Summer School Workshops 2026
Billy Breen Summer School
Join us for these local workshops as part of the Billy Breen Summer School 2026
On June 20th we will host a series of workshops in Blanchardstown Village.
Agenda:
10.00am: Check-in
10.30am Morning Workshops Begin
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Afternoon Workshops Begin
3.30pm Tutor's Recital
4.00pm Close
Morning Workshops: 10.30am
Sean Nós Dancing
with Úna Ní Fhlathartha
Traditional sean nós dancing workshop suitable for all levels of dancing experience.
Age 8+
The Tunes of Kilfenora
with Ada Kenny
The region particularly focuses on tunes "you play to be danced to".
This Traditional Music Workshop is suitable for intermediate or advanced musicians of all ages.
Airs of the 21st Century
with Cathal Ó hEachtighearna
Covering beautiful newly composed airs in the tradition, this workshop focuses on slower melodic tunes. Suitable for all instruments and for intermediate or advanced musicians of all ages.
Mini Music Makers
with Grace Corrigan
10.30am to 11.30am
An engaging introductory trad music workshop for 4 and 5 year olds.
Fiddle Workshop
with Ciannait Lawlor
For young improver fiddle players to further develop confidence and technique in a fun setting.
Afternoon Workshops: 1.30pm
Bodhrán Workshop
with Leah Tretlinger
For all improver bodhrán players looking to develop their rhythm, playing technique and confidence.
Composing New Tunes
with Cathal Ó hEachtighearna
Aimed at those who already play different tune types (reels/jigs etc), this workshop will focus on composing your own traditional tunes.
The Tunes of Charlie Lennon
with Colm Hanley
Play traditional tunes composed by the great fiddle and piano player Charlie Lennon in this workshop for intermediate and advanced musicians of all ages.
Tunes Workshop for Primary School Musicians
with Grace Corrigan
This is a multi-instrument workshop for young improver musicians to increase their repertoire and to have the opportunity to play as part of a multi instrument group.
Summer School Workshops
Meet the tutors
We are delighted to welcome these tutors to the Billy Breen Summer School Workshops 2026.
Úna Ní Fhlatharta
Sean Nós Dancing Workshop
Úna Ní Fhlatharta is an acclaimed Sean-Nós dancer and a proud member of the Beartla Uí Fhlatharta branch of Comhaltas. An All-Ireland Senior Sean-Nós Dancing Champion at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, she has also achieved success at the Oireachtas and the Pan Celtic Inter-Celtic Dance Competitions.
Her expertise and deep knowledge of the tradition led to her role as a judge on TG4's An Ríl Deal.
Úna has performed, competed and taught sean-nós and set dancing throughout Ireland and beyond. This sean nós dancing workshop is a special opportunity to enjoy learning a few new steps.
Cathal Ó hEachtighearna
Airs of the 21st Century Workshop
Composing New Tunes Workshop
As an experienced composer of new tunes in the traditional style, this tune composition workshop is a wonderful opportunity for musicians of all ages to learn that craft of tune writing from this accomplished and inspiring young traditional player.
Ada Kenny
Concertina
The Tunes of Kilfenora Workshop
Ada Kenny is a concertina player from Kilfenora, and is steeped in one of the most distinctive and celebrated traditions in Irish music.
From a young age Ada has been part of the unique musical heritage of her home place, performing and competing with Kilfenora youth céilí bands.
Her musical upbringing in her native Clare makes her the ideal teacher for this special workshop.
Grace Corrigan
Polka Tots, Music Makers, Junior Tunes Workshops
Grace Corrigan is a flute player and dedicated music teacher who brings joy and creativity to her work with the very youngest music lovers. Grace brings warmth, experience and a wonderful ability to make traditional music accessible and fun for the youngest members of our community.
Grace Corrigan will also lead the afternoon workshop for young musicians.
In previous years, Grace has previously delivered a number of workshop sessions including a workshop on the Tunes of Sligo and an Under-12 Tunes Workshop. Grace Corrigan is a regular traditional music teacher with Slí Dhála CCÉ, where she teaches flute, whistle and group classes to all ages and all levels. Grace also teaches in Lucan CCÉ and Leixlip CCÉ, bringing the same warmth and enthusiasm to every class.
Ciannait Lawlor
Fiddle Workshop
Ciannait Lawlor is widely regarded as a rising star of Irish traditional music. A member of Ceoltoirí Óga Laighean and a winner of many Fleadh medals, this year Ciannait’s other performances included performing with the band Neart and qualifying for the prestigious Siansa finals at the National Concert hall.
More recently Ciannait was a member of the band “The Dubs and Leo” which claimed top honours at the Battle of the Bands at Portlaoise Tradfest. Passionate about passing on the tradition, Ciannait is now bringing her skill, energy, and enthusiasm to this special fiddle workshop — a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to learn from one of the most exciting players of her generation.
Colm Hanley
Fiddle
The Tunes of Charlie Lennon Workshop
Colm teaches fiddle, groups and bands at Slí Dhála and is dedicated to passing on Ireland’s rich tradition. Colm’s tunes of Ed Reavy workshop was a great success last year. This year’s workshop will introduce some of Colm’s favourite tunes composed by Charlie Lennon.
Leah Tretlinger
Bodhrán
Bodhrán Workshop
Leah Tretlinger is a talented bodhrán player and a member of Portmarnock CCÉ. The current Dublin Fleadh Over-18 Bodhrán Champion, Leah is a former member of Ceoltóirí Óga Laighean and has already demonstrated a natural flair for teaching, having delivered a highly successful bodhrán workshop for Dublin Comhaltas at Coláiste Cois Life earlier this year.
Skilled, enthusiastic and encouraging, Leah brings a wealth of energy and musicianship to her teaching.
This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for improvers and intermediate players to develop their technique and build confidence in their playing.