Renowned traditional artists confirmed for Mayo summer school

Scoil Acla is proud to announce the appointment of the acclaimed Mulcahy family as Artists in Residence for Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla 2026, taking place on Achill Island this summer.

Hailing from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, Mick Mulcahy and his daughters Louise Mulcahy and Michelle Mulcahy are recognised as one of Ireland’s leading traditional music families, celebrated for their depth of knowledge, distinctive style and commitment to the tradition.Their 2016 release The Reel Note was awarded Irish Traditional Album of the Year by TradConnect, while the trio also received major recognition at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards — widely regarded as the highest honours in Irish traditional music. Across their careers, they have recorded extensively both as a family and individually, with previous releases achieving international acclaim.

At the heart of the Mulcahy family’s music is a rare combination of versatility and musical sensitivity. Between them, they perform across a wide range of instruments including accordion, concertina, flute, fiddle, harp and uilleann pipes. Their ensemble playing, rooted in the traditions of Sliabh Luachra, Clare and East Galway, is widely admired for its balance, warmth and authenticity.

Mick O'Connor previously described their music as marked by “discernment, taste and respect for the continuity of the tradition”, highlighting their role in carrying Irish traditional music forward for new generations.

Louise Mulcahy, speaking on behalf of the Mulcahy family, said: "It is a tremendous honour for our family to be invited to serve as Artists in Residence at Scoil Acla 2026. “Scoil Acla has played such an important role in nurturing traditional music and creating opportunities for musicians of all ages to learn, share and be inspired. We are very much looking forward to spending the week in Achill, meeting the students, tutors and wider community and contributing to the unique musical atmosphere that has made Scoil Acla so special for generations."

Their appointment as Artists in Residence reflects Scoil Acla’s continued commitment to excellence in traditional Irish music, and to connecting students with leading exponents of the artform. Throughout the week, the Mulcahy family will visit classes, workshops and performances, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn directly from musicians deeply immersed in the living tradition.

Chairperson of Scoil Acla, Sarah Calvey, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Mulcahy family to Achill for 2026. Their reputation as performers, educators and custodians of the tradition speaks for itself. This residency will be a hugely valuable experience for our students and a real highlight of the summer school."

Running from July 26 to August 1, Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla continues to attract musicians of all ages and abilities to Achill Island for a week of high-quality tuition, concerts, sessions and cultural exchange.

Bookings for Scoil Acla 2026 have been open since March, with the majority of courses now fully subscribed, however, a waiting list is now in operation here.