Live music Cruise to set off in Lough Key this month
Passengers on the cruise will enjoy live local music on the water
A new series of live music cruises is set to take to the waters of Lough Key this month, offering passengers an evening of music, local history and sunset views aboard the passenger boat Trinity.
Lough Key Boats has announced the launch of Seisiúin ar an Uisce – Sessions on the Water, with three Saturday evening cruises taking place during August.
Each 90-minute cruise will depart from Lough Key Boats in Boyle at 7pm, with boarding from 6.45pm, and will feature a different musical performance.
Organisers said the cruises are designed to combine live entertainment with the scenery and heritage of Lough Key.
The series opened on Saturday, August 8, with Christina and Niko performing a programme of traditional Irish music, popular songs and sing-alongs.
This week, the focus turns to one of the region’s most celebrated musical figures, Turlough O’Carolan, whose name remains closely linked with the heritage of north-west Ireland.
Although born in County Meath, O’Carolan spent much of his life in the Leitrim and Roscommon area, where he developed his reputation as Ireland’s greatest traditional harper and composer.
His connections with local patrons, landscapes and folklore helped shape some of his best-known works, including Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór, a tune traditionally associated with the fairy hills of Sheebeg and Sheemore in County Leitrim.
Lough Key itself forms part of the cultural landscape that inspired generations of musicians, storytellers and poets.
Once the heartland of the Gaelic McDermott Lords of Moylurg, with their stronghold on Castle Island, the lake and its surrounding woodlands are steeped in local legend and heritage.
It is this combination of landscape, history and musical tradition that provides the backdrop for an evening celebrating O’Carolan’s enduring legacy.
On Saturday, August 15, The O’Carolan Trio will present an evening celebrating the music, heritage and story of the legendary harper Turlough O’Carolan.
The series concludes on Saturday, August 29, when bel canto soprano Evelyne “Eve” Bourton performs a selection of musical theatre and popular classical favourites.
“We are delighted to bring this new concept to Lough Key this summer,” said Catriona Walsh, spokesperson for Lough Key Boats.
“There is something truly magical about listening to live music out on the calm water as the sun sets over the castle. With such limited capacity, every session feels like a private concert.”
Each cruise is limited to 30 passengers, with organisers advising that advance booking is recommended due to the limited capacity.