Legendary Buncrana musician hosts fiddle workshop as part of weekend music festival

Inishowen will be alive with the sounds of traditional music this weekend as the highly anticipated Féile na hInse 2026 festival gets underway, from April 24-26.

Among the weekend’s premier highlights is a specialised fiddle workshop led by the virtuoso fiddler Ciaran Tourish, scheduled for Saturday, 25th April, at Crana College, Buncrana.

A native of Buncrana himself, Tourish is widely regarded as one of Inishowen’s most prestigious musical exports. While his musical journey began on the tin whistle, he eventually found his true calling on the fiddle under the mentorship of legendary local music teacher Dinny McLaughlin.

This foundation launched a career defined by an extraordinary mastery of dance music traditions, paired with a sophisticated ear for harmony and counterpoint.

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Tourish’s versatility has made him a coveted collaborator far beyond his work with the iconic group Altan. He has performed alongside a litany of folk and traditional greats, including Paul Brady, Mary Black, and Matt Molloy, while also crossing into American roots music with artists like Jerry Douglas and Alison Krauss.

His 2005 solo debut, Down the Line, remains a benchmark for contemporary traditional recording.

The workshop, which runs from 10am-12pm this Saturday morning, is tailored for intermediate to advanced players of all ages, offering a rare chance to learn from a modern master in an intimate setting.

Supported by the Arts Council and local development partners, the Féile na hInse festival continues to cement Inishowen’s reputation as a vital hub for Irish culture.

Tickets and further details are available via the Inishowen Traditional Music Project website: www.inishowenmusic.ie