gates, and a candid account of what it takes to keep a community festival alive.

Source checked September 26, 2026

Festival celtique de Québec pauses for 2026

The festival is taking a transition year in 2026 and plans to return for its 21st edition in September 2027. Organizers say they are using the pause to strengthen the event and plan a fundraising activity; exact 2027 dates have not been announced.