Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2026

What to Expect

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy - known simply as “Willie Week” - is the world’s largest traditional music summer school, held in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare since 1973 in memory of the uilleann piper Willie Clancy. The 2026 edition runs Saturday 4 July to Sunday 12 July. Nearly 1,000 students from around the world attend daily classes in uilleann pipes, fiddle, flute, concertina, accordion, banjo, harp, tin whistle, song and set dancing. The official opening on Saturday 4 July features a Breandan Breathnach Memorial Lecture by Harry Bradshaw (TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award Winner) on the history of Irish radio and traditional music. The week includes concerts, recitals, ceilithe and informal pub sessions throughout the town. The programme spans all instruments, ages and standards.

Good to Know

• Dates: Saturday 4 July to Sunday 12 July 2026
• Weekly registration fee: EUR 140 (includes six classes, all lectures and recitals except the Saturday concert, and reduced admission to ceilithe)
• Registration opens Saturday 3 July 2 pm to 6 pm at the Community Hall, Miltown Malbay, and also Monday morning at 9.30 am at various venues
• Online registration also available via the official website
• Many pub sessions and outdoor events are free to all

Getting There

Miltown Malbay is on the N67 coast road, approximately 40 km west of Ennis. Bus Eireann route 337 (Ennis - Kilkee via Miltown Malbay) serves the town. Parking is available in the town centre; the village is compact and walkable for most venues.