Where History Meets Harmony

John Spillane
Folk
4th April 2026

An evening with John Spillane unfolds like a story carried on Cork’s restless wind.

Rooted in his native landscape, his songs braid Irish tradition with the pulse of modern life warm, witty and touched with quiet magic.

A two-time Meteor Award winner, his work has been brought to wider audiences through performances by Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon. Still at the height of his creative powers, his latest album, Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough, was named Album of the Year at the RTÉ Folk Awards 2024.

In the intimate surroundings of Mount Carmel, Loughrea, expect a night of song, story and memory to linger long after the final note.

The Whileaways
Contempory Folk
25th april 2026

Prepare to be spellbound by The Whileaways at Mount Carmel.

Formed in Galway in 2012, this remarkable trio blends instinctive, sibling-like harmonies with captivating lyrics and melodies that critics have hailed as “perfected simplicity” (Irish Echo). Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce are each acclaimed artists in their own right, and together they create something truly special – a rich tapestry of voices, emotion and masterful arrangement.

With four celebrated albums (and a fifth on the way), international tours, and RTÉ Folk Award nominations, they have earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest vocal groups.

Renowned for unforgettable live performances, their music is powerful, intimate and deeply moving — it simply demands to be experienced in concert.

Finghin Collins
Classical
30th april 2026

One of Ireland’s most distinguished musicians, Finghin Collins, is coming to Loughrea as part of the MfG Encore series at Mount Carmel Concerts. Internationally acclaimed for his poetic artistry and powerful interpretations, Collins has performed on many of the world’s great stages and with leading orchestras, bringing Irish musicianship to a global audience. Now, through MfG Encores, we are thrilled to bring this world-class artist directly to County Galway audiences.

Our Encore series is about making the most of an artist’s visit – creating a second opportunity for communities to experience exceptional live music on their doorstep. This is a rare and exciting chance to hear one of Ireland’s great pianists in the intimate setting of Loughrea. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music.

Erin Fornoff
Spoken Word
20th may 2026

In We Are an Archipelago, she gathers voices like scattered islands, shaping them into a living map of connection, distance and belonging. Her words move between the intimate and the expansive, inviting listeners to find themselves in the spaces between.

Touring Ireland as part of the Bealtaine Festival, supported by the Arts Council, she comes to Mount Carmel, Loughrea, joined by top-class musicians for a rich, resonant evening of poetry and music. (Add that musicians are Mary Coughlin’s band’s).

An acclaimed poet and performer, her work has been featured in leading literary journals and at international festivals, earning praise for its emotional clarity and electric stage presence.

The Frank & Walters
Irish indie pop
13th june 2026

The Frank and Walters are out on the road for a series of intimate acoustic gigs.

With a back catalogue of hundreds of songs penned over 3 decades the band play all your favourites and some long lost classics in all their acoustic glory.

Paul also shares some of the stories behind the songs and anecdotes from the hippy diddly crazy world of life in one of Irelands most enduring bands.

Expect to hear hits such as ‘After All’ and ‘Fashion crisis hits New York’ coupled with timeless classics like ‘How can I exist’ and ‘Landslide’.

Paul said “It’s been a while since we’d done any acoustic gigs so we’ve dusted off our acoustic guitars and I can’t wait to share the songs and stories with our fans, old and new”

Eleanor Shanley & Mike Hanrahan
Irish Folk Music
24th June 2026

Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan, two leading figures in Irish folk music, release The Ghost of You, a four-track EP to coincide with their Irish summer tour dates in 2026. Blending song, story and tradition, their live shows draw on decades of shared musical experience.

Shanley first rose to prominence with De Dannan before forging an acclaimed solo career, releasing seven studio albums and collaborating with artists including Sharon Shannon, Eddi Reader, John Feely and Ronnie Drew. Her work with Drew produced two celebrated albums, both produced by Hanrahan.

Hanrahan began in Tumbleweed with Maura O’Connell before joining Stockton’s Wing as guitarist and songwriter. A producer, performer, author, broadcaster and Senior Atlantic Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, he remains a vital creative force in Irish music.

The 4 of Us
Rock
11th July 2026

The 4 of Us has been captivating audiences for over three decades with their soulful melodies and compelling lyrics.

With brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy at the helm, The 4 of Us has left an indelible mark on the Irish music scene. Their journey began in the late ’80s, and since then, they’ve evolved into one of Ireland’s most beloved
and enduring musical acts.

Known for their distinctive sound that seamlessly blends rock, folk, and pop influences, The 4 of Us has produced a string of hits that have become anthems for fans across generations.

Brothers Brendan & Declan Murphy will perform the highlights of their award-
winning career, along with new material from their latest, acclaimed album, Crescent Nights. 

This show will be a chance to hear Mary, She Hits Me, Sunlight, Sugar Island
and many more classics.

Niall McCabe
Folk, Soul, Acoustic
24th Sept 2026

Raised on Clare Island off the west coast of Ireland, Niall McCabe is a folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice and intricate fingerstyle guitar blend Irish tradition with contemporary folk.

His songs carry the feel of the wild Atlantic landscape – timeless and natural – while reflecting the depth and isolation of island life.

McCabe’s effortless charm and self-deprecating storytelling connect deeply with audiences, building a growing international fanbase through extensive touring across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and North America.

Alongside his solo work, he lends his voice to Irish trad-fusion band Beoga and has supported major acts including Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance, and Chris Isaak – most recently opening to sold-out crowds at the Eventim Apollo in London.

His 2023 album Rituals received widespread critical acclaim, was named RTÉ Album of the Week, and saw the title track top the RTÉ Radio airplay charts for five consecutive weeks.

Tolu Makay
Pop soul with Jazz & R&B
8th october 2026

Tolü Makay is an Irish–Nigerian singer, songwriter and composer whose rich, soulful voice has become one of the most distinctive sounds in contemporary Irish music.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Ireland, Makay blends gospel, soul, folk and jazz influences to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

She first came to national attention with her powerful interpretation of “N17” with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and has since collaborated with leading artists and ensembles across Ireland.

At Mount Carmel, the chapel’s beautiful natural acoustics will provide the perfect setting for her expressive voice, allowing every note and lyric to resonate with warmth and clarity.

Her performances celebrate identity, community and storytelling, offering audiences an uplifting and memorable musical experience

LJ (Little John Nee)
Musical
TBC

Little John Nee is a Galway-based writer, performer, musician and storyteller whose work has been a distinctive presence on Irish stages for more than four decades.

Born in Glasgow and raised in Donegal, he developed an early love of music and performance before settling in the west of Ireland, where he has created a unique form of musical storytelling theatre.

Blending song, poetry, humour and tall tales, his performances draw on Irish tradition while embracing a spirit of playful invention.

His acclaimed shows, including The Derry Boat and Sparkplug, have toured internationally and earned awards and critical praise.

A member of Aosdána, Nee continues to captivate audiences with performances that are warm, imaginative and gently anarchic.

2025 mount carmel concert series