MUSIC

The culture and traditions of the Kerry Geopark region have been shaped by the relationship of the local communities with the landscape. This is reflected in the words and music of such locally renowned composers as Tomás Rua O' Suilleabháin, Sigerson Clifford, Donncha Mac Cárthaigh na Leamhna, Roderic O'Dálaigh, Dan Courtney, Seán 'Hard' Curran, Thade Bowler, Stephen Roche, Tim Dennehy and Johnny Murphy.

As with the Irish language, the musical traditions of the South Kerry region have been in decline since the mid-1950s. However, through the works of a number of local performers and the guidance of Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Ráthaigh much has been done to preserve such traditions through the organisation of musical and cultural festivals (Please see our Events Calendar in this regard).