Kilfenora
Kilfenora is a village of about 250 residents. The village is probably best known for The Kilfenora Céilí Band. The band started in 1909 but it was not until it was reorganised in 1953 that it really took off. Its well known style of rhythmical dance music became world famous and the band toured all over Ireland the UK and USA over the years. It is still going strong today. The band features fiddles, bass, cello, flutes, banjo, concertina and accordion.
Here is a Youtube clip of the band playing:
There is more to Kilfenora, notably the Cathedral which dates from the 12th century. It is well preserved and has some interesting architectural features including a 15th-century doorway, and Gothic sedilia and Romanesque three-light window with carved capitals.
There are a number of high crosses at the site, including one known as “The Doorty Cross”
Kilfenora is located on the edge of The Burren and the village has a “Burren Centre and Tea Rooms”. The surrounding area has castles, forts, ancient tombs and of course the unique landscape, flora and fauna of The Burren.
There is an annual music festival in April but any time you go to Kilfenora you will find some music session or céilí at night.
Many of the scenes of the popular TV show ‘Father Ted’ were shot in and around the village.
