Ceol Aneas

Anyone in Nelson wanting to upskill on their playing of Irish traditional music can enrol in this short course at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts with Brendyn Montgomery as the tutor!

Introduction to Traditional Irish Dance Music Calling all players of Irish flute, tin whistle, fiddle, tenor guitar, mandolin, and tenor banjo! Join this fun 4-week course and learn a couple of traditional jigs and reels with an experienced teacher in a hands-on group setting.

Were you at Ceol Aneas 2026? We want to hear from you. However you engaged with Ceol, as a student, session-er, dancer, volunteer, local, visitor...it all helps for us to build a picture, and to report back to our funders! Please complete the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_aEl5Uk0Q5z9VkvcVUwnKvRlDE-xmZgdyI5hNhJugCdQhYw/viewform

Céilí time! 🎻 💃 Last week the awesome led an enthusiastic crew for the dances. The céilí is always a welcome addition to the craic over the weekend, and this year was no exception. Shout out to too for their superb sound and lighting. 🕯

Freehouse open today (Monday) 1pm for tunes, drinks & food so come & farewell old friends & new until Ceol Aneas 2027 🎶

PSA: KISMET IS CLOSED. We're diverting folk to the Vic Public House for now, and The Prince Albert and Free House is also going on! Get amongst!

Coming along to the Ceili Dance! tonight? Welcome to our new ceili hall at St Joseph's, 18 Manuka St. Below is a little map that will take you where you need to go on the school grounds. All welcome.

Traditional Irish Music Concert Tour!
A real treat for lovers of traditional Irish Music! Your chance to hear two amazing musicians - Brendan Mulholland and Johnny Murphy - on tour in the North Island of New Zealand after appearing at the Ceol Aneas Irish Music Festival in Nelson. With thanks to Culture Ireland for making it possible!

Tour dates:

New Plymouth - 2nd June event -
Traditional Irish Music Concert Tour w/Brendan Mulholland & Johnny Murphy - New Plymouth

Raglan - 3rd June - event: Traditional Irish Music Concert Tour w/Brendan Mulholland & Johnny Murphy - Raglan

Devonport, Auckland 4th June - event: Traditional Irish Music Concert Tour w/Brendan Mulholland & Johnny Murphy
(See slides for details too )

Brendan Mulholland is one of Ireland’s leading Irish wooden flute players, known internationally for his expressive playing and expert knowledge of the tradition. Originally from County Antrim, Brendan has toured widely across Europe, taught at major festivals, and recorded with some of the most respected musicians in Irish music. He is highly regarded as both a performer and educator, and brings decades of professional experience to his flute teaching.

Johnny Murphy is an accomplished Irish fiddler and master violin maker from Co. Antrim, deeply rooted in a multi-generational tradition of craftsmanship and music. A fourth-generation luthier, Johnny builds violins entirely by hand, combining exceptional technical skill with a finely tuned musical ear developed through years of performance. As a musician, Johnny has toured internationally with renowned Irish dance productions including Lord of the Dance and Rhythm of the Dance, and is widely respected for his energetic, expressive playing. His debut album Tuned In showcases both his dynamic fiddle style and his growing reputation as a composer, featuring a rich mix of traditional tunes and original works. Alongside performing, Johnny is a dedicated teacher, working with a large community of students and passing on the tradition with enthusiasm and care. Johnny brings a deep connection to tradition, craftsmanship, and musicality to his teaching.

TUTOR SPOTLIGHT: Brendan Mulholland
Brendan Mulholland is one of Ireland’s leading Irish wooden flute players, known internationally for his expressive playing and expert knowledge of the tradition. Originally from County Antrim, Brendan has toured widely across Europe, taught at major festivals, and recorded with some of the most respected musicians in Irish music. He is highly regarded as both a performer and educator, and brings decades of professional experience to his flute teaching.
Please note that the Flute class is full, but you can be added to the waitlist by emailing [email protected]