The International Pan Celtic Festival returns to Carlow this year

The Irish Pan Celtic committee is seeking Irish traditional artists to represent Ireland during The International Pan Celtic Festival which will be held in Carlow Town from 11-16 April 2023. A wide range of competitions have been announced including fiddle, harp, duet, choral and dance. 

The winners of Corn Uí Riada, Sean-Nós na mBan & Sean-Nós na bhFear from the Oireachtas na Samhna 2022 festival will participate on behalf of Ireland in the traditional singing competition. The Irish song for the International Pan Celtic Song Contest will be chosen at an event in the GB Shaw Theatre, Carlow, on Saturday, 28 January 2023 at 8.00 p.m.

“The Pan Celtic competitions give a great insight into the culture of the other Celtic Nations, as well as providing a new creative platform for Irish traditional performing artists”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of the International Pan Celtic Council. “Irish artists have performed well in the competitions over the years, particularly in the singing competitions.  This year we would like to see similar success in the dancing, instrumental and choral competitions and promote the wonderful rich heritage and culture of Ireland amongst our Celtic friends,” she said.

The festival programme will provide an array of events for musicians, singers, composers, dancers, choirs, poets and storytellers, as well as the various inter-celtic competitions.