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The 19th Gathering Traditional Festival returns bigger and better than ever. With concerts, céilís and more sessions than ever there will be music around every corner of the Gleneagle Hotel on February 21-25.

This five-day festival attracts trad fans from the US, Britain, France, Germany and all over Ireland. Previous highlights of the festival have included performances by legends of Irish traditional music like Danú, Mike McGoldrick and Téada.

The céilís are a festival favourite and they return to The Gleneagle Hotel Ballroom featuring Uí Bhriain, Neily O’Connor, Striolán Céilí Band, Shanadrum Céilí Band and the Johnny Reidy Céilí Band.

One of this year’s highlights will be two of Scotland’s most acclaimed traditional musicians Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham who headline the Saturday night concert. Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music and have been described as "probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear”. With their musical magic and quick-witted humour they will pull your emotional strings one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter the next. With their incomparable mastery of fiddle and accordion they have been delighting audiences across Scotland and the world. Joining them on stage Saturday night will be Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd.

Thursday night kicks off with Four Star Trio: Con O’Drisceoil, Pat Herring, Johnny McCarthy & special guest Paddy Jones. On Friday there will be a trio of trios featuring Raw Bar Affair with Sean O’Sé, Des Dillons Dance Puppets and Buttons & Bows, Saturday Afternoon Concert with Back West, Claire & Sinead Egan, Eoin O’Neill, Pauric McDhonnacha; Sunday Afternoon with Socks in the Frying Pan, Jack Talty and John Blake and the Sunday Scattering Concert with the Karen Casey Band and Seán Kelliher, Dean Griffin, Aileen Bourke & Ciara O’ Shea & Seamus Begley, Méabh Begley and Donagh Hennessey.

For those who love a late-night session, this year’s programme of events is jam packed. Highlights include the Festival Club House Band: Seán Murphy, Tim O’Shea, Dermot Byrne, Eileen O’Brien, Orlaith & Brogan McAuliffe, The Rising, Ciara O’Shea, Aileen Bourke & Lily Sweeney, Tim Hickey and many more.

Budding musicians or even those looking to enhance their skills can partake in the schedule of Gathering workshops and masterclasses including fiddle, accordion, concertina, flute, set dancing, sean nós and singers masterclass. The Schools Outreach Programme will once again visit schools in the lead up to the festival, showcasing the Sliabh Luachra tradition of music and set dancing.

Festival passes cost just €55 and include entry to all concerts and céilís. Tickets to individual concerts and céilís are also available and range from €10 to €25. For more information visit thegathering.ie.