Monaghan has a long-standing tradition when it comes to music, and not just traditional Irish music. Castleblayney is known as ‘the Nashville’ of Ireland, on account of the town being an epicentre for Irish country music during the showband era, from the 1950’s to 1980’s. The Castleblayney Music Wall of Fame charts the rise of local stars including the legendary Big Tom and Paddy Cole. 

Read more on Castleblayney’s musical heritage here: Castleblayney Musical Heritage Attractions. The Big Tom Weekend and Back to Castleblayney Festivals, traditionally held in September, are not to be missed!

Féile Oriel, or the Fiddler of Oriel Festival, held in Monaghan Town the first weekend of May, is a celebration of the fiddle, with a contest to crown the ‘Fiddler of Oriel’. The session trail is held in various venues throughout town, and this year, sees the introduction of a busking competition.

The Monaghan Town Country Music Festival, July, and Harvest Time Blues Festival, September, are two further Monaghan music festivals not to be missed, attracting a high calibre of musicians from around the world. 

Tradoodle, October, is unique in being Ireland’s only traditional music and creative arts festival for children, and provides a super introduction to music through various interactive workshops and performances by up-and-coming young musicians.