Duiske Concerts - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny

In 1990 the parish priest of Graignamanagh, the late Monsignor Sean Swayne, announced that the town would host an annual concert season that would bring the finest musicians that money or prayer could provide to the magnificent setting of 13th century Duiske Abbey. He had no money, not even a piano; but since then Duiske has staged over a hundred and thirty classical and traditional concerts featuring maestro musicians from all over the world - from Moscow to Mullingar, Toronto to Termonfeckin, Belfast to Berlin. The musicians come because they love to play in Duiske, and the audiences come because they love to be there, sitting where the monks once sat, but in considerably greater comfort, listening to The Chieftains or Ronan Tynan or Finghin Collins or the Vienna Boys Choir. The season has also an enviable reputation among both performers and audiences for the warmth and informal atmosphere of the concerts.

The Season consists of four weekly concerts, three classical, one traditional - each November. It is funded by the Arts Council, Kilkenny County Council, commercial sponsors, ticket sales and an ongoing Patrons scheme. Tickets cost €18 (€12 unwaged). For €110 Patrons get two season tickets, priority seating and free entry to our Patron's concert in June.