Overview
The 13th Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival was held from the 13th to the 15th – June 2025
The Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival is an international festival based in the picturesque village of Ballydehob, West Cork, featuring Maritime and other Folk music. Song Writing Competition [Maritime] which is sponsored by IMRO
Sea songs, shanties, song writing competition, workshops, craft stalls, music in the pubs and a fundraising concert in Ballydehob Community Hall Side Room.
This year we are pleased to welcome back to the festival for the first time, Evelyn O’Connell, Damien Barber, Brian Peters and also Clementine Lovell Trio along with old favourites such as Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly. The Concert last year was sold out, so early purchase of concert tickets is advised. Ballydehob Community Hall Side Room on the Saturday.
Merfolk returns by popular demand: they’re a folk ensemble who sing magical songs of waterways and the sea. They appear for the first time at the festival; we welcome them at Levis Corner House. Please note that this concert is SOLD OUT! See the website for more details
One of the festival’s highlights is the Maritime Song Competition, a contest celebrating the storytelling tradition in maritime music. This year, the competition boasts €250 in cash prizes, sponsored by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).