Following the success and warm reception of its 2024 edition, The Seán Corcoran Series returns to the heart of Drogheda from 5–7 September 2025 with an expanded programme celebrating tradition, experimentation, and place. This year’s events span music, dance, literature, architecture, ecology, and craft – offering audiences an immersive, cross-disciplinary cultural experience.
From sean-nós to drone, Palestinian embroidery to bog mapping, biodiversity to zines, the Series continues to honour the spirit of its namesake through bold curation and local-rootedness.
Artistic Director and Curator, Rósa Corcoran, said: “This year’s festival has been a true labour of love, with so much care and collaboration going into every detail. Bringing together a line-up of this calibre is an absolute privilege, and there’s a real sense that 2025 is going to be something truly special.”
Oíche Airneáil: Night Visiting – A headline concert in St Augustine’s Church (Sat 6 Sept) featuring RÓIS, John Banville, Macdara Yeates, Ultan O’Brien, Edwina Guckian and more.
Border Song House – An extraordinary afternoon bringing together The Night Before Larry Got Stretched collective (Dublin) and The Nightingale Singing Session (Belfast).
Requiem for a Wicklow Boy – A moving tribute to the late Ted Hickey on the 20th anniversary of his passing, with contributions from Nóra Hickey M’Sichili, Catherine Heaney, Nicholas Carolan, Cathal Goan, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill and more.
A poetry double-bill hosted by Belinda McKeon, featuring Rafael Mendes and Susan Connolly.
The return of the popular Arts + Heritage Day, with expanded stalls, food, music, hands-on activities, talks and tours, including the rare opening of St Laurence’s Gate to the public.
The Mummers Ball – The festival’s exuberant finale céilí, led by celebrated dancer Edwina Guckian and the Stray Sod Céilí Band (Ultan O’Brien, Sárán Mulligan, Libby McCrohan and Seamas Hyland). For one day only, the Old Methodist Church transforms into a whirl of music, dance, and disguise. Attendees can don mummers’ hats and costumes provided on arrival, then dance with abandon in true mumming spirit. No experience needed; all ages welcome.
A new initiative for 2025, BAILE (Irish for home or town), welcomes musician-in-residence RÓIS, piper-in-residence Muireann Ní Shé, and singer-in-residence Macdara Yeates, who will engage with local groups, schools, and artists for the week leading up to the festival weekend.
Each artist will produce a pamphlet in collaboration with Rita Hynes of Cailleach Books, available for purchase later in the year.
Tea & Drones with Niall Gregory – electro-acoustic textures will carry you on a sonic journey, accompanied by complimentary tea and scones to open the festival.
Stitching Solidarity & Resistance – a Tatreez embroidery workshop with Wafa’a Mustafa Zeniah and Wren and Mabel.
First Blast – the opening session at Barney Mac’s with Maitiú Ó Casaide, Libby McCrohan, and guests.
Morning salon with Cailleach Books – an open invitation to discuss what you’re reading, writing or publishing.
Lunch Poems – poetry and conversation with Rafael Mendes and Susan Connolly, hosted by Belinda McKeon.
Requiem for a Wicklow Boy – a tribute to Ted Hickey, with music, readings, and reflections.
Border Song House – traditional singing collective sessions in full voice.
Oíche Airneáil (8pm) – headline concert in St Augustine’s Church, with RÓIS, Edwina Guckian, Ultan O’Brien, John Banville, Sárán Mulligan, Muireann Nic Róibín, Macdara Yeates, and Aisling Rafferty, hosted by Dónal Fallon.
Weeds on Walls – guided walk with botanist Dr Fiona Mac Gowan on ancient plants and urban biodiversity.
Flora and Fauna and Fungi. Oh My! – children’s music workshop with Jessie Grimes, culminating in a performance at the Mummers Ball.
St Laurence’s Gate Tours – history and views with Brendan Matthews.
The Walls are Awake – a new audio work by Helen Flanagan exploring medieval Drogheda.
Try the Pipes – hosted by Na Píobairí Uilleann on the Highlanes Gallery terrace.
Pop-up biodiversity talks, hourly bell ringing, and stalls from Irish Traditional Music Archive, Louth and Meath Archaeological and Historical Societies, and more.
The Megaphone Project – curated by Macdara Yeates, reviving the spirit of market street singing.
We Are the ARK – a keynote talk with Mary Reynolds on ecological restoration.
In Conversation – Dónal Fallon with architect Gráinne Shaffrey reflecting on her parents Patrick and Maura Shaffrey’s architectural legacy and urban survival.
Fiddle Music from An Lúgh – with Róisín Ward Morrow and Noreen McManus.
The Mummers Ball – the festival’s joyful finale céilí led by Edwina Guckian and the Stray Sod Céilí Band.
With a programme that is both grounded and experimental, intimate and expansive, the Seán Corcoran Series continues to evolve as one of Ireland’s most distinctive cultural gatherings.
There really is something to suit all interests, tastes and budget: Events are priced individually.
Tickets are now on sale at: seancorcoranseries.com
