Paddy Keenan’s The Long Grazing Acre presented in collaboration with Anna Legge and Common Knowledge
The Long Grazing Acre celebrates the incredible story of Irish Travellers' impact on traditional Irish music. This year, Paddy Keenan has invited friends from around Ireland to our unique location in North Clare for a weekend of music, songs, talks, skillsharing, and demonstrations of Traveller camping, bow tent making and tin smithing. The weekend will also include an evening concert and sessions.
The Long Grazing Acre is a touring project that has been bringing the story of Travellers' contribution to traditional Irish music and culture to audiences across Ireland. Previous activities have included a horse-drawn tour following the paths of leading Traveller musical families, alongside concerts, workshops, talks and demonstrations.
This is a not-for-profit event with all funds going directly towards performer fees, workshop costs, and production. Common Knowledge is proud to host the Long Grazing Acre as a co-presenting partner, providing the space and support for the weekend.
Friday 10 July
Paddy Keenan: A Pipers Odyssey The launch of Tommy Fegan's new radio documentary followed by Q&A
Saturday 11 July
Demonstrations and Skillsharing
Traditional Traveller camp set-up and bow tent making with David Joyce, Terry and Mikey McInerney, Tin smithing with Terry McInerney, Uilleann Pipering: The Pavee Way with Tommy Fegan, Wood and paper flower making with David Joyce throughout the day.
Evening concert
Alan Burke, Bianca Rohleder, Blackie O'Connell, Dermot Byrne, Eoghan Neff, Johnny Purcell, Steo Wall, The Barry Family and William Dundon and more
Sunday 12 July
Talks - The Last of the Traveller Pipers, presentation by Tommy Fegan, Seen and Unseen: Representation of Travellers in 19th Century Art with David Joyce, Queen of the Tinkers: The Story of Maggie Barry, hosted by Margaret Barry's grandchildren
Session mór
The programme includes participatory workshops, illustrated talks, and live performance, with something for musicians, music lovers, and anyone with an interest in the living heritage of Traveller culture in Ireland.
Weekend tickets are €65 access, €95 standard and pay it forward (€165).
Evening concert tickets are available separately at €20, €25, and €40. Friday night radio documentary screening tickets are €8.
Free tickets and guest tickets are available on request.
We use a staggered pricing model for our events to reduce financial barriers - if you want to attend but can't afford it please reach out to us at aoife@ourcommonknowledge.org
Presented as part of our Heritage in Action programme, supported by the Heritage Council.
