Lillis Ó Laoire : History and Folklore of Traditonal Songs

Professor Lillis Ó Laoire, performs a set of traditional songs and shares the history and folklore behind them.

Collective Knowledges Galway Arts Centre’s Public Engagement Programme, presents this unique event by  Professor in Irish, University of Galway, Lillis Ó Laoire, who performs a set of traditional Irish songs and shares the history and folklore behind them.

Lillis Ó Laoire is an award-winning sean-nós singer from Gort A’ Choirce in County Donegal, who combines performance and academic practice. His performance will present both údar or brí an amhráin, and the songs themselves. Some of these songs are lighthearted and rhythmic while others plumb the depths of the human soul. The performance will deal with the stories and background of the songs prior to singing them. Topics will include unrequited love, a staple of sean-nós song and other more historical material.

This event is presented in association with Array Collective’s Turner Prize winning The Druthaib’s Ball,  installed in Galway Arts Centre/ Nuns Island Theatre  throughout August and September, and is part of a a weekly series of events with social justice groups, artists, academics, and musicians taking place inside the síbín of The Druthaib’s Ball with talks, workshops, traditional music sessions, dance, storytelling and song.

Galway Arts Centre’s Public Engagement Programme is supported by Creative Ireland and University of Galway.