Dún Uladh ready to burst into full summer swing

Around Dún Uladh, if you listen carefully, you can hear the faint beat of a bodhran on the breeze: The Summer Seisiúns are back.

Yes, for close to 40 years – excluding those recent ones of which we shall not speak – Comhaltas’ revered traditional music festival has been a shining light on Tyrone’s trad calendar, and this year it is going to be bigger than ever.

Running every Thursday evening from July 14 to August 18, the Summer Seisiúns will bring the finest musicians, singers and dancers from across the province to the Omagh area – or, more specifically, to that hallowed hall beside Killyclogher GAA pitch.

Every week the Seisiún runs, the history of Dún Uladh’s storied stage grows a little bit richer.

This year, the Summer Seisiún house band features some of the most accomplished and well-known players in Ulster.

On vocals will be the Whistlin’ Donkeys’ frontman, Fergal McAloon, and he will be joined by celebrated percussionist, Kieran Leonard, talented pianist, Ronan Warnock, and – to the delight of organisers and bandmates alike – the enchanting Fermanagh fiddler, Maggie Maguire, will also be returning.

Each week, they will be joined by special guests, starting next Thursday with the venerated fiddle player, Bríd Harper, and the wonderful PJ McDonald – a fine guitarist with an honest storyteller’s singing voice.

Speaking with one of Dún Uladh’s passionate staff, they told us that a murmur of tuneful excitement has been building around Dún Uladh for months, and how, on July 14, it is poised to burst into full swing.

“The Summer Seisiún is the authentic show of Irish music, song, story and dance which brings together the most talented musicians from across the province performed on Dún Uladh’s celebrated stage,” they began.

“It is one of the longest running summer shows of its kind. For years, it has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors from overseas and nearer home with a show that captivates its audience and welcomes participation.

“This is an fantastic opportunity for families, friends and visitors from far and wide to come along and delve into the beauty of our unique traditional culture across music, dance and story-telling as well as enjoy our traditional Irish bar at Dún Uladh,” they added.

To be part of this night of culture right on your doorstep, a standard admission ticket will cost £12, under 16s get in for £7 and & a family ticket is only £30. Can’t make it to the live shows? Stream on demand 24 hours after the show, by visiting https://vimeo.com/ondemand/dunuladh. For tickets or more information on acts and the show, you can visit www.dunuladh.ie, contact Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre on 028 8224 2777 or email music@dunuladh.ie.