With the power to travel across borders, carrying stories, knowledge and traditions to new generations, music has always played a fundamental role in nomadic cultures around the world. Don’t miss this incredible line-up of musical custodians, carrying the songs and sounds from their nomadic roots.

Tickets €15/10

Francis Ward 

Francis Ward is a talented young singer and guitarist from the local Traveller community. He has played a significant role in the Galway youth music scene through his involvement with Foróige, the GCC Music Centre in Galway Community College and Music Generation Galway City. Earlier this year, Francis also won the Music Award at the National Traveller Pride Awards alongside fellow musician PJ Mongan.

Rosie McCarthy

Rising star Rosie McCarthy is a young Traveller singer from West Cork. She has sung alongside the likes of Thomas McCarthy, Trish Riley, Willzee and the Keenan sisters, and will soon support Iarla Ó Lionáird at the Cork Folk Festival. She has also featured in several films, including the recent RTÉ documentary Songlines. 

Janos Lang + Marius Otves

Experience the vibrant spirit of Roma music with fiddle players Janos Lang and Marius Otves. Together, they offer a dynamic showcase of the rich fiddle styles from Hungary, Romania, and Transylvania, taking you on a captivating journey into the heart of Roma culture.  

Paddy Keenan

As one of the most important custodians of the piping tradition within Traveller culture, we are delighted to welcome Paddy Keenan to the Misleór stage this year. 

Born in Trim, Co. Meath, Paddy Keenan hails from a musical Traveller family with deep uilleann piping roots. He joined The Pavees, and later formed “Seachtar” with Mícheál Ó Dhomhnaill, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and more. This ensemble evolved into The Bothy Band, revolutionising Irish music by blending driving rhythms and traditional tunes. Paddy’s piping virtuosity and fierce playing style defined the band, earning him comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. His flowing, open-fingered technique was influenced by his father’s and grandfather’s style. 

Earlier this year, Paddy and fellow piper Mickey Dunne led a musical pilgrimage entitled the Long Grazing Acre: a two-week journey from Boyle to Donegal by a horse-drawn, barrel-top wagon in a tribute to their Traveller forefathers.