Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy

Frankie Kennedy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The 19th Annual Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy happens in the stunning surroundings of the Donegal Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair, and is without question one of the highlights of the traditional Irish music calendar. This year is no exception. There will be classes in various traditional Irish musical instruments, as well as dance, from some of the most respected musicians around. There are events for all the family, including Children’s Art workshops – not to mention a series of concerts from Ireland’s finest artists, including: Altan, Andy Irvine, Séamie O’Dowd, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Steve Cooney, At First Light, and the return of the New Years Hooley Ceol, Craic & Céilí with Breanndán Begley & Steve Cooney & Reel it plus many more.



The School was founded in Gaoth Dobhair in 1994 after the sad passing of Belfast born flute player, Frankie Kennedy, who was a founder member of Altan. The School carries on the contribution to Irish music made by Frankie – encouraging the development of musicians, both young and old, by offering the best tuition available. In addition to this, students at the School will get a feel for the Donegal Gaeltacht and its atmosphere, through many events in the community, sessions and concerts in local venues.

Each year the schools aim is to highlight the significance of the Donegal music tradition. With this in mind, this years programme includes performances from some of Donegals finest musicians and singers including: Bríd Harper, Dermot Byrne, Paula Houton, Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde and An Chrann Óg.

This years lecture will be given by acclaimed Belfast novelist and musician Ciaran Carson with fiddle player Deirdre Shannon. The afternoon concerts include: Caitlín Nic Gabhann & Caoimhín Ó Fearghaill who received this years TG4’s Young Musician of the Year. Also Mick O’Grady, Jesse Smith & John Blake, who have just released their new album At My Grandmother’s Knee And Other Such Joints.

One of the highlights of this year’s Winter School is Gradam Francie Mooney. Each year the award goes to an established singer–songwriter who has performed or written in the Irish language. We are delighted to announce that this, the third year of the award goes to singer– songwriter, Liam Ó Maonlaí, who with the Hothouse Flowers, as well as a solo artist has brought the Irish language to a worldwide audience. They will also be giving a special award to to Caitlín Uí Dhuibhir and PJ Ó Curráin of An Crann Óg, for their endless commitment in nurturing a thriving musical talent amongst the younger community in Gaoth Dobhair. As part of this concert they also celebrate Raidió Na Gaeltachta’s 40th Birthday, as they acknowledge their major contribution in promoting traditional music culture. This will be recognised with performances from a variety of Donegal musicians and singers.
This year’s programme for children will be an Arts and Crafts workshop facilitated by acclaimed Artist, and friend of the Winter School, Édaín O’Donnell.

All events will take place in the Gaoth Dobhair region of Donegal: in Dún Lúiche’s Errigal Hostel and Ionad Cois Locha, Ionad Naomh Pádraig in Dobhar and Teach Hiúdaí Beag in An Bun Beag. Classes will cover flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhrán, button accordion, Donegal traditional two–hand dancing, concertina & guitar.


December 27th, 2012 – January 1st, 2013
Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal
www.frankiekennedy.com