Leading Breton folk musicians are coming to Longford this month

Leading Breton folk and traditional musicians ‘Ampouailh’ will play a special concert in Ballinamuck, County Longford on Saturday, May 17 as part of their Irish tour.

This popup concert is free of charge and features a blend of traditional and folk music from Brittany, France, and Ireland. This concert is supported by Longford County Council and is a celebration of French – Longford connections. The Ballinamuck concert is also significant given the French 1978 rebellion connection.

‘Ampouailh’ have won acclaim for blending modern sounds and textures with a traditional music, grounded in the rich cultural traditions and history of Brittany. The quintet - Simon Lotout (Bombardes), Yuna Léon (violin), Rémi Bouguennec (flute), Heikki Bourgault (guitar), Gwylan Meneghin (bass) - play The 98 Hall on Saturday, May 17 at 8pm. ‘Ampouailh’ is a band for both dancers and traditional music connoisseurs to enjoy equally. Doors will open at 7.15pm.

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The County Longford concert will be the second date of Ampouailh’s Iwerzhon Tour (Iwerzhon is Breton for Ireland).
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “This promises to be an evening of great entertainment and Longford County Council is proud to support this event which celebrates and strengthens the cultural ties between Longford and France.”

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said, “Music offers a universal connection for people and this concert is testament to the fact that the Celtic connections between France and Ireland are still very much alive and to be celebrated.”

This promises to be a night of cross-cultural connections between two Celtic nations. The ‘Ampouailh’ concert in The 98 Hall, Ballinamuck on Saturday, May 17 is one no traditional music fan will want to miss`, free of charge.