South Sligo Summer School (Scoil Samhraidh Shligigh Theas) is a long-running cultural festival and educational programme dedicated to traditional Irish arts, held each year in Tubbercurry, County Sligo.
At its heart, it is a week-long summer school focused on traditional Irish music, song, and dance, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels.
Founded in 1987, the school was established to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of South Sligo, particularly its distinctive traditional style.
Across the week, the programme offers a lively mix of learning and performance, including:
Instrumental classes (fiddle, flute, whistle, accordion, banjo, guitar, bodhrán, pipes)
Singing and lilting workshops
Set dancing and sean-nós dance classes
Talks, recitals, and masterclasses
Evening céilithe, concerts, and informal music sessions
A key feature of the school is its strong emphasis on the Sligo style of traditional music, while also embracing broader Irish traditions and contemporary influences.
Beyond formal classes, the event is known for its community atmosphere, where learners, tutors, and performers come together to share music in a social and immersive setting.
In short, the South Sligo Summer School is both an educational experience and a cultural celebration, playing an important role in keeping Irish traditional arts alive and evolving.
